Buddhism and Shinto are both still important in Tokugawa Japan.

Buddhism, combined with neo-Confucianism, provides standards of social behavior.

Although not as powerful politically as it had been in the past, Buddhism is espoused by the upper classes.

Proscriptions against Christianity had benefited Buddhism in 1640 when the bakufu had ordered everyone to register at a temple.

The rigid separation of Tokugawa society into han, villages, wards, and households helps reaffirm local Shinto attachments.

Shinto provides spiritual support to the political order and is an important tie between the individual and his community.

Shinto also helps preserve a sense of national identity.