dring oolde 6. Why does Shintoism have a blend of Confucius and Buddhist traditions?

Shintoism has incorporated elements from Confucianism and Buddhism over time due to cultural and historical interactions in Japan. Confucianism's emphasis on social harmony and ethical conduct, as well as Buddhism's introduction of meditation and ideas about the afterlife, appealed to followers of Shinto. The blending of these traditions helped shape a syncretic religious landscape in Japan, allowing for a coexistence of Shinto, Confucian, and Buddhist practices. This integration was not a uniform process and varied over different historical periods, contributing to the unique blend seen in Shinto practices today.