西田幾多郎 (Nishida Kitarō) was a prominent Japanese philosopher born in 1870 and known for founding the Kyoto School of philosophy. His work focused on integrating Western philosophical ideas with Eastern thought, particularly Zen Buddhism. Nishida's most significant contributions include his exploration of self-consciousness and the concept of "pure experience." He emphasized the importance of direct experience in understanding reality, which he believed transcended traditional dualisms. Nishida's influence extended beyond philosophy, impacting fields such as literature and theology. He passed away in 1945, leaving a lasting legacy in both Japanese and global philosophical discourse.