An Unfortunate Fortune Teller
The other day, I found myself enjoying the waning winter snow in the bustling city of Sendai, a sprawling metropolis near the north-most tip of Honshu. Though the natural ambience was lovely, my poor constitution got the better of me, and I soon found myself in dire need of a hot meal. Thankfully, my hotel boasted a modest but well-kept ramen shop on its
lowest floor, and after a brisk jaunt around the block I was seated and
awaiting my dinner with palpable intrigue.
Whilst waiting for my victuals, I chanced upon a set of office workers occupying the both across from my position at the bar. With a platter of sake distributed between them, the boisterous trio seemed to be in high spirits, and spoke to one another in an uproarious, but ultimately charming manner. Unable to resist my natural inclination to ease-drop, I kept one ear fixed in their general direction.
From what I gathered, the three men were to begin work on a larger project for their boss, and had yet to determine who should bear the burden of the project leader. What followed shortly after caused me to stiffen up right then and there. One of the men, feeling particularly clever, produced a worn paper sheet from within his coat pocket, and laid it out on the table before his compatriots. It contents, at first glance, appeared simple: little more than the Japanese alphabet.
I, for my part, knew better than to trust the mysterious sheet, and attempted to beckon out to the other restaurant guests. Sadly, my timing was imperfect, and the unsuspecting desk-workers had already begun to run a coin along the outer edge of the paper. In an instant, the lights of the establishment began to flicker. Vapors of an unnatural hue began to pour forth from the kitchen, and a long, low wail echoed within the interior. It was then that I knew that my fellows had summoned an uninvited dinner guest: the enigmatic Kokkuri.
Spectral Features and History
The game of "Kokkuri" claims origin back to late 1800's Japan, at a time when the nation had begun to fervently embrace and sensationalize all things Western. And, of the various imports that imprinted upon the newly-industrialized nation, few were more attractive, or more sinister than the notion of occidental astrology.
Despite having their own well-established methods of divination, people of the Meiji era took a liking to the concept of the western Ouija Board, and have made use of this adaptation ever since. Not unlike a Ouija Board, the palette for Kokkuri is comprised of the Japanese alphabet, a number bar ranging from zero to nine, a "yes or no" table, and a sketch of a Japanese Torii Gate.
To commune with those now past, participants take a coin (or sometimes a pen) and place it over the aforementioned gate. Torii represent the pathway to the next life, and are hence integral in the summoning process. Summoners then call forth the spirit that dwells within Kokkuri, often attaching the honorific suffix of "san" to denote respect for the spirit, making it Mr. or Mrs. Kokkuri. Interested parties will then ask their questions, and the coin will be drawn to the characters for their answer by an unseen force.
As with any oracle of this nature, the potential for calling a malevolent ghoul or unsightly spirit runs high, as the user has no guarantee who they might encounter throughout the process. Interestingly, the very characters of "ko", "ku", and "ri", when read independently, indicate the spirit of foxes, goblins, and mischievous racoon dogs, and it is therefore considered that such entities may freely interact with the board. This being the case, those the call upon its power are often trained professionals, or inexperienced youths seeking a cheap thrill.
Notable Accounts
In terms of comparative literature, I have found few souls brave enough (or still among the living) that can give testament to the experience of harnessing Kokkuri's power. That said, there are several sources that give instructions on how to best wield the oracle. In particular, the writers at SunSigns.org speak of Kokkuri in a dissenting, and positive light. They hold that, given enough respect and courtesy, one may amicably interact with Kokkuri and seek out the knowledge they so desire. Nonetheless, the site staff also emphasize that one must take great care to dismiss the spirit before removing one's hands from the board, lest they become possessed or contaminated by Kokkuri itself.
Closing Remarks and Parting Advice
As a maelstrom of otherworldly energy overtook the modest eatery, my dish was torn from the chef's hands, and steaming hot soup soon dominated the surface of my vintage pea-coat. Falling back with a howl, I landed rather unceremoniously on the floor, and pitifully wriggled out of my burning garment. With eyes ablaze with anguish and frustration, I returned my gaze to the drunken, and now rather frightened men occupying the far booth.
Regaining what little I could of my composure, I traipsed towards them, and observed the manic force with which their hands were tugged this way and that across the table. Without sparing a moment for greeting or introduction, I clasped my hand on top of theirs' and hoarsely inquired in English, "Shall I tip the chef for his troubles?".
The men looked up in confusion, but it was not there befuddlement that I was keen to see. Instead, I watched as the coin shuddered where it lay, before springing to two characters that denoted a question: "What?". I repeated my interrogation once more, this time in French, and then again in German, Greek, and returned to English for emphasis. With each iteration, the coin seemed more and more vexed by my words, and responded the same way each time.
My anger and my volume rising in unison, I spat out, "And who exactly is going to cover the cost of my coat?!". My voice thundering down at it, the current occupant of the Kokkuri board seemingly retreated in its entirety, and my fellow diner's arms fell slack against the table. Needless to say, they were much indebted to my strange intervention, and I was thus able to repair my belongings with little concern.
All in all, Kokkuri is not so dangerous a thing, provided one has the good sense to avoid it. As it requires a human component to work its mischief, it is among the more benign aberrations you might come across in the routine day to day. Conversely, should you fall prey to the specter's grasp, I strongly encourage the presence of an exorcist, or at least someone well-versed in another foreign language.
In terms of danger, I dub this creature to be a C-Class Threat: best left alone, but not the most lethal of its kin. Until next time, may you temper your thirst for divination, and remain curious from a safe distance.
Sincerely,
C.V. Hastings
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