Shintoism, also known as Shinto, is an indigenous religion of Japan. Unlike many other religions, Shinto does not have a single founder. Instead, it evolved over time from the ancient beliefs and practices of the Japanese people. Shinto is deeply rooted in the traditions and culture of Japan, and it focuses on the worship of kami, which are spirits or deities associated with natural elements, ancestors, and historical figures.
The origins of Shinto can be traced back to the Yayoi period (300 BCE to 300 CE), but it was not until the 8th century CE that Shinto practices were formally organized and documented. The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), written in the early 8th century, are among the oldest texts that describe Shinto beliefs and practices.
In summary, Shintoism does not have a specific founder. It is a religion that developed organically over centuries, shaped by the cultural and spiritual practices of the Japanese people.