WORLD RELIGIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -The holy books of Shinto are the Kojiki or ‘Records of Ancient Matters’ (712 CE) and the Nihon-gi or ‘Chronicles of Japan’ (720 CE).

Detailed explanation-2: -Kojiki, (Japanese: “Records of Ancient Matters”), together with the Nihon shoki (q.v.), the first written record in Japan, part of which is considered a sacred text of the Shintō religion. The Kojiki text was compiled from oral tradition in 712.

Detailed explanation-3: -Nihon shoki, also called Nihon-gi, (Japanese: “Chronicles of Japan”), text that, together with the Kojiki (q.v.), comprises the oldest official history of Japan, covering the period from its mythical origins to ad 697. The Nihon shoki, written in Chinese, reflects the influence of Chinese civilization on Japan.

Detailed explanation-4: -Shinto does not have a founder nor does it have sacred scriptures like the sutras or the Bible. Propaganda and preaching are not common either, because Shinto is deeply rooted in the Japanese people and traditions. “Shinto gods” are called kami.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Kojiki, the most ancient written text in Japan that has reached us, dates back to 712. Those “Records of Ancient Matters” are a collection of myths about the origins of the archipelago islands and kami (the gods). Along with the Nihon Shoki (720), the Kojiki has inspired most of Shinto beliefs and rites.