Kami is a term from Japanese culture that refers to the spirits or deities found in Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion. These spirits can be associated with natural elements, such as trees, rivers, and mountains, as well as ancestors and important figures in history. Kami are believed to inhabit these places and objects, making them sacred. In Shinto practice, people show respect to kami through rituals and offerings at shrines. These shrines, known as jinja, serve as places of worship where individuals can pray, seek guidance, and celebrate festivals. The relationship between humans and kami is central to Shinto beliefs, emphasizing harmony with nature and the spiritual world.