Pop. Culture in Shinto

Being an important aspect of Japanese culture, it makes sense that Shinto would play a huge part in pop culture in Japan. Aspects of Shinto are scattered all across anime and manga, and characters within these programs even make their way onto various items used for worship in Shinto. It is clear that creators all across Japan respect and admire Shinto culture.

Themes of Shinto, such as kami, are often found within anime and manga. For example, the series Dream Saga tells the story of the Earth being destroyed and recreated whenever it is polluted by humans. It features the Shinto God of the sea and storms, Susanoo, and Amaterasu, the sun goddess. The manga Urusei Yatsura is a parody of Amaterasu being locked into the Ama-no-Iwato cave. Aside from these examples, there are several other series that use these themes.

Anime Characters Visiting a Temple

(Series: Lucky Star)

Characters within anime and manga often visit temples, and are shown giving prayers and wishing for better days ahead. This often occurs on or near New Years, and is done to give blessings for the new year. Often times, an entire episode or chapter is set aside for this visit, and it often displays important aspects of their culture, such as wearing yukata and receiving a fortune for the new year.

Anime characters are also displayed on items such as ema, wooden plaques with prayers written on them. These are often sold at local shrines. Due to the popularity of anime and manga within the Japanese culture, these are often very popular and loved by members of society.

Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America

While Shinto is not particularly as popular in western culture, there are still followers of the religion living in the United States. The only shrine large shrine located in the United States is the Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America. Located in Washington state, this shrine is known for being a place of worship and peace.

Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America

The Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America is also known as the Tsubaki America Jinja. It is the first shrine built on the mainland of the United States after World War II. Originally built in Stockton, California, it has moved to its current location in Granite Falls, Washington. The shrine not only offers a place of prayer and worship for followers of Shinto, but it also offers several ceremonies, such as wedding ceremonies, shichigosan ceremonies, and private ceremonies for those searching for purification. Festivals from Shinto are also celebrated at the shrine. Amulets and other items associated with Shinto are also sold there. To learn more about the Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America, you can visit their website here.

While this is the main shrine within the United States, there are also several shrines found on the islands of Hawaii, such as the Daijingū Temple of Hawaii. There is also a shrine located in Colorado. However, this shrine is small, and is dedicated to the worship of Kami. It is located within the Shambhala Mountain Center, and is free for those who wish to visit.