Neo-Shintoism, also known as "New Shinto," is a philosophical interpretation of the traditional Japanese religion of Shinto. It emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in response to the modernization and Westernization of Japan. This movement sought to reconcile traditional Shinto beliefs with modern ideas and values, and has evolved over time to become a diverse and multifaceted religious and philosophical movement.

One of the key factors that has influenced the evolution of Neo-Shintoism is the changing political and social landscape of Japan. In the late 19th century, Japan underwent a period of rapid modernization and industrialization, which brought about significant changes in the country's social, cultural, and religious landscape. This modernization also brought about the introduction of Western ideas and values, which challenged traditional Shinto beliefs and practices.

In response to these changes, Neo-Shintoism emerged as a movement that sought to reinterpret and recontextualize traditional Shinto beliefs in light of modern ideas and values. This led to the development of new schools of thought within Neo-Shintoism, such as the "State Shinto" movement, which emphasized the role of Shinto in promoting national unity and loyalty to the state. Other schools of thought, such as "Folk Shinto," focused on the preservation and revival of traditional Shinto practices and rituals.

The early 20th century also saw the emergence of new religious organizations that incorporated elements of Shinto into their teachings, such as Tenrikyo and Oomoto. These new religions were heavily influenced by Neo-Shintoism and helped to spread its ideas and beliefs to a wider audience.

In the post-World War II era, Neo-Shintoism continued to evolve as Japan underwent further social and cultural changes. The separation of Shinto and state in 1945 led to a decline in the influence of State Shinto, and the emergence of new schools of thought within Neo-Shintoism. These included "New Shinto," which sought to promote a more universal and inclusive interpretation of Shinto, and "Eclectic Shinto," which incorporated elements of other religions and philosophies into its teachings.

Today, Neo-Shintoism continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs and beliefs of its followers. It has become a diverse and multifaceted movement, with a range of different schools of thought and practices. While some adherents focus on traditional rituals and practices, others incorporate modern ideas and values into their interpretation of Shinto. Overall, the evolution of Neo-Shintoism reflects the ongoing dialogue between tradition and modernity in Japanese society.