Sekihei argues that Japan’s decision to prioritize Buddhism over Confucianism preserved its spiritual independence.
While Buddhism is a universal religion where China holds no supreme position, Confucianism places China at the center of a hierarchical order.
Japan’s adoption and transformation of Buddhism helped shape its unique civilization.

Interestingly, after Japan adopted Buddhism, it became increasingly Japanized.
2018-01-28
The following continues from the previous chapter.
Why did the Japanese prioritize the introduction of Buddhism?
Buddhism is not a Chinese religion but a world religion.
Moreover, in the world of Buddhism, China is by no means at the top or number one.
Within the Buddhist world, Japan and China stand on equal footing.
However, with Confucianism, China stands at the top.
If Confucianism had been fully accepted, Japan would have had no choice but to become spiritually a vassal of China.
If Japan had prioritized Confucianism, there is a high possibility it would have become a second Korea.
Until the Edo period, Confucian studies were little more than a pastime studied by Zen monks; ordinary people did not study it at all.
Reverence for Buddhism was stronger.
In the Asuka period, Japan was able to determine its course by choosing between Buddhism and Confucianism.
Interestingly, after Japan adopted Buddhism, it became increasingly Japanized.
This began with Heian Buddhism (Kūkai and Saichō).
Over time, with Kamakura Buddhism, it came to be embraced by many common people.
To be continued.