Shinto, the "Way of the Gods", was the religion of Japan before the arrival of Buddhism from Korea during the 6th century AD. Central to Shinto beliefs are the "kami", animistic gods perceived in all aspects of nature. They exist in the nooks and crannies of houses and inhabit streams, trees and mountains, while others are sacred to human activities such as agriculture and arts and crafts. The principle rites of appeasing the gods - considered essential to a stable society - include acts of cleansing, gratitude, tolerance and obedience to tradition. This book, documenting an exhibition from Japan, begins with a wide ranging introduction to Shinto which traces its role in Japanese culture. The fully illustrated catalogue contains 110 entries, and each of its five sections opens with an essay by an international scholar. The objects, loaned by museums and religious shrines across the country, include masks, ceramics, mirrors, bells, sculpture, paintings, lacquer, ceremonial clothing, swords and armour.