Final answer:
The Kojiki is a significant Shinto text, contrary to the statement in the question. It comprises myths and history, tracing the imperial lineage to the goddess Amaterasu and is essential to understanding Shintoism and ancient Japanese culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Kojiki, also known as the Records of Ancient Matters, is an important text in the study of Shintoism and Japanese history. Written during the Nara Period, specifically in the year 712, the Kojiki is a compilation of myths, oral traditions, and historical accounts that trace the lineage of the imperial Yamato dynasty back to the goddess Amaterasu. Contrary to the claim in the question, the Kojiki is, in fact, one of the Shinto texts.
While Shintoism indeed encompasses the veneration of ancestors and kami, the divine forces of nature, it does not rely on a single, unified written text like some other religions. Shinto practices are often characterized by their focus on rituals and sensibility rather than on written doctrine. The diverse array of Shinto beliefs and practices can sometimes result in a Shinto priest conducting a wedding, while a Buddhist priest might conduct the funeral rites.