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Shinto is a Japanese religion focused on the spiritual and divine aspects of the world, particularly in natural phenomena. It involves the veneration of kami, or spirits, which can be found in elements of nature such as trees, rocks, and waterfalls, as well as in mythological figures and ancestors. Shinto practices include rituals performed at shrines, offerings to the kami, and purification ceremonies. It emphasizes a harmonious relationship between humans and their environment, and encourages moral virtues like honesty, sincerity, and loyalty. Shinto has no founded doctrine or canonical texts, but is passed down through generations by oral tradition and rituals. Its practices and beliefs have significantly influenced Japanese culture, art, and social norms.