Shinto
Shinto ('the way of the gods') is the indigenous religion of Japan. It is still very popular & culturally integrated.
MISSIONS & EVANGELISM
INTERNET EVANGELISM has a stunning section devoted to Japan, with many very useful links.
The following are specific missionary organisations to Japan:
JAPAN MISSION; PACIFIC RIM (Baptist); JAPAN ALLIANCE MISSION; OMF; SEND INTERNATIONAL; OMS INTERNATIONAL & AGAPE (in Japanese!)
CHRISTIAN ARTICLES & SITES ABOUT SHINTO
1. SHINTO, "THE WAY OF THE GODS," OR JESUS CHRIST, GOD’S "WAY"? by Richard S. Lofgren (pdf)
2. Josh McDowell discusses Shinto.
3. What is Shintoism? from Got Questions honours Jesus.
4. Shinto by International Students, Inc. (pdf)
5. Japan's Silent Shinto Revival is an excellent article, written by LOOKOUT ministries, which makes sobering reading. Highly recommended.
GENERAL WEBSITES - Use with discernment.
Religious Tolerance Providing links to related sites and features information about Shinto beliefs and practices.
Shinto Concepts is a beginner's guide to Shinto
DVD/VIDEO: "Spirited Away" - The first Japanese anime film to win an Oscar.
Spirited Away (flash needed) is a film that oozes Shinto. Articles that connect this DVD with Shinto include the Journal of Religion & Film;
A Study Guide (pdf) highlights many aspects from the film.
Responses from Christians can be found at Christian Answers;
Wikipedia is well worth the look - a lot of links as well!
JAPAN'S FLAG
Various links include DAYTRANSLATIONS; FLAGS; BBC; and THINKQUEST.
YOUTUBE
1. What is Shintoism? (9 minute video). Read Romans 1: 18 - 23.
2. Christian Responses to Japanese Religions.
http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=557af4777eb5a65d1c4d
http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=47e6e652d84e4f1fd0b8
(HSC Studies of Religion students may find page this helpful).
