The first time I heard about Kami was when we were on the bus to Mount Fuji. After we finished singing the Mount Fuji song as directed by the guide, he told us that Mount Fuji is a Kami and proceeded to explain more about it.
Kami in Japanese Culture
Kami is the spirit worshipped in the Shinto religion. It is a part of nature with both good and bad sides attached to it (reminds me of the Goddess Kali in Hinduism). In Japan, there are approximately 8 million of them. The Sun Goddess, Amaterasu, is also one of them. It adopts the concept of Animism, where the inmate object might possess the spirit of Kami, hence Mount Fuji being one.
Japanese Souvenir
When you go to Japan, definitely get a Kami. You can carry it or wear it as a talisman. Get it as a souvenir or to attract positive vibes. I myself have brought plenty for myself and as a souvenir. The first one was a teeny tiny Maneki Neko made from glass from Nishiki Market in Kyoto.
Later, during my third Japan trip, I got myself a Fushimi Inari-shaped Kami. It represents safe travel, and I would very much like to think it also means more travel. My last one, which I got in the new year of 2020, is in the shape of Daruma.
The Power of Kami
Kami is believed to bring good luck and protection to the keeper. But, my friend told me that it lost its power after one year of “usage”, which is why people keep buying it, especially during an auspicious time like the Japanese New Year or an auspicious place like the shrine. Especially the famous ones that people come from all over the world to visit.
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