Guilt and its sibling emotion of shame are emotions that I feel are generally useless. Most of my experiences with this emotion can be summed up in the title of Manuel Smith’s book, “When I Say ‘No’, I Feel Guilty” (1975). I usually view guilt as a form of manipulation: something people do to get you to do what they want you to do.

In studying what ( Read more... )

Japanese Days of the Week

In the 800’s, the Japanese adopted their “official” calendar system from the Chinese.  One of the major aspects of the Chinese calendar was the seven day week.  The Chinese, in turn, had adopted the seven day week from the West.  However, they changed the week day names to match the elements instead of the original names ( Read more... )

At the opposite end of holy people are the fox-owning families (kitsune-mochi).  These families possess kitsune who protect them, their property, and rice paddies from harm.  Many people avoid these families since if the family is offended, the kitsune will take possession of the offenders.
            The Japanese usually divide kitsune into two ( Read more... )

To describe kitsune or Japanese fox spirits is to enter a world of illusion, of alternative realities.  Like a wisp of smoke, you attempt to hold it, and always you come away with nothing.  Reading several kitsune stories is similar to diving into a lake and arriving at another world where the imagination rules.
            Ostensibly, kitsune are ( Read more... )