Shinto (the Way of the Gods)

"Shinto (the Way of the Gods)" by W. G. Aston is a journey into Japan's oldest religion, unveiling its transformation from simple traditions to a core part of Japanese identity. The book looks at Shinto's many gods and the idea of kami, showing how these spiritual beliefs have affected Japanese culture and history. Aston uses old writings like the "Kojiki" and "Nihongi" to explain Shinto's stories and customs, charting the religion's growth from its early stages to a more organized system of practice. He points out that Shinto, unlike some other major religions, started without a single all-powerful god and grew within the culture of Japan itself.