A Shinto priestess based in Osaka has just started an English-language Substack, Grooving with Kami. At the time of writing, it only has one substantial post, from last week, but it looks as though it should be an interesting perspective on Shinto — the first post talks about her background.
I do not know her personally, but one of my colleagues at Jinja Honchō does, and sent me the link to her site. For most people, having others read your work creates strong motivation to continue producing it, so I encourage you to take a look, and sign up if you are interested. Right now it is free, although when you sign up Substack will try to get you to commit to paying money later, if she starts a paid service. (You do not have to.)
Given how often I emphasise that Shinto is diverse, I feel I ought to be encouraging you to read a diversity of perspectives. Consider yourselves encouraged.
Thank you so much for sharing! This is so exciting!
Thank you very much for introducing my newsletter, Grooving with Kami. Thanks to your support, within just one month of launching, I’ve gained subscribers from 37 different countries. I actually learned about your blog from one of them. I look forward to learning from your work—especially how to convey the essence of Shinto in English in a way that remains true to its spirit.
Personally, I see Shinto not so much as a religion, but more as a lifestyle deeply rooted in the natural rhythms and landscapes of Japan. As I keep rewriting my posts to figure out how to express this felt sense of Shinto for readers overseas, I find that I’m also discovering new insights within myself. I intend to continue this work for the long term, so I hope we can stay connected moving forward.
You’re welcome.
I’ve actually written a post recently about the benefits of trying to explain Shinto in English, even when you already have a good understanding of it in Japanese.
https://www.mimusubi.com/2025/05/20/conceptual-colonialism/
I am reading all your posts, and they are very interesting. I look forward seeing more of them!