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@article{183324,
        author = {Md Shoaib},
        title = {Cultural Syncretism: Exploring the Coexistence of Shinto and Buddhist Practices in Japan},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {3},
        pages = {920-924},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=183324},
        abstract = {The religious composition of Japan includes
a coexistence of Shinto and Buddhist practices that
represents the belief system of one group, both
historically and contemporarily. This coexistence is
popularly referred to as shinbutsu-shugo, and it has
developed over centuries, allowing elements of both
traditions to exist together peacefully in Japan. Shinto,
an indigenous Japanese religion that has elements
based in nature worship and ritual purity while
Buddhism, which arrived in Japan through India,
China and Korea in the 6th century, is based on
philosophical precepts as well as notions of afterlife.
Many Japanese people participate in rituals and
festivals associated with both religions without
claiming either as their exclusive faith. This
relationship allows both religions to coexist
harmoniously, and it is illustrated by shared sacred
space, as both Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples
may be located next to one another, or even in the same
temple complex. This paper explores the coexistence of
these practices which demonstrates Japan’s cultural
adaptability and the capacity for different belief
systems to complement rather than conflict with one
another.},
        keywords = {Shinto, Buddhism, Syncretism, Kami},
        month = {August},
        }