In Japan most houses would have a kamidana. It is literally a shelf for deities. It is a focus for shinto worship within the home. (Buddhism has an equivalent - butsudan). The item itself can be quite simple, or very elaborate, but they each share the same features. These are candles, salt, rice, water, and sake, in separate containers. Other items can be present as well.
Prayers are offered to the kami, and the other offerings are changed, regularly.
Far from being a hangover from the past, in an increasingly secular society, Kamidana are widely available in Japan, and even on Amazon.com and eBay.
Having recently looked at houses designed by Shigeru Ban, in Japan, I must admit that I failed to spot kamidana in any of the pictures.
http://www.shigerubanarchitects.com/SBA ... _index.htm
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