Understanding the Unique Concept of "Kami" in Japan
When I arrived at my day labor job, I discovered a shrine nearby. Although I didn’t know which deity was enshrined there, I felt a sense of gratitude. I considered writing about this, but then I thought that the concept of "kami" might be unique to Japan. If you ask someone to translate the Japanese word "神様" (kami-sama), they would usually say "God," and I used to think this was the best translation. However, as I started learning more about kami, I began to feel that "God" might not be the most accurate term. In Japan, some kami created this world, while others are less influential, and there are even kami known as "poverty gods." The word "kami-sama" can include the meaning of "God," but it also encompasses spirits of the deceased, evil spirits, and animal spirits. If humans worship them, they become kami. It seems to have a very broad meaning. For example, Japan’s oldest shrine, Omiwa Shrine, enshrines Mount Miwa...