Shinto was founded in 660BC in Japan, and was the official religion until 1945. Shinto means “the way of the gods” Shinto holds the world as good as apposed to Buddhism holds the world is evil. Japanese frequently hold wedding in Shinto shrines and funerals in Buddhist temples.

Basic beliefs are:

1. Main deity is Amaterasu, she is a sun and fertility goddess and ancestor of the emperor (emperor worship)
2. The Kami – a divine spirit that exists in all living creatures and the rocks and mountains. Its strongest essence is at count Fuji in Japan.
3. No mention of a life after death.

Ancient holy books are:

1. Kojiki – ancient masters (710AD)
2. Nihon Shoki – chronicles of Japan (720AD)