Question 1

The islands of Japan, according to the Shinto creation story, are a sort of this-worldly heaven because

Accepted Answer

Humans share the islands with divine beings, according to the Shinto creation story.

Question 2

Part of the accommodation between Shinto and Buddhism included

Accepted Answer

Shinto and Buddhism in Japan developed a complementary relationship where Buddhism focused on philosophical aspects, death, and the afterlife, while Shinto was associated with agriculture and fertility, allowing both to coexist and serve different aspects of life.

Question 3

During the Meiji Restoration, Shinto became tied to growing nationalism through

Accepted Answer

During the Meiji Restoration, Shinto was used to promote nationalism by emphasizing the divine origins of the emperor, reinforcing the idea of the emperor's sacred status and Japan's unique cultural identity.

Question 4

In 1868, Mutsuhito imported European and American experts to build up the governmental, military, and educational systems according to Western models that marked a turning point inJapanese history known as the

Accepted Answer

The Meiji Restoration was a period in Japanese history when Emperor Meiji implemented significant reforms to modernize Japan by adopting Western political, military, and educational systems.

Question 5

Kami are associated with natural places, the ancestors, and

Accepted Answer

Kami in Shinto belief are spirits associated with natural elements, ancestors, and animal spirits, reflecting the animistic aspects of the religion.

Question 6

A special New Year's ritual in Shinto is

Accepted Answer

Rice pounding, known as "mochi-tsuki," is a traditional Japanese New Year's ritual in Shinto where rice is pounded to make mochi, a type of rice cake.

Question 7

In Shinto practice, during New Year's celebrations, rice is pounded into a soft dough called

Accepted Answer

Mochi is the traditional rice cake made by pounding steamed rice into a soft dough, commonly eaten during New Year's celebrations in Japan.

Question 8

In Shinto practice, Shrine dance eventually evolved into the stately _____ dance dramas that tell the stories of people and their contacts with the spirits.

Accepted Answer

Noh is a form of classical Japanese dance-drama that evolved from earlier forms of performance, including shrine dances, and often involves themes of spirits and human interactions.

Question 9

Explain the derivation of the term Shinto. What does the name tell us about its relationship with China and Buddhism? Please explain.

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Question 10

How did Amaterasu come into being? What role did she play in Japanese history?

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Question 11

Describe how areas of influence are typically divided between Shinto and Buddhism in Japan. How might this be evident at a Japanese temple complex?

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Question 12

Explain the emergence of State Shinto in the context of the Meiji Restoration.

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Question 13

Explain the basic Shinto notion of kami. Describe and name the most important kami.

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Question 14

According to basic Shinto belief, how are ancestors understood?

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Question 15

Describe the basic rituals associated with visiting a Shinto shrine. What is the importance of these rituals to the practitioners of Shinto?

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Question 16

List at least three ceremonies that are typically performed by Shinto priests.

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Question 17

Summarize New Year's rituals associated with Shinto.

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Question 18

What roles does the emperor of Japan play in Shinto ritual?

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Question 19

Describe a torii. What is its function? Where is it found?

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Question 20

Describe the key beliefs of Tenrikyo.

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Quiz 7: Shinto