Japanese amalgamation of Buddhism and Shintō .
The hybridization began on Buddhism's appearance in Japan (mid-6th century AD), and the practice of building Shintō and Buddhist shrines near each other developed in the 8th century. To separate the two religions, the government issued an edict in 1868 ordering Buddhist priests connected with Shintō shrines either to be reordained as Shintō priests or to return to lay life. Because the state religion was Shintō, the government abolished Buddhist ceremonies in the imperial household. Nevertheless, most Japanese incorporate elements of both religions in their lives, celebrating life-related events (birth, coming of age, marriage) at Shintō shrines but holding Buddhist funeral rites and memorial services.