Sect Shinto: Independent Shinto Groups after the Meiji Restoration

Sect Shinto refers to several independent Shinto organizations formed in the late 19th century after the Meiji government separated State Shinto from private religious practices. Unlike Shrine Shinto, which focuses on rituals, Sect Shinto emphasizes theological development.

Formation and Background

Sect Shinto emerged in the Meiji era due to the government's religious policies and increased theological discourse. In the Taikyo Proclamation (1870), Shinto was designated as the state religion, and the Great Teaching Institute was established as a missionary organization. However, this institute was later reformed into the Bureau of Shinto Affairs, which recognized certain groups as "independent denominations." This marked the beginning of Sect Shinto.

Separation of Ritual and Faith

In 1882, the government enacted the separation of ritual and religion, prohibiting kyōdō shoku (priest-teachers) from performing rituals. This further solidified the formation of Sect Shinto, as groups that met specific conditions could establish their own denominations.

Office of Japanese Classics Research

The Office of Japanese Classics Research was established in 1881 to unify Shinto missionary organizations and train priests. It later evolved into Kokugakuin University, which played a significant role in the development of Shinto studies and the separation of doctrine and learning.

Sects and History

Sect Shinto consists of various sects with different lineages and beliefs. Some prominent sects include:

  • Fukko Shinto: Revival Shinto groups, such as Shinto Taikyo and Izumo-taishakyo.
  • Confucian Shinto: Emphasizes Confucian principles, such as Shinto Taiseikyo and Shinto Shusei.
  • Mountain Worship: Sects dedicated to sacred mountains, such as Jikkō kyō, Fuso-kyo, and Ontake-kyo.
  • Purification Sects: Focus on purification rituals, such as Misogikyo and Shinshu-kyo.
  • Utopian Groups: Seek to establish ideal societies, such as Kurozumikyō, Tenrikyo, and Konkokyo.

Post-War Developments

After World War II, Sect Shinto faced challenges under the American occupation, but it gradually recovered. Today, the Federation of Sectarian Shinto (Kyōha Shintō Rengōkai) represents over a dozen affiliated groups. However, Tenrikyo and Shinto Taiseikyo are often considered separate religions from Sect Shinto.