Shingon, also known as Esoteric Japanese Buddhism, was founded by a Buddhist monk named Kukai, also known as Kobo Daishi. Kukai was born in 774 CE in the province of Sanuki, Japan. He was a highly educated and intelligent individual, and at a young age, he showed a strong interest in Buddhism.

Kukai began his studies at a local Buddhist temple, where he learned the basics of Buddhism and Chinese philosophy. However, he felt that he needed to deepen his understanding of Buddhism, so he traveled to China at the age of 21 to study under the guidance of the famous Chinese Buddhist master, Huiguo.

Under Huiguo's tutelage, Kukai learned the teachings of Vajrayana Buddhism, also known as Tantric Buddhism, which focuses on the use of rituals, mantras, and visualizations to achieve enlightenment. This form of Buddhism was not widely practiced in Japan at the time, and Kukai was determined to bring it back to his home country.

After 3 years of intense study and practice, Kukai returned to Japan and founded the Shingon school of Buddhism. He believed that the teachings of Vajrayana Buddhism were the most effective way to achieve enlightenment in this lifetime, and he wanted to share this knowledge with others.

Kukai's teachings were based on the Mahavairocana Sutra, one of the most important texts in Vajrayana Buddhism. He also incorporated elements of Taoism and Shintoism into his teachings, making Shingon a unique blend of different philosophies and practices.

One of the key aspects of Shingon is the use of mantras, or sacred chants, to achieve spiritual awakening. These mantras are believed to have a powerful effect on the mind and can lead to enlightenment. Kukai also introduced a system of mandalas, or symbolic diagrams, to aid in meditation and visualization.

Kukai's teachings were met with some resistance from other Buddhist schools in Japan, who saw Shingon as a threat to their authority. However, Kukai's intelligence and charisma won over many followers, and Shingon gradually gained popularity throughout Japan.

Today, Shingon is one of the major schools of Buddhism in Japan, with millions of followers. Its teachings continue to influence Japanese culture and have had a significant impact on the development of Japanese art, literature, and philosophy.

In conclusion, Shingon was founded by Kukai, a highly educated and influential Buddhist monk who sought to bring the teachings of Vajrayana Buddhism to Japan. His contributions to Japanese Buddhism and culture are still celebrated and revered today.