For so many Japanese, military defeat was equated with spiritual destruction, and the occupation force's order to disband Shinto was the end of state Shinto. In the intervening years, Shinto has remained a strong force throughout Japan and has distanced itself from the nationalist zeal that characterized the preceding centuries. Shinto has returned to its roots as a community and individual practice. Although many Japanese are unaware of deeper meanings of Shinto, they continue to participate in observances. People from all facets of society attend to ask for favors of the kami or to give thanks.
Students attend before their high school entrance exams.
Families bring their cars to be protected from accidents through elaborate rituals used in earlier ages to bless horses. Company presidents bring their employees to ask for the assistance of the gods. The community turns to the shrines, too, for the major festivals. During the local festivals, the Shinto believers are united in the same purpose. Festivals honor the seasons, ask blessings for crops or ask for prosperity in the town.