Shinto as the Part of the Samurai Rule Legitimation System During the Tokugawa Period (1603-1868)

The present study aims to identify the place of Shinto during the Tokugawa period (1603-1868) and ways of the samurai rule legitimation with the help of this religion by analyzing the availible sources and literature. Changes in the social structure of society during this period, as well as the rise of the traditional Japanese religion called Shinto led to its transition from the medieval form, preserved by Yoshida, to a new form, driven by neo-Confucian thinkers. In the context of these events, Shinto was used to legitimize the samurai rule of the Tokugawa period. Based on edicts, last wills, works of the Tokugawa period thinkers, such as Yamazaki Ansai and literature, the ways to legitimize power using Shinto were described. They were deification, indirect strengthening of the samurai rule by supporting Buddhism, and the use of Confucian moral and ethical standards adapted for Shinto in certain domains to create a strong vertical hierarchy based on reverence. Keywords: Shinto, Tokugawa period, deification, Yoshida, Yoshikawa, Confucianism, secret knowledge.