How do you feel about the mischievous nature of Kami like Susa-no-o?
- I find their antics amusing and understand that their actions often have unintended consequences.
- Their actions are disruptive and disrespectful, even if they are gods.
- I’m torn – I can see both sides!
- As long as they don’t hurt humans, I don’t really care what the Kami do.
What do you think you need to achieve spiritual enlightenment, as emphasized in Buddhist teachings within Japanese legends?
- To let go of earthly attachments.
- To understand the interconnectedness of all things.
- To act with compassion and kindness toward all beings.
- To dedicate my life to prayer and meditation.
Which of these best describes your relationship to the legends and myths of Japan?
- They are a source of wonder and inspiration.
- They offer valuable lessons about life and morality.
- They provide a glimpse into a rich and fascinating culture.
- They are entertaining stories but I don’t take them too seriously.
How would you describe your relationship to the natural world, as portrayed in Japanese mythology?
- I feel a deep connection to nature and find peace in its beauty.
- I respect nature’s power but also recognize its potential dangers.
- I’m fascinated by the mysteries of the natural world.
- I appreciate nature but don’t always feel particularly connected to it.
What is your current biggest challenge, in the context of Japanese mythology and its themes?
- Overcoming my fear of the unknown.
- Letting go of attachments that no longer serve me.
- Finding my purpose and making a meaningful contribution to the world.
- Accepting the impermanence of life.
How do you feel about foxes and their shapeshifting abilities, as depicted in Japanese legends?
- I am wary of their trickery and deception.
- I am intrigued by their magical abilities.
- I believe they can be both benevolent and malevolent.
- I see them as symbolic figures with complex meanings.
What is your go-to source for learning about Japanese mythology and folklore?
- Ancient texts like the Kojiki and Nihongi.
- Books and articles by scholars of Japanese mythology.
- Films, anime, and video games inspired by Japanese mythology.
- I honestly haven’t sought out this information on my own.
Which of these topics or issues related to Japanese mythology is most likely to be a struggle for you?
- Understanding the nuances of Shinto and Buddhist beliefs.
- Reconciling the beauty and cruelty often depicted in the legends.
- Accepting the ambiguous morality of some supernatural beings.
- Honestly, these topics come pretty naturally to me!
How well do you handle fear and uncertainty, especially when encountering supernatural beings or events?
- I face my fears head-on, drawing strength from courage.
- I seek guidance and protection from benevolent deities.
- I rely on my wits and resourcefulness to navigate dangerous situations.
- My first instinct is to run!
What is your absolute favorite Japanese mythological creature, and why?
- Kitsune (fox), for its intelligence, beauty, and supernatural powers.
- Tengu (mountain goblin), for its wisdom, mischievous nature, and connection to martial arts.
- Oni (demon), for its fearsome appearance, supernatural strength, and role as a representation of chaos.
- Kappa (water sprite), for its playful yet dangerous nature and its connection to rivers and lakes.
How comfortable are you with the idea of the supernatural world, as depicted in Japanese mythology?
- I am drawn to the mystery and wonder of the supernatural.
- I accept the existence of spirits and demons as a part of life.
- I am cautious and respectful of the supernatural realm.
- I’m not sure what I believe – the stories are pretty wild.
You have a choice of receiving a gift from either Ama-terasu, the sun goddess, or Tsuki-yumi, the moon god. Which do you choose and why?
- Ama-terasu: I seek warmth, light, and the blessings of life and prosperity.
- Tsuki-yumi: I’m drawn to the mystery and tranquility of the night, seeking wisdom and intuition.
Someone asks “How’s your spirit?” after you tell them about your interest in Japanese Mythology. What’s the actual answer, not just “I’m good?”
- My spirit feels invigorated by the stories of courage and resilience.
- I’m feeling contemplative after learning about the nature of life and death.
- I’m filled with a sense of wonder and curiosity.
- It’s hard to describe, but these stories really move me on a deeper level.
What makes you nervous about the often-ambiguous morality of supernatural beings in Japanese mythology?
- The idea that not all supernatural beings are inherently good or evil.
- The potential for trickery and deception from spirits and demons.
- The challenge of discerning right from wrong in complex situations.
- I’m good with a little moral ambiguity – keeps things interesting!
What’s your favorite memory or personal experience that connects you to Japanese mythology or folklore?
- Visiting a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple and feeling a sense of peace and reverence.
- Watching a Studio Ghibli film and being transported to a world of magic and wonder.
- Reading a particularly moving Japanese folktale or legend.
- Honestly, I can’t say I have one yet – but I’m open to it!
What is most likely to make you feel down about humanity after reading about the reverence for nature in these legends?
- Humanity’s disregard for the natural world and its consequences.
- The exploitation of nature for personal gain.
- The lack of awareness and appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things.
- I’m hopeful that we can learn to live more harmoniously with nature.
Which of these Japanese mythological figures do you most identify with and why?
- Amaterasu: Strong, independent, a natural leader.
- Susanoo: Impulsive, creative, unafraid to challenge convention.
- Ninigi: Compassionate, diplomatic, striving to create a better world.
- Jizo: Selfless, protective, dedicated to helping those in need.
What comes to mind when you think about the Japanese concept of “mono no aware?”
- The bittersweet beauty of impermanence.
- The deep connection between nature and human emotions.
- The importance of cherishing the present moment.
- The acceptance of both joy and sorrow as integral parts of life.
What happened in the past when you encountered a story or situation that challenged your understanding of good and evil, similar to the ambiguous nature of some Japanese mythological figures?
- I questioned my assumptions and sought a more nuanced perspective.
- I recognized that morality can be subjective and context-dependent.
- I realized that good and evil are not always clearly defined.
- I try not to overthink these things – life’s too short!
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you encounter a challenge or obstacle in your life, thinking about the resilience of many Japanese mythological heroes and heroines?
- I can overcome any challenge with determination and perseverance.
- I am not alone in my struggles – even mythical heroes faced adversity.
- I will learn from my mistakes and emerge stronger.
- Maybe this is a sign to try a new approach.
In a perfect world, what would humanity’s relationship with the natural world be like, inspired by the reverence for nature often depicted in Japanese mythology?
- One of harmony, balance, and deep respect.
- A partnership where humans and nature thrive together.
- A world where we live in gratitude for nature’s gifts.
- I don’t think it’s realistic to think we can return to that.
What’s your favorite aspect of Japanese mythology?
- The creation myths and stories of the gods.
- The tales of heroes and warriors.
- The legends of supernatural creatures and spirits.
- I love it all – it’s such a fascinating and multifaceted mythology.
You are at a party and someone makes a comment that demonstrates a complete lack of understanding or appreciation for Japanese mythology. How do you react?
- Politely correct them and offer some insights.
- Share my passion for Japanese mythology and try to spark their interest.
- Let it go – not everyone has to share my interests.
- Judge them silently while sipping my sake.
What is your strongest quality, which would serve you well if you were transported into the world of Japanese mythology?
- Courage: I face my fears head-on.
- Wisdom: I make thoughtful decisions and learn from my experiences.
- Compassion: I treat others with kindness and understanding.
- Determination: I never give up on what I set my mind to.
What are you most excited about when you think about delving deeper into the world of Japanese mythology?
- Discovering new stories and characters.
- Learning more about Japanese culture and beliefs.
- Exploring the symbolism and deeper meanings within the legends.
- I’m excited to see where the stories take me.
Tell us a little about your personal connection to the values of courage, loyalty, and self-sacrifice, as often embodied by heroes in Japanese mythology?
- These values resonate deeply with me – I strive to live by them.
- I admire these values, even if I don’t always live up to them.
- I think they are important values to teach future generations.
- They are admirable but not always practical in the real world.
What is the trickiest part about understanding Shinto beliefs for people unfamiliar with the religion?
- The concept of kami and the nature of the divine.
- The importance of purity and ritual practices.
- The role of nature and ancestor worship.
- It’s not that hard – it’s a pretty straightforward religion.
What do you think is missing in your quest to connect more deeply with Japanese mythology?
- A deeper understanding of the historical and cultural context.
- More exposure to different interpretations and perspectives.
- A willingness to embrace the unknown and the unfamiliar.
- Honestly, I don’t think anything’s missing – I’m happy with where I’m at.
How do you determine your personal growth’s objective each year, inspired by the journeys of self-discovery often depicted in Japanese mythology?
- I reflect on my experiences and set intentions for growth.
- I identify areas where I want to challenge myself.
- I seek guidance from mentors and sources of wisdom.
- New year, new me!
What happens if you encounter a situation that challenges your morals and values?
- I try to stay true to my principles, even under pressure.
- I seek a course of action that aligns with my conscience.
- I accept that there may not be easy answers or perfect solutions.
- I’m going to make mistakes – it’s part of being human!
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you encounter a work of Japanese art, such as a painting or a sculpture, that depicts a mythological scene or figure?
- The beauty and detail of the artwork.
- The symbolism and meaning behind the imagery.
- The skill of the artist in capturing the essence of the myth.
- That’s so cool!
How prepared are you to face your fears and embrace the unknown, inspired by the courageous heroes of Japanese mythology?
- I’m ready to face any challenge!
- I’m working on building my courage.
- I’m more comfortable with a bit of predictability.
- Courage is not my strong suit.
If you could choose any supernatural ability from Japanese mythology, which one would you choose and why?
- Shapeshifting: To explore different forms and perspectives.
- Invisibility: To observe unnoticed and move with ease.
- Flight: To soar above limitations and experience freedom.
- Control over the elements: To command nature’s power.
How often do you incorporate elements of Japanese culture or aesthetics into your daily life?
- Frequently: I enjoy incorporating Japanese elements into my home, style, and hobbies.
- Occasionally: I appreciate Japanese culture but don’t actively seek it out.
- Rarely: I haven’t explored Japanese culture in depth.
- I’m down to try new things!
What makes you most frustrated about modern society’s disconnect from the natural world, a stark contrast to the reverence for nature often depicted in Japanese mythology?
- Our overreliance on technology and detachment from the natural world.
- Our disregard for the environment and its consequences.
- Our lack of awareness and appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things.
- I’m more of a city person anyway.
If you could waive a magic wand, what would the perfect outcome be for humanity’s relationship with the natural world, inspired by the harmony often depicted in Japanese mythology?
- A world where we live in balance with nature, respecting its limits and appreciating its gifts.
- A future where technology and progress coexist with environmental sustainability.
- A society that values and protects the natural world for future generations.
- We’re too far gone – there is no fixing it now.
How confident are you in your ability to learn and grow, embracing new experiences and perspectives, much like the heroes of Japanese mythology who often faced the unknown?
- Very confident: I see challenges as opportunities for growth.
- Somewhat confident: I am open to learning but also have my comfort zones.
- Not very confident: Change and uncertainty make me uneasy.
- I’m learning as I go!
How do you handle negative emotions or difficult situations, thinking about the emphasis on resilience and perseverance often found in Japanese mythology?
- I confront challenges head-on and seek healthy coping mechanisms.
- I allow myself to feel my emotions but also try to maintain perspective.
- I seek support from loved ones and draw strength from my inner resilience.
- Sometimes I just need to wallow for a bit – it’s okay to not be okay!
What aspect of Japanese mythology makes you the most happy?
- The triumph of good over evil and the restoration of balance.
- The beauty and wonder of the supernatural world.
- The enduring power of love, loyalty, and friendship.
- It’s just fun to escape into these mystical stories!
How do you determine your spiritual objective each year, inspired by the journeys of self-discovery often depicted in Japanese mythology?
- I reflect on my values and set intentions for spiritual growth.
- I explore different spiritual practices and traditions.
- I connect with nature and seek moments of quiet contemplation.
- I don’t know if I believe in a “spiritual objective.”
Which of the following is most accurate when it comes to your understanding of Japanese mythology?
- I have a deep understanding and appreciation for Japanese mythology.
- I am familiar with some of the major stories and figures.
- I am just starting to learn about Japanese mythology.
- I know more than I thought I did!
Do you believe that the lessons and values conveyed in Japanese mythology are still relevant in today’s world, or are they outdated?
- Absolutely relevant: They offer timeless wisdom about life, nature, and the human spirit.
- Somewhat relevant: Some lessons resonate more strongly than others.
- Not very relevant: Society and values have changed significantly.
- It’s hard to compare ancient myths to modern times.
What’s your idea of a balanced life, drawing inspiration from the harmony between nature, humanity, and the divine often depicted in Japanese mythology?
- A life that honors both my physical and spiritual needs.
- A life that embraces both tradition and progress.
- A life that seeks to live in harmony with myself, others, and the world around me.
- What even is balance?
You have 24 hours to immerse yourself in anything related to Japanese mythology. What do you do?
- Visit a Japanese garden and reflect on the beauty and tranquility of nature.
- Watch a Studio Ghibli film and lose myself in a world of imagination and wonder.
- Read classic Japanese folktales and explore the depths of mythology and folklore.
- Book a flight to Japan – I’m ready for a real adventure!
What affects you the most when reading these legends?
- The profound respect for nature and the interconnectedness of all things.
- The exploration of human emotions and the complexities of the human experience.
- The enduring power of stories to teach, inspire, and connect us across cultures and generations.
- The beautiful writing and imagery.
Do you tend to view challenges as opportunities for growth, or do you see them as obstacles to overcome, much like the heroes of Japanese mythology who often faced seemingly insurmountable odds?
- Challenges are opportunities for growth – they make me stronger and wiser.
- I try to see the good in every situation, even when things are tough.
- I’m a realist – sometimes challenges are just challenges.
- I tend to avoid challenges whenever possible!
Which member of a group of friends exploring Japanese mythology are you?
- The one who knows all the myths and legends.
- The one who is fascinated by the cultural and historical context.
- The one who enjoys the stories but doesn’t take them too seriously.
- I haven’t found my people yet!
New information related to Japanese mythology is released for the first time in centuries. What is your first response?
- I devour it immediately and try to learn everything I can.
- I am excited to see how it changes our understanding of Japanese mythology.
- I am skeptical but curious – I need more information before I form an opinion.
- Fake news!