[1] It has two main varieties: State Shinto, a pre-World War II variant, and another centered on Shinto shrines after World War II, in which ritual rites are the center of belief, conducted by an organization of clergy.
Until 1945 all Shinto shrines were under the jurisdiction of the Institute of Divinities, an external department of the Home Ministry.
[5][6] After World War II, the Jinja Honcho supervised the largest number of shrines.
But since technically the religious corporation status is a condition for membership, small shrines that do not have a juridical character are not eligible and are not allowed to belong to the Honcho.
However, the State Shinto policy was unsuccessful, so the Ministry of Divinities was established and a campaign to proclaim the Great Doctrine began.
A further complaint was filed that the coercion violated the freedom of religion specified in the Meiji Constitution.
Under the influence of the National Spiritual Mobilization Movement, they were separated from Shinto shrines in 1940, becoming independent.