Though they are few in number now, the Ainu of Hokkaido have great appeal to some because of their ancient traditions. Ethnologists believe they are the remnant of Japan’s original Jomon people, and their spiritual heritage reaches far … Read the rest
Green Shinto has featured before the writings of naturalist Kevin Short, who combines his research of Japanese flora and fauna with explorations into folklore. In a recent column for the Japan News, which can be accessed here, … Read the rest
A fascinating post on the Japanese Mythology website, which can be found here, reaches back into Jomon times to posit the existence of a ‘soul tree’ on which magatama beads were hung. How far modern Shinto can be … Read the rest
This is the second part of a report on the international gathering concerning Shinto and the environment jointly sponsored by Jinja Honcho and ARC (Alliance of Religions and Conservation). For Part One, see here.
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One of the … Read the rest
On the eve of a major international conference devoted to Shinto and conservation, it’s pertinent to consider the implications of this breakthrough event and how vital it is to the future of Japan’s indigenous faith.
‘Greenwashing‘ is … Read the rest
Recently I had occasion to re-read David Morley’s Pictures from the Water Trade (1985), one of many books to describe a foreigner’s coming to terms with living in Japan. It won praise at the time of its publication, and even … Read the rest
“Why should the trees be so lovely in Japan? With us, a plum or cherry tree in flower is not an astonishing sight; but here it is a miracle of beauty so bewildering that, however much you may have … Read the rest
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