Kotodama

Word Spirit

Japanese word kotodama or kototama means the soul living within the word. One of Japan’s classical names is kototama no sakiwau kuni — ‘the land where the mysterious workings of language bring bliss.’

Whenever we transform our thoughts and feelings into symbols visible, recognisable to others, as I am doing now, we make magic! We turn unknown into known, invisible into visible. We build the bridge from us to others.

Japanese, similar to the Inuit, for instance, do not distinguish between fiction and nonfiction as Westerners do. Instead, they ask of words, of stories, whether they help. Whether they bring hope, whether they edify?

The distinction they do draw is the one between authenticity and inauthenticity.

In the era of celebrity worship, high tech, and relentless desire for relevance, a gentle reminder of the words powerful magic might benefit us all.

Stop. Listen. The whisperings of the words spirits.