What happened to Shinto in 700 CE?

Answer 1

By 700 CE, Shinto had begun to solidify as a distinct religious practice in Japan, differentiating itself from imported beliefs such as Buddhism and Confucianism. The period saw the establishment of the Imperial court's support for Shinto, leading to the compilation of texts that codified its rituals and kami (deities). This era marked the beginning of efforts to formalize Shinto practices and integrate them into the state’s political structure, paving the way for its evolution into a more organized religion. Additionally, the Nara period (710-794 CE) witnessed the construction of shrines and increased emphasis on rituals, further embedding Shinto in Japanese culture.