Welcome to The Extra, a biweekly newsletter of complimentary reads (just click on the links) you may have missed from The Japan Times.

But first, a digression. We’re thrilled to announce that last night The Japan Times’ Tomoko Otake was recognized for her work at the World Association of News Publishers Asian Media Awards. Otake won a best reporting in healthcare award (that is, gold) for her article on suicide and overwork in Japan’s healthcare sector.

Back to this issue: Read on for stories from the spiritual realm — on Japanese Buddhist and Shinto sites, the meaning of religion in contemporary Japan and one man’s journey to becoming a Russian Orthodox priest.