Japanese culture has been greatly influenced by its religions, and one of the most influential religions has been Shintoism. Shintoism dates back to 500 BC, when the descendants of the sun goddess, Amaterasu-OmiKami, worshiped the gods and goddesses of Japan. Shinto means “way of the gods” and it represents what Shinto practitioners believe in. Shintoism is a religion based on Japanese mythology, centered on a male god, Izanagi, and a female goddess, Izanami. These two gods were thought to have created Japan, considered the only country in the world. The two gods had two children, the sun goddess Amaterasu and the storm god Susanowo. These two gods fought for control of the Japanese people, and the sun goddess took control of them. This belief that a goddess had more control than a god is part of the custom of women controlling men in Japan. Shintoism in Japan has shown many strengths and very few weaknesses since its inception and one of its greatest strengths is its belief in the Kami or spirits (Scott Olenik, p. 8-10). Shintoism embraces a strong affinity for nature and this is very evident. in the way the Japanese people worship the Kami (Hooker, para 4). There are many types of Kami, each living in a different part of nature. There is a Kami for rocks, trees, people, sake and even tobacco (Hooker, para 4). It is the Shinto belief that humans become Kami when they die and leave this world (Hooker, para 4). Communicating with the Kami is an essential part of the Shinto religion. An exterior gate or torii is the entrance to a Shinto shrine (Hooker, paragraph 4). When someone approaches a torii, it is customary to bow before entering (Nakano, para 5). Middle of paper... life would change without Shintoism. Works Cited Hooker, Richard. “Beginning of Shintoism”. Washington State University - Pullman, Washington. February 14, 2010 http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/ANCJAPAN/SHINTO.HTMNakano, Hiroko. “The Shinto shrine.” Kateigaho International Edition - Magazine about Japanese culture, arts and lifestyle. February 14, 2010 http://int.kateigaho.com/aut04/kyoto-shinto-shrine.html. “Shintoism, Shintoism – ReligionFacts.” Religion, World Religions, Comparative Religion – Just the Facts about World Religions. February 14, 2010 http://www.religionfacts.com/shinto/index.htm. “Shintoism, Shinto.” Public services - social, religious, scientific, products, environment. February 14, 2010 http://mb-soft.com/believe/txo/shintois.htm Smitha, Frank. “Power and class in Japan, 500 to 1500 CE.” MacroHistory: History of the world. February 14, 2010 http://www.fsmitha.com/h3/h07japan.htm.