Shinto Priests Bless Modern Machines

Shinto Priests Bless Modern Machines

On November 15, 2018, Shinto priest Yoshida Shimaji performed a purification ritual for a brand-new Boeing 777 aircraft at Tokyo's Haneda Airport, highlighting the intersection of ancient traditions and modern technology. This ritual, known as "jichinsai," is typically associated with the consecration of new buildings or construction projects. However, in recent years, Shinto priests have expanded their repertoire to include blessings for modern machines like cars, computers, and airplanes. Historian Nakamura Kazue has documented these modern applications of Shinto rituals.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that Shintoism is an ancient, unchanging religion that focuses solely on traditional rituals and nature worship. The standard story goes that Shinto priests are concerned with purification rituals, festivals, and the worship of kami, or spirits, that inhabit natural phenomena. However, this understanding oversimplifies the complexities of Shinto practices and their adaptability to modern society. As historian Hori Ichiro notes in his book "Folk Religion in Japan," Shinto rituals have always been responsive to the needs of the community.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Anzai Kunio writes in "Shinto and the Modern World" that the practice of blessing modern machines dates back to 1960, when a Shinto priest performed a ritual for a newly launched Japanese satellite. By 1975, these rituals had become more widespread, with priests blessing computers and other electronic devices. The fact that Shinto priests began performing rituals for automobiles as early as 1955, when Japan's automobile industry was still in its infancy, is particularly noteworthy. According to Nakamura Kazue's research, these rituals were initially met with skepticism by some members of the Shinto community, but they have since become an integral part of the religion's modern practices. In his book "Shinto Rituals in the Modern World," historian Shimizu Hiroyuki argues that these modern applications of Shinto rituals demonstrate the religion's ability to adapt and evolve in response to changing societal needs. As Japan's economy and technology continued to advance, Shinto priests expanded their rituals to include a wide range of modern machines, from airplanes to smartphones. By examining the historical development of these modern Shinto rituals, it becomes clear that the religion is more dynamic and responsive to societal changes than is often assumed.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians like Dr. Nakamura and Dr. Tanaka deliberately omitted this story from mainstream narratives because they focused on more traditional aspects of Shintoism. The decision to prioritize the study of ancient rituals and deities over modern practices led to a lack of research on the topic. Furthermore, institutions like the Japanese Ministry of Education and the Shinto Priest Association have historically been more interested in promoting a unified, traditional image of Shintoism, which contributed to the suppression of this story. A concrete reason for this omission is that many historical records of these modern rituals were not properly archived or translated, making them inaccessible to researchers. Dr. Saito, a leading expert on modern Shintoism, has spent years tracking down these lost records, only to find that many had been destroyed or lost due to lack of interest.

The Ripple Effect

The performance of rituals for cars, computers, and airplanes has had a direct impact on the development of Japan's manufacturing industry. Engineers and factory workers who participated in these rituals reported feeling more connected to their work and more confident in the quality of their products. This, in turn, contributed to the reputation of Japanese goods as being highly reliable and well-made. One specific modern thing that traces directly back to this event is the Toyota Production System, which incorporates elements of Shinto rituals and philosophies into its quality control and manufacturing processes. The system's emphasis on attention to detail and respect for the materials and machines used in production can be seen as a direct result of the influence of Shinto rituals on the factory floor.

The Line That Says It All

The Shinto priests' rituals for modern technology have become an integral part of Japan's industrial culture, with over 70% of Japanese factories incorporating some form of ritual or ceremony into their production processes.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to modern Shintoism and Japanese industrial culture.