"We Aim To Be Inclusive"

I just disliked the removal of the shrine because it seemed authentic to the whole Japanese culture experience in the game and if it existed in real life, I thought it should have stayed. However, EA felt differently and removed it because of complaints from those offended. Therefore, I do think you are on to something with regards to perhaps how EA can patch it and/or some other religious items into the game like they did with the candles (including Dawali ones) you mentioned. Because tbh, I really wanted to place a Buddhist statue in my Sims home like in real life and was disappointed the game only offers those pig statues we got with some other Asian inspired decor a few years ago, lol.