Nishida Kitarō (1870-1945) was a prominent Japanese philosopher known for founding the Kyoto School of philosophy. His work combined elements of Zen Buddhism, Western philosophy, and Eastern thought, focusing on the nature of reality and consciousness. Nishida's ideas emphasized the importance of experience and intuition in understanding the self and the world. He is best known for his concept of "pure experience," which suggests that reality is best understood through direct, unmediated experience rather than abstract reasoning. Nishida's influence extended beyond philosophy, impacting fields such as literature and theology, and he remains a significant figure in modern Japanese thought.