Final answer:
Shintoism is the indigenous religion of Japan, revering nature through worship of kami. It coexisted with Buddhism since the Kofun period, shaping the nation's religious foundations. The imperial line claimed descent from the sun goddess Amaterasu, a central figure in Shintoism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Shintoism in Japanese History
Shintoism is the indigenous religion of Japan characterized by the worship of spirits known as kami. These kami reside in various elements of nature, such as trees, rocks, rivers, and mountains, and are revered through rituals performed at shrines. Shinto shrines are often marked by torii gates, signifying the transition from the mundane to the sacred. The introduction of Buddhism to Japan during the Kofun period marked the beginning of a coexistence with Shinto beliefs, shaping the cultural and religious landscape of the nation.
The evolution of Japanese religion saw Buddhism and Shintoism becoming state religions at different points. Notably, Empress Suiko and her nephew and adviser Prince Shotoku officially endorsed Buddhism early in her rule. This did not lead to the displacement of Shintoism; rather, it established a parallel belief system. In the Yayoi period, the formation of a Shinto pantheon was well-established, centrally featuring the sun goddess Amaterasu, from whom the imperial line claimed descent.
Throughout history, multiple religious traditions have echoed the importance of nature, such as animism and certain strands of Buddhism. Therefore, while the term Shinto might not have existed from the very onset of Japanese civilization, the reverence for nature that constitutes a significant aspect of Shintoism has been a fundamental part of Japan's religious fabric since ancient times.