Final answer:
The two religious traditions practiced in Japan during the Yamato period were Shintoism and Buddhism. Shintoism is an indigenous faith focusing on nature and ancestral spirits, while Buddhism, introduced from Korea and China, gained prominence with the support of influential clans and rulers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two religious traditions that were practiced in Japan during the Yamato period are Shintoism and Buddhism. Shintoism, deeply rooted in Japanese culture, is a set of practices that venerate ancestors and the divine forces of nature, lacking a single written text and instead focusing on morality, sensibility, and proper practice. Buddhism, which was introduced to Japan from Korea and China, was endorsed by the powerful Soga clan during the Yamato period and coexisted with Shinto practices, influencing various aspects of Japanese life and politics.
Despite some opposition from other clans, such as the Nakatomi and Mononobe, who favored the traditional Shinto practices, Buddhism grew in stature, particularly with the backing of influential rulers like Empress Suiko and her nephew Prince Shotoku in the 6th century. By the end of the 6th century, both Shintoism and Buddhism had become significant components of Japan's cultural makeup and continued to develop in the following eras, including the Heian period, which saw the court favor complex forms of Buddhism such as Tendai and Shingon alongside Shintoism.