Final answer:
While the exact number of groups officially recognized by Sect Shinto is not provided, Sect Shinto encompasses various groups within Shintoism, a religion characterized by animism and a belief in kami spirits. The number of officially recognized sects can be determined from current sources like the Japanese government's Agency for Cultural Affairs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question "The number of groups officially recognized by Sect Shinto is__" pertains to the structure and recognition within Shintoism, the traditional religion of Japan. It is important to clarify that Shintoism is a polytheistic religion that practices animism, acknowledging the existence of spirits or kami which reside in nature and certain objects or places.
Sect Shinto refers to the legally separate religious corporations that have been categorized as Shinto sects since the Meiji Period. While the details about the exact number of officially recognized groups are not provided in the resources available, Sect Shinto includes various groups that can differ in practices and teachings. For a time, Sect Shinto did have an established number of officially recognized sects, but any current number would need to be obtained from an up-to-date source such as the Japanese government's Agency for Cultural Affairs or a current scholarly publication.
Despite the lack of a specific number in this response, understanding the diversity and lack of a central canonical text in Shintoism is crucial. It has allowed for variations within the religion, resulting in multiple groups or sects, each with its own beliefs and ritual practices.