2019 Volume 3 Issue 1 Pages 9-19
The purpose of this paper is to clarify the features of Shintoist ideals of early childhood education and care (ECEC) in nursery schools and kindergartens in the Kyushu area. We will analyze these features by focusing on Shintoist words, phrases, and events or activities (with up to 22 cases) in ECEC.
From KH coder analysis, it is clear that the cultivation of aesthetic sensitivity in Shintoism is key. The energy of a child’s pure spirit is described as “Kiyoku-Tadashiku-Akarui.” “Kiyoku” means that a child’s spirit is as pure as the gods’. “Tadashiku” means that children should behave honestly. “Akarui” means that the energy of a child’s pure spirit should appear smiling and communicate with people honestly. The grove of the village shrine is an important environment of ECEC in Shintoist nursery schools and kindergartens. Children are cultivated in its nature.
In short, the grove of the village shrine is an important feature of Shintoist ideals of ECEC in nursery schools and kindergartens in the Kyushu area.
