THIS BOOK WILL HELP YOU* to appreciate the significance of Japan's own religion in everyday life* to recognize the key traditions and festivals (matsuri) of the Shinto year* to understand what you will see at Shinto shrines and in Shinto rituals* to gain insights into the controversies surrounding Shinto, politics and nationalismACCESS THE WORLD'S RELIGIONSSimple Guides: Religion is a series of concise, accessible introductions to the world's major religions. Written by experts in the field, they offer an engaging and sympathetic description of the key concepts, beliefs and practices of different faiths.Ideal for spiritual seekers and travellers alike, Simple Guides aims to open the doors of perception. Together the books provide a reliable compass to the world's great spiritual traditions, and a point of reference for further exploration and discovery. By offering essential insights into the core values, customs and beliefs of differentsocieties, they also enable visitors to be aware of the cultural sensibilities of their hosts, and to behave in a way that fosters mutual respect and understanding.