Faculty of Shinto Studies

While studying Shinto, the foundation of Japanese traditions and culture, students proceed to a comparative study of religions other than Shinto, thereby examining the essence of Shinto objectively. At the same time, the faculty develops human resources with an education that adapts to the times and can become a bridge to hand down Shinto and Japanese culture both at home and abroad. Although this department is small in scale, its enriched learning environment can accept a variety of students interested in Shinto, religion and culture.

Department of Shinto Culture

This department has two courses, the first being a Shinto Culture Course to meet the needs of Shinto priests and the second, the Religious Culture Course for the comparative study of religions and cultures of Japan and the world. In the Shinto Culture Course, students study the four basics of Shinto studies: festival traditions, the history of shrines, Shinto classics and the history of Shinto thought. They are expected to cultivate an extensive knowledge of other religions in Japan, and of religious cultures around the world. Moreover, in adapting to the situations of the times, the department provides curriculums to broaden the scope of learning, including environmental Faculty of Shinto Studies issues. The Religious Culture Course focuses on comparative study of religions and cultures by understanding the characteristics of Japanese Culture, particularly in relation to Shinto, in order to develop human resources that are able to disseminate Japanese culture and religion to the world. In both Courses, students can broaden their education by taking various classes including Japanese culture which focuses on Shinto.