For us Japanese, Shinto is not just a religion. It’s a faith deeply rooted in our daily lives, honoring nature, the changing seasons, our ancestors, and our communities. When we visit a shrine, we feel the pure air, and as we bow our heads in prayer, a sense of peace and reverence fills our hearts. This is not just faith—it’s a part of our culture.

However, in today’s world, we are faced with a difficult choice, influenced by the forces of capitalism. Without financial support, many shrines cannot continue to exist. Shrines are more than just buildings—they symbolize our faith and serve as places where communities come together. Losing them is not an option. But at the same time, the commercialization of shrines to sustain them might risk diminishing the purity of the faith.

It is here that we must reconsider what it means to be Japanese.

Preserving What Matters in Changing Times

Throughout history, the Japanese people have experienced many changes. During the Meiji Restoration, when Western culture was rapidly introduced, Shinto was restructured and continued to serve as a spiritual foundation for the nation. Even during the post-war period of rapid economic growth, as urbanization progressed, local shrines and traditional festivals remained key parts of Japanese life.

In this way, we have always been able to adapt to change while preserving our traditions. Now, as we consider how to sustain shrines in today’s world, it’s time to once again reflect on what it means to be Japanese.

Shrine Preservation or Pure Faith?

In a capitalist society, maintaining shrines requires financial support. With fewer visitors and the effects of population decline, especially in rural areas, it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep these sacred sites running. Yet, people continue to seek out shrines as places to pray, to give thanks for nature and the gods, and as essential parts of community life. The existence of shrines is deeply connected to our sense of peace and connection.

But what happens if shrines become more focused on attracting tourists or generating income to stay afloat? Can faith still remain pure? Faith, after all, resides not in physical structures, but in the heart. So even if a shrine no longer stands, is it possible to continue practicing the faith?

The Path We Should Take as Japanese

The essence of Shinto is about living in harmony with nature and connecting with one another. Shrines are physical manifestations of this spirit, serving as centers of community. What we need to think about now is not choosing between “shrine preservation” and “pure faith,” but rather finding a way to balance both.

To support local shrines, it’s essential to strengthen ties with local communities. In recent years, we’ve seen new ways of practicing faith, such as online shrine visits or remote prayer services for those who cannot physically visit. By incorporating modern technology while maintaining the spiritual significance of shrines, we may be able to preserve both the faith and the shrines without turning them into mere tourist attractions.

The Faith We Must Protect

As Japanese people, we have always shown flexibility in embracing change while holding onto what is truly important. While we may fear that the loss of shrines will lead to the loss of faith, it is ultimately our responsibility to carry the spirit of Shinto in our hearts and to express our gratitude for nature, our ancestors, and the gods in our daily lives. In this way, our faith will continue to thrive.

In Conclusion

If you’ve ever visited a shrine, you’ve likely felt it—the pure air, the quiet peace as you bow your head in prayer. This is a symbol of what we Japanese have long cherished. It is why both the preservation of shrines and the continuation of pure faith are equally important.

What we must protect is not just the physical shrine, but the faith that resides in our hearts. This faith will live on within us and will be passed down to future generations. I hope this article has touched you and encouraged you to reflect on the future of shrines and our faith.

Please share this message with others, so that we can spread awareness and create an opportunity for all of us to think together about how we, as Japanese people, should continue to engage with our faith and our shrines.