The connection between Japanese Shintoism and Chinese Taoism
●It is said that when Qin Shihuang sent the alchemist Xu Fu to search for immortals in the East China Sea, Xu Fu went to Japan and became the first emperor.
●Historical data shows that as late as the Tang Dynasty, Chinese Taoist classics, immortality beliefs, ghosts and gods beliefs, alchemy, scientific rituals, etc. were widely spread. Japanese Taoist culture has received official and private attention in Japan, and Japan It has had a wide impact on philosophy, politics, literature, folklore, medicine, Shinto and other aspects.
●Emperor Tenmu (reigned from 673 to 686) was fond of Taoism, and used the Taoist term "Tianhuang" as the title of the king, and bestowed the surname "Zhenzhen" on the imperial family.
●Taoist theology has had a significant impact on the Japanese emperor's belief; the sword and mirror are two artifacts as symbols of the emperor's status, which comes from the "Ancient and Modern Sword Records" by Tao Hongjing, a Taoist master; the Japanese royal family respects purple, Originated from the Taoist concept of "purple air coming from the east"; the emperor claimed that his ancestors were descended from gods and was influenced by Taoist mythology; the blessings for praying for the emperor's longevity came from Taoist blessings; the emperor's four-way worship ceremony in the palace remains intact. A vivid reference to Taoist etiquette.
●Japan’s native Shintoism is also deeply influenced by Taoism. “Shinto” comes from the “Book of Changes”. Among the many sects of Shintoism, Shugendo is a religion that integrates esotericism, Shintoism, and ethnic religious concepts, and is formed from Chinese beliefs and customs centered on Taoism. Its purpose is to enter the mountains to practice Taoism and become immortal. Many of the techniques used in cultivating Taoism, such as fasting, breathing, alchemy, and not being burned when entering the fire, as well as the incantations, divination, prayers, prophecies, exorcisms, pinching, positioning, and feng shui they perform are all related to Taoist alchemy has a close relationship. In addition, Onmyodo and Yoshida Shinto are also deeply influenced by Taoism. Onmyoji is a Japanese alchemist.
●Many folk beliefs and customs in Japan originate from Chinese Taoism, or are deeply influenced by Taoism. Japan’s belief in three corpse insects and the custom of observing Gengshen come from Taoism; Japan’s folk beliefs of Taishan Fujun, Mazu, Kitchen God, Zhong Kui, and Guandi come from Taoism; many customs of Japan’s Dragon Boat Festival and Qixi Festival come from Taoism. Taoism.
——Excerpted from "History of Taoism" by Qing Xitai