Sometimes, when things seem way too familiar, it is necessary to take a step outside the norm in order to understand things on a deeper level.

That’s exactly the reasoning behind this Shinto course, taught by Shinto expert David Chart. A Brit, born and raised in Manchester, David is far from the image of what most people would have for a Shinto master. But that doesn’t mean he is lacking in his knowledge. In fact, David passed the highest level of Jinja Kentei – an examination from the largest and most important Shinto Organisation, Jinja Honcho – back in 2014, and has been working as a part-time teacher for the Association of Shinto Shrines since 2018.

Under his guidance, pupils are invited to learn about Shintoism from a foreigner’s perspective, allowing for new discoveries that differ from the knowledge written in traditional textbooks.

The lecture, which will take place on 25 August 2021, is mostly aimed at Japanese individuals who mainly work in the tourism sector, but it is open to anyone who is interested in Shintoism and Shintoism through the eyes of a foreigner.

A religious backbone indigenous to Japan, Shintoism is a concept that is as familiar with the Japanese as the back of their hands. Whilst it is highly unlikely that there exists a single Japanese national who has not heard of Shintoism, it is a curiosity of great intrigue amongst foreigners both living and visiting Japan.
Despite it’s great importance to Japanese culture, many Japanese have a hard time explaining details of Shinto to eager foreigners because the religion itself has woven it’s way into almost every part of Japanese life, and has become a norm amongst the natives. This lecture, provided and organised by Japan WonderGuide, is designed to teach the basics of Shintoism, in an easy-to-understand manner.

Before coming to Japan, the lecturer David Charter, worked as a professor at Cambridge University from 1994 to 2003. He began to live in Japan in 2003 and acquired Japanese nationality in 2016. The examination that he took in 2014 gave him the qualifications he needed to work for the Association of Shinto Shrines.
Alongside his part-time job at the organisation, David works as a freelance author and editor. Additionally, David has a personal project; Mimusubi, which introduces Shintoism in English.

Introduction to Shinto through the eyes of a foreign master (online lecture)

Price:2500 yen
Date:25 August 2021
Time:10:00am – 11:30am
Lecturer:David Chart
Organised by:Japan WonderGuide

Limited to just 50 people, it is necessary to book a place to take part. To apply, follow the link here.
*Please note that although the lecturer is from the UK, there is no expectation that the lecture will be given in English, and unless otherwise stated by the organisation, this lecture will be held in Japanese.