Kodama

In Aogashima in the Izu Islands, small shrines at the base of large trees in the mountains show that people’s understanding of the kodama has not died out. These are ancient spirits; their longevity shows that living in a large old tree in the mountains is normally a safe and comfortable strategy for a spirit. Kodama are not confined to their trees but scamper about in remote mountains and valleys. In some places, if you call out loudly, kodama among the trees will repeat your call. But since the kodama make their homes inside trees, a woodsman there must know which trees to leave alone. If he harms its home, a kodama would curse him. Hence the shrines. * Tourists bring a new interest in kodama along with considerable spending money. Keepers of kodama shrines began to charge for admission. People think this is a good thing. More people learn about kodama and people who protect their trees are rewarded. Local people have built new shrines, even where it’s uncertain that kodama are present. These are closer to the main paths, so that tourists don’t need to get their feet wet traipsing into the mountains. This relieves kodama of regular intrusions. This is not a cult; local people are just being practical. Everyone wins.