Shinto, alongside the imported Buddhism, still forms the religious foundation of Japanese society. Karl Florenz, a pioneer of German Japanology, presents the traditional folk religion of Japan here based on historical sources. The foundational texts of the religion have been translated accurately and faithfully, making the self-understanding of Shinto tangible. Karl Florenz translated various fundamental works of Japanese culture and was honored as the first foreigner with the highest Japanese academic degree of Bungaku-Hakushi.