Question:
Is Neo confucianism a mix of Shinto and Confucianism?
Answer:
Confucianism was brought into Japan in 5-6th century (approx 1,000 years after the death of Confucius) in the form of Analects, which was, by then, nothing more than a ethical (partly political) teachings. Since Japan had adopted Buddhism as a national 'religion,' Confucianism was just a 'side menu' for the intellectuals to learn as part of their Asian Studies. Not to mention, Confucianism had no significant impact on Japan.
As someone above points out, Shintoism in NOT a religion. It is an expression of our pure and spontaneous belief in the beauty and 'sacredness' of the nature (which I think a universal feeling all over the world). There is no need for the Shintoism and Confucianism should be mixed together.
BTW, I have no idea what "Neo Confucianisms" is all about. Whatever it is, I have NO interest in it. We Japanese have a great wisdom to co-exist Buddhism, Shintoism, Confucianism and Christianity (and whatever) without any contradictions or conflicts in our society.
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