#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese Culture #Kami Shrine #C3reve

Introducing 'Kami Shrine'

The C3reve Company, based in Minato City, Tokyo, has officially launched 'Kami Shrine', a digital platform designed to introduce overseas fans and visitors to the rich traditions of Japanese shrines in English. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between the profound allure of Japan's sacred sites and the international audience that seeks to understand and appreciate them.

Background: Bridging Cultures and Stories

The fascination with Japanese mythology and culture is flourishing around the globe, particularly fueled by anime and gaming. However, international fans often struggle to access comprehensive and reliable information about shrines, due to a scarcity of trustworthy English sources and the complex nature of Japanese cultural context. Furthermore, smaller regional shrines in Japan are facing challenges in preservation due to a lack of successors and resources.

Recognizing this gap, C3reve has developed the 'Kami Shrine' platform to enable fans from around the world to delve directly into the stories of shrines, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation.

What is 'Kami Shrine'?

'Kami Shrine' redefines the experience of connecting with shrines by framing it as a journey of ‘knowing’, ‘loving’, ‘visiting’, and ‘supporting’. Designed exclusively in English, this digital platform offers aesthetically pleasing visuals and rich storytelling content aimed at satisfying intellectual curiosity and naturally inviting visitors to experience the shrines firsthand. Currently, the service is available in English only.

Key Features:

1. Storytelling Journey: Instead of technical jargon, users will find the stories of the shrines and their deities explained in fluent English, making them accessible and relatable. By uncovering the reasons behind the deities' presence, visitors can foster a connection that enriches their understanding of these cultural treasures.

2. Diverse Search Functions: Users can search for shrines not just by location but by specific interests, such as ‘Success in Business’ or ‘Good Fortune in Love’. This allows fans to discover shrines that resonate with their personal hopes and aspirations, creating unique connections to these sacred spaces.

3. Comprehensive Tourist Support: The platform organizes essential information such as sightseeing highlights and annual festivals while providing clear guidance on access and visiting hours. This ensures a seamless journey from inspiration to actual visit for international tourists.

4. Online Worship Experience: For those unable to physically visit Japan, 'Kami Shrine' includes a unique 'Online Worship' feature. Users can make virtual offerings and send their wishes through digital ema (wooden plaques), following traditional worship practices. This respectful approach allows for an essential connection to the sacred despite geographical barriers.

Vision: Creating an Open Cycle for Cultural Preservation

C3reve envisions 'Kami Shrine' as a ‘digital torii gate’ connecting people around the world with Japanese shrines and local communities. Future plans include:

• - Expanding Shrine Listings: The platform will encompass a larger number of shrines across Japan, increasing the availability of English resources.
• - Multilingual Services: While currently only available in English, there are plans to extend the service to various languages from Asia and Europe to reach a broader audience.
• - Digital Patronage System: This feature will allow users to directly support shrine maintenance and activities through the website, thereby fostering a new cycle for cultural preservation.

'Kami Shrine' represents a challenge to connect Japan's invaluable cultural heritage with the future. By stepping through this digital gate, we hope that many individuals will discover the allure of shrines and become advocates for this cherished aspect of Japanese culture.