How many people believe in the religion Shinto?

Answer 1

It is estimated that two or three million Japanese follow Shinto and generally speaking only the Japanese follow the religion. Shinto is of such ancient origins that if there is a founder, no record can be found of that person. The religion has no scriptures and has always been passed down by word of mouth. This religion's beliefs include animism (nature worship) to the extent that many things are considered sacred including food, rocks, rivers etc.. Hero worship and ancestor worship are important. The emperor was considered divine and was often called "The son of Heaven". This practice ceased after World War 2. Upon agreement with America, the last "divine emperor" was Hirohito and renounced his divinity. The religion is of such ancient origin that it really has no organized or recognizable priesthood, although shamans are often found in isolated communities. Many people who follow Shinto are also Confucianists and to a much lesser extent, Buddhists. Shinto is generally a benign and compassionate religion in that decent and moral behaviour, compassion for all people and respect for nature and kindness to others are considered honourable.

Answer 2

Approx. 2.8 million.