Kodama, you already know, that’s an iconic character from a Japanese legend. Although described as a small figure and dim in appearance, but his role is very big and noble. Protecting trees, protecting forests which also means protecting the world, I am serieous. It turns out that Japan is not only famous for its sushi, yes 😄 but also mythology that has local wisdom and good attitude for the environment.
In the depths of the mountain forests in Japan, dwell the spirits of the trees called Kodama, according to Japanese mythology. Kodama is literally the spirit of the tree, and is the soul of the tree itself. However, not all trees are inhabited by Kodama. Kodama is born when a tree reaches a certain age. Usually they only inhabit old and big trees in the forest, and they work to protect the forest from all threats of danger. The concept of a tree spirit is similar to dryads in Greek mythology, but if the Greek god likes to do obscene things to humans, Kodama is very calm.
This Kodama at certain times gathers patrolling to form a crowd to protect forest habitat. Kodamas are actually very rarely seen, but they can be heard, usually in the form of a delayed echoes in the valleys of Japan’s mountain forests. When they are seen, they usually emerge as a ball of dim light from a distance, or sometimes like dwarf humans with unique, funny, and playful shapes. Kodama’s life is directly connected to the tree he inhabits, and between Kodama and the tree give life to each other.
Kodama is a symbol of the sustainability of trees and forests. Residents who feel the tree is inhabited by Kodama usually mark the tree with shimenawa, a type of sacred knot in honor of Kodama. Usually, if there is a tree that bleeds when it is cut down, according to Japanese belief, it is a sign that the tree is inhabited by Kodama. Therefore, deliberately cutting an antique tree was a grave sin, and the inhabitants who did so would be subject to a curse.
Because of the legendary character and storyline Kodama became popular and appeared in many Japanese anime and games. One of the most popular is the blue round-headed kodama in the anime by Studio Ghibli entitled Princess Mononoke. In the film, the kodama is described as a little fairy and has a unique voice. They also come in swarms, appearing and disappearing at will when seen by humans. His nature is also very calm, although sometimes very annoying.
Second, he is the main character in a game made by Tsukasa entitled Kodama: The Game which tells of a Kodama who is on an adventure to find his friends all over Japan and invites them to return to their home forest to help the other Kodama protect the forest from evil monsters.
In Japan, there are still traditions of respecting the Kodama. One example is in Aogashima, Izu Island where people build small shrines under big trees to worship. Then in Mitsune Village, Hachijo-jima area, the residents hold a festival every year as a sign of respect for the kodama, asking for their blessing and forgiveness if one day they have to cut down trees for industrial purposes.
