Jashin Religion{Jashinism}

It is popular belief that Jashinism started on the island of Shikoku of Japan during the late Jomon period (14000 BC-300 BC) to the early Nara period (710 AD-794AD). But many believe that Jashinism originated in the anime/manga Naruto. They claim there to be no evidence of its existance before the seires. 

In 1918, a book entitled Inshi to Jashin (translation: Shrine of Jashin) by Tetsujo Wada 

was published. Some believe this to be proof that Jashinism predates Naruto. 

The following is a section from a Shinto encyclopedia which many believe refers to Jashin: 

"In the countryside Konpira was worshipped as a serpent kami (Jashin) as a rusugami. IN this way many permutations of the cult developed, including belief in the kami's protection of lielihood, healing of illness, and preventing disaster and welcoming prosperity (josai shofuku)." 

It is even rumored that there are still two Jashinist temples still standing in Japan today. 

Several modern day Jashinists have even had the pleasure of communicating with WWII veterans who also practiced Jashinism. 

In an ineterview with Naruto author MIisashi Kishimoto, he told his interviewer that Jashin was based on an ancient form of Shintoism that focused on the worship of human emotion above all else. Shintoism lacks a solid doctrinal system and yet is practiced by many and is the tenth largest religion in the world. Practices of Shintoism vary in different parts of the world. 

There is evidence that Jashinism is anceint, there is evidence that it is something new. But in my own opinion it does not matter if Jashinism is old or new, or if Jashin is an actual god or a philososhy. What matters is that Jashinism is a part of the world now and that we were fortunate enough to have found it. The past is the past and is only a guide for which we can learn from. How Jashinism truly originated to me holds no significance. What matters is the present and how we can shape the future through our Lord and create a better world.