How prepared are you for a surprise visit from a mischievous Tengu spirit offering you a magical gift?
- Bring it on! I’m ready for anything.
- I’d probably freak out a little, but then get curious.
- I’d politely decline. I don’t trust magical beings.
- I’d consult with a wise monk before accepting any gifts.
What makes you most frustrated about the current state of storytelling when it comes to Japanese folklore?
- It’s hard to find authentic voices.
- Stories often oversimplify complex cultural nuances.
- There’s not enough of it!
- I wish more people understood the deeper meanings within these tales.
What is your current biggest challenge when it comes to being a good friend?
- Balancing my own needs with the needs of my friends.
- Sometimes I get too caught up in my own life to reach out.
- I can be a little too blunt and honest sometimes.
- It’s hard to find friends who share my values.
What do you think you need in order to embrace a life guided by the principles of Bushido?
- A strong moral compass and the discipline to follow it.
- A worthy cause to devote myself to.
- A deeper understanding of Japanese history and culture.
- The courage to face any challenge head-on.
What happens if you stumble upon a hidden village of Kitsune (fox spirits)?
- I observe from a distance, intrigued by their magic.
- I cautiously attempt to befriend them, hoping to learn their ways.
- I hightail it out of there! Who knows what tricks they’ll play?
- I consult an ancient scroll for guidance on how to interact with them.
What aspect of Japanese folklore makes you the most happy?
- The whimsical nature of the yokai and their magical powers.
- The emphasis on loyalty, honor, and respect.
- The timeless wisdom embedded in the stories.
- The captivating storytelling tradition.
How do you handle a conflict with someone who doesn’t share your sense of honor?
- I try to understand their perspective and find a compromise.
- I hold firm to my principles, even if it means walking away.
- I appeal to their sense of fairness and justice.
- I seek guidance from a trusted mentor or advisor.
You have one day to spend in feudal Japan. What do you do?
- Visit a traditional tea house and witness a geisha performance.
- Train with a samurai master and learn the art of the sword.
- Seek out a wise monk in a secluded temple for spiritual guidance.
- Explore the bustling marketplace and immerse myself in the local culture.
What’s your favorite Japanese proverb?
- Fall seven times, stand up eight.
- The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.
- Vision without action is a daydream.
- Even monkeys fall from trees.
How do you determine your moral compass’s “true north” each day?
- By reflecting on my values and how my actions align with them.
- By seeking wisdom from spiritual texts or teachings.
- By observing the world around me and learning from others.
- By listening to my intuition and following my heart.
How often do you reflect on the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death as discussed in Buddhist teachings?
- Every day. It helps me appreciate the present moment.
- Once in a while, usually when I’m feeling lost or uncertain.
- Rarely. I prefer to focus on the positive.
- I haven’t given it much thought.
What’s your favorite memory of learning about another culture?
- Traveling to a new country and experiencing the culture firsthand.
- Connecting with people from different backgrounds and learning about their traditions.
- Discovering a fascinating book or film that opened my eyes to a new perspective.
- I’m still waiting for that one experience that truly captivates me.
How do you feel about the role of karma in shaping our destinies, as often depicted in these tales?
- I believe we create our own karma through our thoughts and actions.
- I see karma as a complex and nuanced concept, not always straightforward.
- I’m not sure what to believe, but I find the idea intriguing.
- I don’t put much stock in karma.
What do you think is missing in your quest to be a more compassionate person?
- Patience and understanding for those who are different from me.
- The ability to forgive myself and others more easily.
- More opportunities to help those in need.
- A stronger connection to my own emotions.
What is your current level of expertise in identifying different types of Japanese swords?
- I’m a novice, but eager to learn.
- I can tell a katana from a wakizashi, but that’s about it.
- I’m somewhat knowledgeable, but I wouldn’t call myself an expert.
- I’m a total sword enthusiast! I can identify most types with ease.
What comes to mind when you hear the word “bushido”?
- Samurai, honor, loyalty, and self-sacrifice.
- A strict code of conduct that governed the lives of warriors.
- The pursuit of excellence in all aspects of life.
- A fascinating aspect of Japanese culture that I’d like to learn more about.
Which of these Tales of Old Japan themes would you enjoy exploring the most in a contemporary setting?
- The struggle between duty and personal happiness.
- The complexities of love and loyalty in a modern world.
- The consequences of greed and corruption in positions of power.
- The clash between tradition and modernity.
A close friend betrays your trust, echoing the themes of betrayal in Tales of Old Japan. How do you respond?
- I confront them directly and demand an explanation.
- I distance myself from them, heartbroken and disillusioned.
- I try to understand their motivations and forgive them, but it takes time.
- I seek revenge, plotting their downfall with meticulous care (just kidding… maybe).
Which member of a traditional Japanese family are you: the wise grandmother, the stoic grandfather, the rebellious son, or the dutiful daughter?
- The wise grandmother, sharing stories and offering guidance.
- The stoic grandfather, observing silently and imparting wisdom sparingly.
- The rebellious son, questioning tradition and forging my own path.
- The dutiful daughter, honoring family and striving for harmony.
What is your Tales of Old Japan goal?
- To gain a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture and history.
- To learn from the wisdom embedded in the stories.
- To find entertainment and escape in the fantastical narratives.
- To challenge my own perspectives on honor, duty, and justice.
What descriptive word do you experience most: vengeful, honorable, romantic, adventurous, or wise?
- Honorable – I strive to live by a strong moral code.
- Romantic – I’m a sucker for a good love story, even a tragic one.
- Adventurous – I crave new experiences and challenges.
- Wise – I try to learn from my experiences and share my knowledge.
How do you feel about the portrayal of women in some of these tales, considering they often navigate societal restrictions?
- It’s a reflection of the patriarchal society of the time, but I wish there were more female heroines.
- I appreciate the strength and resilience many female characters demonstrate despite their limitations.
- It’s important to remember the historical context when analyzing these stories.
- It doesn’t bother me, as the stories are products of their time.
What is your absolute favorite activity that makes you feel connected to a different culture?
- Trying new cuisines and learning about the stories behind the dishes.
- Attending cultural festivals and events.
- Traveling to new places and experiencing the local way of life.
- Immersing myself in books, movies, and music from different cultures.
Do you find yourself drawn more to the samurai’s life of duty (Bushido) or the merchant’s pursuit of wealth (Chonin)?
- The samurai’s life of duty, as honor and integrity are paramount.
- The merchant’s path, as it values resourcefulness and strategic thinking.
- I admire aspects of both but ultimately forge my own path.
- Neither appeals to me.
How do you handle a situation where someone disrespects your family name?
- I defend my family’s honor with unwavering loyalty.
- I try to resolve the situation peacefully, but I won’t tolerate insults.
- I ignore them. Their opinion doesn’t define my family.
- I seek advice from a trusted elder on how to proceed.
How often do you stand up for what you believe in, even when it’s unpopular?
- Always. I’m not afraid to speak my truth.
- Often, as long as it doesn’t put me in harm’s way.
- Sometimes. It depends on the situation.
- Rarely. I prefer to avoid conflict.
Someone asks, “How is your spirit today?” in a way that reminds you of the contemplative nature of Tales of Old Japan. What’s the actual answer, not just “I’m good”?
- My spirit is seeking serenity and balance today.
- My spirit feels restless, like it’s yearning for adventure.
- My spirit feels a bit heavy today, burdened by the weight of the world.
- My spirit is bright and curious, eager to learn and explore new possibilities.
How confident are you in your ability to remain calm and composed in the face of unexpected challenges?
- Very confident. I thrive under pressure.
- I’m generally level-headed, but everyone has their limits.
- It depends on the situation. Some challenges rattle me more than others.
- Not very confident. I tend to panic under pressure.
Do you have a strong moral code in place that guides your actions and decisions in the same way Bushido guided the samurai?
- Yes, my moral code is very important to me.
- I have a set of values that I try to live by.
- I’m still figuring things out, but I know what’s important to me.
- I don’t think I have a defined moral code.
If you could choose any superpower inspired by Tales of Old Japan, which one would you choose and why?
- Shapeshifting like a Kitsune – imagine the possibilities!
- Invisibility – to move unseen and gather information.
- Superhuman strength – for obvious reasons!
- The ability to communicate with animals – for their wisdom and guidance.
What happened in the past when you were faced with a difficult decision that tested your morals?
- I stayed true to my values, even though it was difficult.
- I made a mistake, but I learned from it.
- I sought guidance from someone I trusted.
- It was tough, but I ultimately did what I thought was right.
How well do you balance pursuing your own ambitions with being mindful of others, similar to navigating social hierarchy in those tales?
- It’s a constant balancing act, but I try to be considerate.
- I’m ambitious but not at the expense of others.
- I’m very career driven, but I try to be mindful of how my actions affect those around me.
- I tend to put the needs of others before my own.
How connected do you feel to your ancestral heritage or a culture that fascinates you?
- Very connected. I actively explore and celebrate my heritage.
- I’m interested in learning more about my roots.
- I feel a sense of connection, but I haven’t fully explored it.
- I don’t feel particularly connected to any specific culture.
What keeps you up at night about the future of our planet and humanity?
- Climate change and its impact on the world.
- Social injustice and inequality.
- Political instability and conflicts.
- The rapid pace of technological advancements.
What’s your go-to activity to de-stress and find inner peace, inspired by the serene imagery often found in Japanese art and gardens?
- Meditation or mindfulness exercises.
- Spending time in nature, like taking a walk in a park.
- Listening to calming music or nature sounds.
- Engaging in creative pursuits like painting or writing.
Which of the following is most likely to frustrate you in your daily life?
- Dishonesty and a lack of integrity in others.
- When things don’t go according to plan.
- Feeling like I’m not living up to my full potential.
- A lack of appreciation for beauty and art.
Tell us a little about your favorite outdoor space and what you love about it.
- I love being surrounded by trees, as it’s incredibly grounding.
- The ocean is my happy place. It’s vast and mysterious.
- I’m drawn to mountains; they make me feel small yet empowered.
- I prefer the cozy comfort of my own backyard garden.
What is the trickiest part about staying true to yourself in a world that often pressures us to conform?
- It can be lonely going against the grain.
- It takes courage to resist societal expectations.
- There’s a fear of judgment or rejection.
- It’s challenging to define your own values amid so much external noise.
A new adaptation of your favorite Tales of Old Japan story is released, but it takes significant creative liberties. What is your first response?
- I’m excited to see a fresh take on a classic.
- I’m cautiously optimistic but hope they didn’t ruin the heart of the story.
- I’m skeptical. It’s hard to beat the original.
- I’m boycotting it! Why can’t they just adapt the story faithfully?
What affects you the most: emotionally charged music, captivating literature, visually stunning films, or thought-provoking conversations?
- Captivating literature allows me to get lost in other worlds.
- I love a visually stunning film that transports me.
- Thought-provoking conversations make me think differently.
- I resonate deeply with emotionally charged music.
You have one year to master a new skill inspired by Tales of Old Japan. Which do you choose: calligraphy, swordsmanship, tea ceremony, or traditional Japanese gardening?
- The art of calligraphy, for its beauty, precision, and mindfulness.
- Swordsmanship, for its discipline, focus, and self-defense skills.
- The tea ceremony, for its ritualistic grace and emphasis on hospitality.
- Japanese gardening, for its tranquility, harmony with nature, and meditative qualities.
What’s your idea of a perfect evening, inspired by the ambiance and settings often found in Tales of Old Japan?
- A quiet evening at home, enjoying a cup of tea and reading a good book.
- Sharing a delicious meal with loved ones under a canopy of paper lanterns.
- Wandering through a moonlit garden, listening to the sounds of nature.
- Attending a traditional festival with vibrant music, dancing, and storytelling.
What is your strongest personality trait that would help you thrive in feudal Japan?
- My unwavering loyalty to those I care about.
- My adaptable nature and ability to think on my feet.
- My courage and willingness to face any challenge.
- My wisdom and insight into human nature.
You are at a party and someone makes a disrespectful remark about Japanese culture, completely unaware of your deep respect for it. What do you do?
- I politely correct them and engage in a thoughtful conversation to educate them.
- I call them out on their ignorance and make it clear that their words are offensive.
- I ignore them. It’s not worth my energy.
- I pull them aside later for a private conversation to express my disappointment.
What makes you nervous about the prospect of experiencing virtual reality that simulates feudal Japan?
- It feeling too real and triggering a fear response.
- The technology not living up to the hype.
- The potential for motion sickness.
- Losing myself in the virtual world and forgetting reality.
How comfortable are you with the idea of reincarnation, as often explored in Japanese spirituality?
- Very comfortable. I see it as a natural cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
- I’m open to the possibility.
- I’m not sure what to believe, but I find it fascinating.
- I don’t believe in reincarnation.