Shinto: The Kami Spirit World of Japan by Sokyo Ono does not try to impress you with complexity—it quietly opens that door in your mind where curiosity stirs and, before you realise it, you're thinking differently about the spiritual world behind everyday Japan.
*I have received a free ebook copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, please note that this doesn’t affect my opinion of the book, nor my personal thoughts.
As someone who was curious about shrines even before I visited Japan, this book—despite it being based on the views of the 1960s—gave me a lot to think about, and made me reflect on all the subtle details I barely noticed while I was there. It reminded me that shrines are not just a place of worship; and Shinto itself is not just a religion, it is a way of thinking and relating to the world that I hadn't considered before.
I really enjoyed learning about the different elements of the shrine—from the architecture, the diverse symbolic offerings, to the Shinto priest attire. I had no idea even the tiniest little items have a specific purpose—things that would normally be considered trivial are instead of great importance—and this book's explanation of these aspects was clear and genuinely eye-opening.
I also appreciated how Shinto appears in everyday culture, from anime and films to other casual references that may not immediately get recognised.
I'm certainly glad to have read Shinto: The Kami Spirit World of Japan by Sokyo Ono, it was a very insightful read that I'd definitely recommend to those interested in Japanese culture, especially if they are curious about its spiritual side.
You always have such fascinating books to recommend, and the way you talk about them really makes me dream . . . this one definitely reminded me of when we were in Japan, and I feel the need to immerse myself in that Japanese spiritual side that makes you feel truly at ease and at peace 🤍
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