国家神道 · こっかしんとう · history

State Shintō

The state-sponsored version of Shinto from 1868 to 1945.

Definition

State Shintō, known as Kokka Shintō, was the official Shinto doctrine endorsed and promoted by the Japanese government from the Meiji Restoration until the end of World War II. This form of Shinto was instrumental in fostering national identity, promoting the emperor's divine status, and mobilizing public support for imperial ventures. The state-controlled narrative sought to align Shinto with nationalistic ideologies, embedding it within Japan's sociopolitical fabric, which led to significant consequences for religious practice and freedom during this era.

Etymology

The term combines '国家' (kokka) meaning 'nation' and '神道' (Shintō) meaning 'the way of the kami'.