These ceremonies also gave proof of the emperor’s decent from heaven, essentially reinforcing Shinto ideas and practices within the government. The emperor and officials promoting of the Shinto practices led citizens to practice Shintoism as well and with the whole state practicing the same religion it created a sense of unity. It can be shown in Sandvik’s work called Showcasing Shinto the impact of how kami untied the country. Sandvik stated that the creation of a system of kami cults during the Nara and Heian period put the government in control of “over nearly 3000 shrines in a strategy possible aimed at gaining territorial and social control” (Sandvik). Japan was united through Shinto belief, utilized by the emperor and effectively creating the respect for the kami’s
These ceremonies also gave proof of the emperor’s decent from heaven, essentially reinforcing Shinto ideas and practices within the government. The emperor and officials promoting of the Shinto practices led citizens to practice Shintoism as well and with the whole state practicing the same religion it created a sense of unity. It can be shown in Sandvik’s work called Showcasing Shinto the impact of how kami untied the country. Sandvik stated that the creation of a system of kami cults during the Nara and Heian period put the government in control of “over nearly 3000 shrines in a strategy possible aimed at gaining territorial and social control” (Sandvik). Japan was united through Shinto belief, utilized by the emperor and effectively creating the respect for the kami’s