The Shinto religion is native to Japan. It began in ancient history and myths. As Shinto developed, kami came to include heroes and other respected people. Before the first shrines were built, people went to natural places to honor the kami . There are many different sects of Buddhism.
Many families have Buddhist altars where they honor their ancestors.
Christianity was brought to Japan by Spanish and Portuguese missionaries in the mid-16th century, but Christians make up only a small percentage of the population. Japan is also home to a number of new religious groups, most founded by charismatic leaders in the last two centuries. Today, in addition to Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, there are communities and places of worship for Catholics, Protestants, Eastern Orthodox Christians, Mormons, Jews, Hindus, Muslims, and followers of many other religions. During the New Year holiday, large temples and shrines are crowded with visitors The Daisairei Festival at Izumo Shrine, held every year on 14 May Literature Students in Japanese schools study the classics of Japanese literature, which include ancient collections of poetry like the Man'yoshu , early epics like the The Tale of Genji and essays in diary form like The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon . However, there is also a very dynamic modern literary scene.