Using the technical language of Christian theologians, Shint[=o] furnishes theology, Confucianism anthropology and Buddhism soteriology.

The average Japanese learns about the gods and draws inspiration for his patriotism from Shint[=o], maxims for his ethical and social life from Confucius, and his hope of what he regards as salvation from Buddhism.

Or, as a native scholar, Nobuta Kishimoto,[11] expresses it, In Japan these three different systems of religion and morality are not only living together on friendly terms with one another, but, in fact, they are blended together in the minds of the people, who draw necessary nourishment from all of these sources.

One and the same Japanese is both a Shint[=o]ist, a Confucianist, and a Buddhist.

He plays a triple part, so to speak ...