What is Shintoism and how does it influence Japanese culture?

Shintoism is Japan’s indigenous religion, focusing on the worship of kami (spirits) that inhabit natural objects like trees, rocks, and rivers, as well as ancestors.
Shintoism emphasizes harmony with nature, purity, and respect for the environment.
It influences many aspects of Japanese life, including architecture, festivals, and daily rituals, with Shinto shrines being an integral part of Japanese culture.

For more information about Shinto, click here: The History, Spirituality, and Mystique of Shinto