As the indigenous religion of Japan, it did not originate as a self-conscious tradition. Combining together to form the whole philosophy of life in Japan, these three religions, along with the more recent addition of Christianity, also work together to slow women's progress toward equality. Similar to the paganism of Ancient Europe, Shinto is a shamanistic or folk religion that venerates the earth as a divine force, and concentrates on maintaining and celebrating humankind's connection with the forest. The perception of the divine within all natural things is the observation of kami . Ceremonies include rituals venerating ancestors, celebrating births, and requesting luck.
Emphasis is placed on the critical importance of tradition and perfection of rites.
How a man could have done this last thing alone is not explained. Significant here is the fact that women are expected to be submissive by the founder of both their country and their supreme deity. If Izanagi had not demanded that his wife be silent until spoken to, Japan would have an older sibling. Fundamental to Shinto belief is the superiority of men over women. As the Japanese have practiced this religion since a time long before historical records, changing this attitude should prove challenging.