Historical Background
Shintoism
During the 8th century C.E, the Yamato clan were legitimatized as descendants of the gods. They created a unified Japan filled with divinity and supported the use of shrines.
In the 6th century C.E Buddhism was introduced from Korea and China to Japan. The Japanese had adopted many aspects of the Chinese Culture, such as it's written language. This is where the word "Shinto" which meant "way of the gods" in Chinese had originated from.
Buddhism and Shintoism was often compared and developed together for many years. Shintoism, which was known as a state religion often coincided with Buddhism and many believers worshiped both Buddhism and Shintoism at same temples.
By the 11th century, there were twenty two official shrines created for Shintoism. Believers of Shintoism were greatly declining due to the comparison to Buddhism and the establishment of the first shogun government.
During the 1600's to 1868's, Japan had tried to recreate and strengthen Shintoism as a separate religion from Buddhism. By 1868 Shintoism and Buddhism were finally declared separate.
http://www.patheos.com/Library/Shinto.html
In the 6th century C.E Buddhism was introduced from Korea and China to Japan. The Japanese had adopted many aspects of the Chinese Culture, such as it's written language. This is where the word "Shinto" which meant "way of the gods" in Chinese had originated from.
Buddhism and Shintoism was often compared and developed together for many years. Shintoism, which was known as a state religion often coincided with Buddhism and many believers worshiped both Buddhism and Shintoism at same temples.
By the 11th century, there were twenty two official shrines created for Shintoism. Believers of Shintoism were greatly declining due to the comparison to Buddhism and the establishment of the first shogun government.
During the 1600's to 1868's, Japan had tried to recreate and strengthen Shintoism as a separate religion from Buddhism. By 1868 Shintoism and Buddhism were finally declared separate.
http://www.patheos.com/Library/Shinto.html