That’s an interesting dream and an interesting experience. I’ve heard a lot of people say similar things about the moment of death and have seen photographs that seem to support it. That would be an experience that would move me deeply.

Yes, I’ve been in Japan for eight years now, and I think I’ve definitely been influenced by various aspects of the way they worship the dead over here. I particularly like the idea that the dead return to their homes every August during Obon. Even the way they worship here, at temples and shrines often surrounded by areas of nature, where you tend to feel connected with the natural world and sometimes beyond suits me very well.