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Shinbutsu shūgō (Japanese for the "fusion of kami and Buddhas") refers to a form of cultural-religious syncretism that arose in Japan, which blends Buddhist practices with the local religious rituals of Shintoism. When Buddhism was introduced into Japan through China in the late Asuka period (sixth century), the Japanese tried to reconcile it with their old belief system, Shintoism, assuming both were true. As a consequence, Buddhist temples were attached to local deity shrines and vice versa.

Incense burns at the graves of the 47 Ronin at Sengaku-ji.]] The tale of the Forty-Seven Ronin, also known as the Forty-Seven Samurai, is a prototypical Japanese story. Described by one noted scholar as the country's "national legend" (Izumo), it recounts the most famous case involving the samurai code of honor, Bushidō. This true story was popularized in Japanese culture as emblematic of the loyalty, sacrifice, persistence and honor which all good people should preserve in their daily lives.