Kokology Ep.1: Introducing… Kokology

The fascinating, addictive pop-psych quiz game that reveals the surprising real you.

Created by a famous Japanese psychologist, Kokology is the study of kokoro (”mind” or “spirit” in Japanese). Based on sound psychological principles, Kokology asks you to answer questions about seemingly innocent topics - such as the color of an imaginary bird that has flown in your window - and then reveals what your answers say about you. Kokology offers a unique approach to self-discovery and, when played with others, can provide hilarious insight into the you that they never knew.

Isamu Saito is a renowned professor at Rissho and Waseda Universities in Japan. he is the author of a number of bestselling books on psychology and relationships. He created Kokology.

Tadahiko Nagao is the head of the Kokology Project Team, which is overseen by Professor Saito. Kokology has sold more than four million copies in all its editions in Japan.

Eight Tips For Playing Kokology

1. Say the first thing that pops into your head.
2. Play with other people if you can.
3. Don’t try to predict the answers.
4. Be honest with yourself.
5. Be prepared.
6. Don’t read ahead.
7. Watch people’s reactions (including your own).
8. Keep an open mind.

A Desert Journey

Note: As much as possible, I don’t want to copy the exact words from the book. I want to make it shorter, but still, understandable.

Scenario 1: You are at work… You still have lots of pending jobs to do. Overtime. Everybody is already going home. You are unsure if you can finish the work you are doing.

Scenario 2: It’s time for the most boring subject you have in your class. There’s still 2 1/2 hours left.

And now… let’s imagine ourselves in a desert…

1. You are riding a camel in a desert. You really feel tired and exhausted. What will you say to the camel who has been with you all throughout your journey in the desert?

2. You are really thirsty. Luckily, you saw an oasis. But you are surprised to see that someone has arrived before you. WHo is he/she? (A person you know).

3. Finally, your destination is already in sight. How do you feel now?

4. You have to leave the camel now since you already reached your destination. Another person will now ride to the camel. Who is he/she?

My Answers:

1. When I first read this, I thought that I will ask the camel how is he, hoping that he is still okay. Of course, how can I go on without him?

2. Actually, I was thinking that if I have to go to the desert, I would probably joining my friends as we travel. So to be honest, the person I thought I saw in the oasis is a friend who I had some misunderstanding recently.

3. Seeing the destination makes me feel good. I forgot that I am tired. Maybe I will have tears of joy too. Hehe.

4. I thought of that person as a friend also. Just like what I said, I would really prefer to travel the desert with my friends all together. So if this person is a friend, maybe we still have some misunderstandings that have never been resolved that’s why we try to avoid each other.

The Answers:

The desert and camel theme symbolizes the journey toward personal independence. Specifically, this scenario reveals your feelings about parting with a lover. Your answers show how you might react when the time comes to go your separate ways.

Meaning of your anwer to item #1: The words you spoke to the camel reveal what you might say to yourself when you realize love has been lost.

Meaning of your anwer to item #2: The person you encountered here could be someone who has helped or comforted you in the past or one you might turn to in times of need.

Meaning of your anwer to item #3: Your feelings upon reaching the town are your true feelings about finally getting over a lost love.

Meaning of your anwer to item #4: The new rider is a person toward whom you feel a secret rivalry, jealousy, or resentment.