State Shinto, also known as Shrine Shinto or Imperial Shinto, emerged and was promoted by the Japanese government during the Meiji period (1868-1912) and continued until the end of World War II. It played a significant role in the construction of Japan's national identity during that time.
State Shinto aimed to centralize and regulate religious practices in Japan, with the government assuming a prominent role in the administration and oversight of Shinto shrines. The goal was to unify the country under a single state religion and utilize Shinto to promote nationalism and loyalty to the emperor. This integration of Shinto symbols and practices permeated various public life and education aspects.
To reinforce the desired national identity, the government mandated the teaching of Shinto in schools, emphasizing its significance and encouraging citizens to participate in Shinto rituals and festivals. State Shinto also left its mark on the era's arts, literature, and architecture, as traditional Japanese elements were incorporated into these forms to reflect nationalistic themes. State Shinto played a crucial role in fostering a sense of unity and loyalty among the Japanese population. It promoted the notion of the emperor as the symbol of the nation and the embodiment of the Japanese spirit. State Shinto contributed to the development of a distinct Japanese national identity through its emphasis on the uniqueness and superiority of Japanese culture.
Similarly, religion continues to be subject to government regulation and monitoring in modern China. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) exercises control over religious activities and institutions through various policies and regulations. The government's approach to religion is influenced by its socialist ideology and its aim to maintain social stability and control. Religious affairs in China are governed by regulations requiring religious groups to register with the government and seek official approval. The State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA) oversees religious affairs and religious groups. Patriotic religious associations act as intermediaries between the state and religious communities.
However, the Chinese government has faced criticism for its treatment of religious minorities, particularly Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang and Tibetan Buddhists. Reports indicate the implementation of policies targeting these communities, including mass surveillance, forced labour, and restrictions on religious practices. The Chinese government also promotes the concept of "sinicization" of religion, which seeks to assimilate religious practices into Chinese culture and promote loyalty to the state. Religious groups are encouraged to align their teachings and practices with Chinese socialist values and to be integrated into the Chinese Communist Party.
State Shinto during the Meiji period in Japan and the modern regulation of religion in China share similarities in terms of government control and influence over religious practices. In both cases, the respective governments sought to centralize and regulate religious activities to serve their national objectives and maintain social stability. Both State Shinto and modern Chinese religious regulation reflect the government's desire to maintain control and shape national identity. However, it's important to acknowledge that the extent and methods of government influence differ, as do Japan and China's religious traditions and contexts. While State Shinto was closely tied to Shinto as a specific religious tradition, modern China's regulation encompasses a broader range of religions and indigenous beliefs.