Kami are spirits or deities in the Shinto religion of Japan. They can represent natural elements, such as mountains, rivers, and trees, as well as ancestors and important figures. Kami are believed to inhabit these elements and are revered in various rituals and festivals. In Shinto practice, people show respect to kami through offerings and prayers at shrines, known as jinja. Each shrine is dedicated to a specific kami, and visitors often seek blessings for health, prosperity, and protection. The relationship between humans and kami is central to Shinto beliefs, emphasizing harmony with nature and the spiritual world.