During my recent trip to Japan, I visited a total of twenty-five temples and shrines. Religion in Japan is characterized by a harmonious blend of Shinto and Buddhism, the two main faiths practised throughout the country. Shinto, an indigenous belief system, focuses on kami (spirits) and rituals tied to nature and ancestors, while Buddhism, introduced from China and Korea, emphasizes spiritual enlightenment and the afterlife. Many Japanese people practice both religions simultaneously, participating in Shinto ceremonies for life events like births and weddings, and Buddhist rituals for funerals and memorials. Despite a low rate of formal religious affiliation, religious traditions remain deeply woven into Japanese culture and daily life. Every…