Overview

Japan’s religious tradition is represented by Shintoism and Buddhism in mainland Japan. Shintoism was originally a worship of nature. Buddhism was imported from India by way of China. They were integrated by the state as a tool of governing in the modern age.

In Amami and Okinawa (Ryukyu), however, the situation is a bit different with much more unique style of animism or shamanism. These beliefs cultivated into religions that are predominated by priestesses and female shamans, called ‘Noro’ and ‘Yuta’ respectively.

The Noro religion is the earliest discernable religion to begin in the islands and is dated back as far as what is known as the Nahan-yu or Ryukyu Kingdom period which began around 1440. The religion had been working as a governing vehicle for the dynasty. The Noro priestess has gone extinct these days, however the relicts can be found in local community traditions, such as seasonal festivals, spiritual houses.

The Yuta, another religious group, also began to appear on the islands and still alive these days in Amami. The Yuta are shamans, and work on a more personal level assisting individuals and families that need help in the form of spiritual guidance or relief from sickness. These shamans are not made nor appointed through lineage but rather become a Yuta after development of an abnormal mind state or trance.

The tourists can visit the Yuta priests to consult with them on their personal issues, including family, love, marriage, so on.