Religion in Japan is difficult to define because, like most religions, so many factors go into the makeup of the Japanese religiousness. Shinto, Buddhism and Christianity are the three main religions in Japan. Folk religions and New Developed Religions also play an influential role in the makeup of Japanese religiousness.
One of the reasons it is so difficult to separate out a dominant religion in Japan is because of syncretism. Syncretism is the process of simultaneous practice of multiple religions. In Japan, syncretism is most often found in the blending of Shinto and Buddhist practices and beliefs. This is known as Shinbutsu-shugo. Syncretism has been the rule in Japan for centuries. It is often seen as the result of the pragmatic approach to religion that many Japanese take: they go to whatever shrine or temple that can perform the rites or services that they specifically need at the time.
Before explaining the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism, here is a brief description of Shinto and Buddhism. Shinto is the indigenous religion in Japan, that is it was not until the introduction of Buddhism to Japan in the 6th century, Shinto back then took on its own identity and came to be known as Shinto. The Shinto we know today has been influenced over time by Buddhist teachings and it is very difficult to understand the history of Shinto without knowing the history of Buddhism in Japan. The core teachings of modern Shinto are sincerity and purity, and the practices of most