Kimodameshi Explained

Kimodameshi (Japanese: 肝試し or Japanese: きもだめし; "testing one's liver"),[1] known in English as a test of courage, is a Japanese activity in which people explore frightening and potentially dangerous places to build up courage.[2] [3]

At night, usually during the summer, a group of people visits an ominous place such as a cemetery, haunted house, or secluded forest path to carry out specific missions there.[4] [5] [6] [7] The exercise teaches the group that, working together, they can overcome their fear.[8]

History

In Ōkagami, a Japanese historical tale from the early 12th century, it is written that Emperor Kazan sent three of Fujiwara no Kaneie's sons to a house purportedly haunted by oni at 3 o'clock in the morning; only Fujiwara no Michinaga succeeded in visiting the house, returning with a sword-damaged wooden post as evidence. This suggests that the idea of a "test of courage" had existed near the end of Japan's Heian period.

Modern day

Kimodameshi may be overseen and carried out by school clubs or summer camps. In such instances, some preparation may be involved, and others may assume the role of scaring the participants.

Law

Without proper consideration, kimodameshi can result in crimes being committed, such as trespassing (per Article 130 of the Penal Code of Japan), vandalism (Article 261), and intimidation or coercion of those unwilling to participate (Articles 222 and 223).

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: History of Traditional Medicine: Proceedings of the 1st and 2nd International Symposia on the Comparative History of Medicine--East and West : 1st Symposium: October 22-28, 1976, 2nd Symposium: October 23-29, 1977, Susuno-shi, Shizuoka, Japan. Teizō. Ogawa. April 20, 1986. Division of Medical History, the Taniguchi Foundation. April 20, 2018. Google Books.
  2. https://kotobank.jp/word/%E8%82%9D%E8%A9%A6%E3%81%97-475896 肝試し
  3. Book: Martin, Samuel E.. Tuttle Compact Japanese Dictionary, 2nd Edition: Japanese-English English-Japanese. February 12, 2013. Tuttle Publishing. 9781462910823. April 20, 2018. Google Books.
  4. https://okinawa.stripes.com/news/kimodameshi-putting-chill-japanese-summer Kimodameshi: Putting a chill in the Japanese summer
  5. Book: Stevenson, John. Yoshitoshi's Strange Tales. April 20, 2018. Hotei Publishing. 9789074822718. April 20, 2018. Google Books.
  6. Web site: Miyamoto And The Super Mario Kart Team On Drifting, Battle Mode And Creating Tension On The Track. June 29, 2016. nintendolife.com. April 20, 2018.
  7. Web site: The Children's Folklore Review. April 20, 2018. East Carolina University. April 20, 2018. Google Books.
  8. Book: Hendry, Joy. The Orient strikes back: a global view of cultural display. registration. kimodameshi game.. October 1, 2000. Berg. 9781859733332. April 20, 2018. Internet Archive.

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