There is a big difference between Shinto and Buddhism, and while people have believed in Shinto for the purpose of having Kami (God) protect communities (tribes and villages) connected by territorial and blood ties, like Kami (God)s do in mythologies, people have believed in Buddhism for the purpose of securing individuals' Anjin-ryomyo (spiritual peace and enlightenment) and have their souls relieved and keep the state's peace and security.
神道と仏教の違いについては、神道は神話に登場する神々のように地縁・血縁などで結ばれた共同体（部族や村など）を守ることを目的に信仰されてきたのに対し、仏教はおもに個人の安心立命や魂の救済、国家鎮護を求める目的で信仰されてきたという点で大きく相違する。