Folk Shintoism : Basic Belief System of Japanese Society

Abstract

The paper studies the belief system and the Japanese society’s identity reflection. This study analyzed data of two different aspects: 1) Folk Shintoism and 2) Bushido. In analyzing the first aspect, it is evident that Flok Shintoism is seen as a basic belief system of Japanese society. This results from the combination of beliefs harmoniously from the three sources such as the belief of Shintoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. Flok Shintoism ignores the concept of the existing of the next world. More importance is given to paying respect to ancestors, being loyal to gods and emperors, having love for nature and simple life, and understanding the real nature of human as being born with goodness. In analyzing the second aspect, findings reveals that Bushido or way of the warriors has received big influence from Folk Shintoism’s thinking system. Therefore, Bushido is seen as a representative and example that reflect the identity of the Japanese society.