Translation guide
The belief that natural objects, phenomena, and the universe itself possess souls or spiritual essence. In Japanese contexts, this is closely tied to Shinto and folk beliefs.
The broad anthropological or religious concept that all things have a spirit or soul.
The standard loanword for 'animism' in academic and general contexts.
Animism is the belief that spirits reside in all things in nature.
Literally 'belief in spirits', often used to describe animistic beliefs in a Japanese context.
Japanese animism holds that gods dwell in mountains and rivers as well.
A philosophical term for panpsychism, sometimes overlapping with animism in academic discourse.
The specific Japanese religious belief that kami (spirits/gods) inhabit natural objects and phenomena.
Literally 'eight million gods', a phrase that expresses the Shinto idea of countless kami residing in nature.
In Shinto, it is said that there are eight million gods.
A poetic phrase meaning 'gods dwelling in all creation', used in literary or religious contexts.
Everyday expressions of animistic belief, such as respecting objects or natural features as having spirits.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'the way of thinking that even objects have life', used to explain animistic attitudes.
Japanese people have the mindset that even objects have life.
In folklore, tools or objects that acquire a spirit after 100 years. Often used to illustrate animistic beliefs.
Literally 'to treat objects with care', reflecting the animistic idea that objects deserve respect.
アニミズム is the direct loanword and is understood in academic contexts. 精霊信仰 is more native and often used when discussing Japanese folk religion. In casual conversation, explaining the concept with phrases like 物にも命がある is more natural than using the technical term.
Do you know what animism is?
Belief in spirits is deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
When explaining animism to a Japanese speaker, it's often helpful to connect it to Shinto or everyday practices like respecting objects. Simply using the word アニミズム may not be immediately understood without context.
Panpsychism is a philosophical position that all matter has mental properties.
Nature worship, a core aspect of Shinto animism.
Many shrines are built based on nature worship.
I feel the gods dwelling in all creation.
There is a story that old tools become tsukumogami.
Treating objects with care may be an influence of animism.