Yuiitsu Shinto

A state policy during the Meiji Restoration that separated Shinto and Buddhism, exemplified by the Haibutsu Kishaku movement. It ended centuries of syncretic tradition, repositioning Shinto as central to state governance. This religious reformation profoundly impacted local temples and folk beliefs, fundamentally transforming Japan's religious structure and institutional organization.

A Shinto purification ritual of immersing oneself in cold water from waterfalls, rivers, or the sea to cleanse body and mind. Practiced since ancient times as a discipline to wash away sins and impurities and achieve spiritual rebirth, it can still be experienced at certain shrines and training centers. Interest is growing as a method of spiritual renewal.

A Shinto ceremony in which a priest uses an oonusa (purification wand) and norito (prayers) to cleanse sins and impurities. Performed at life milestones such as purchasing a new car, building a new home, or starting a business, as well as through regular purification events like the year-end Oharae and the June Nagoshi no Harae.

Objects in which divine spirits reside. Massive rocks wrapped with shimenawa ropes, sacred trees, mirrors, and swords serve as vessels indicating where gods dwell. Shrine sacred objects are also forms of yorishiro, representing Japan's religious imagination that makes invisible gods visible and tangible. This concept frequently appears as a motif in anime and manga.

A sacred rope that delineates the divine realm from the secular world. The massive shimenawa at Izumo Taisha extends 13 meters and weighs 5.2 tons. Made from twisted rice straw with zigzag paper streamers, shimenawa also appears in homes as New Year decorations, serving as one of the most familiar expressions of faith connecting sacred and everyday life in Japan.

Deeply rooted purification concepts in Japanese culture, including salt-scattering, temizu hand-washing, and removing shoes at entrances. Derived from Shinto concepts of impurity, purification pervades life from sumo ring salt ceremonies to morijio purification salt at doorways. This provides the religious and cultural background to Japan's famously cleanliness-conscious national character.

A practice of visiting shrines to worship kami. Involves purification at the water basin, passing through the torii gate, and performing two bows, two claps, and one final bow at the main hall. Practiced at life's key moments including New Year's first visit, coming-of-age, and exam prayers. It represents the integration of Japanese faith with social life.