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Shinto

Shinto is a peaceful, ancient Japanese religion. It is based on the belief that gentle Kami, or nature deities, gave birth to the Japanese islands, and continue to sustain them. A pantheistic faith, Shintoism finds manifestations of the gods in the beauty and harmony of nature and in natural phenomena. Without a sacred text or written doctrines, Shinto is essentially a collection of fluid traditional beliefs and practices, in which faith blends with Japanese life and culture. An optimistic religion, many of its rituals involve giving thanks to the Kami and seeking blessings.

Influenced by Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism, followers of the Shinto religion don't view death as the end of existence, but there is no developed theory or belief in reincarnation. However, it is thought that the dead may float between this world and other realms, and that ancestors may be able to watch over and protect their living descendants. Shinto is a faith that celebrates life, and death is viewed with great sadness.