noun
separation of Buddhism and Shinto; Shinto-Buddhist separation
Historical term for the Meiji government policy that forcibly separated Shinto and Buddhist institutions, often leading to the destruction of Buddhist temples and artifacts. Contrasts with 神仏習合 (syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism).
See also: 神仏習合
The Meiji government issued the Shinto-Buddhist Separation Order, clearly distinguishing shrines from temples.
神仏分離の影響で、多くの寺院が破壊された。
Due to the separation of Buddhism and Shinto, many temples were destroyed.