Keiji Nishitani was a prominent Japanese philosopher known for his contributions to existentialism and Buddhism. Born in 1900, he was a key figure in the Kyoto School, which sought to integrate Eastern and Western philosophical traditions. Nishitani's work often explored the nature of existence, the self, and the concept of emptiness, drawing from both Zen Buddhism and Western thought. Nishitani's most notable work, "Religion and Nothingness," examines the relationship between religion and the experience of nothingness. He argued that understanding emptiness is essential for grasping the human condition and achieving spiritual awakening. His ideas have influenced various fields, including philosophy, theology, and psychology.