ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Confucian Shinto

Confucianism is a way of thinking and living that was started a long time ago in China by a wise man named Confucius (Kongzi in Chinese). It tries to help people understand how to live a good life by teaching them how to be kind, respectful, and responsible. In Confucianism, people are supposed to follow certain rules and be polite to their parents, friends, and neighbors, and show respect for their elders and teachers.

Shinto is a religion from Japan that teaches that everything in nature has a spirit, even rocks, trees, and rivers. People who follow Shinto believe that they should respect and care for the natural world around them. They also believe in the kami, which are spirits or gods that can help or harm humans. Shinto is a very important part of Japanese culture and history.

When you put Confucianism and Shinto together, you get Confucian Shinto, which is a way of living and thinking that combines the teachings of both Confucianism and Shinto. In Confucian Shinto, people are encouraged to follow the rules of Confucianism, like being kind and showing respect, while also respecting the natural world and the kami of Shinto. This way of thinking and living has had a big impact on Japanese society and culture for a long time.