Reinosha: Unveiling Japan’s Mystical Spiritual Psychics
When travelers imagine Japan, they often visualize the neon lights of Tokyo’s Shinjuku district or the serene, manicured gardens of Kyoto. However, beneath the veneer of high-tech efficiency and structured tradition lies a deep, pulsating vein of the supernatural. This is the world of the Reinosha (霊能者)—individuals believed to possess spiritual abilities, acting as intermediaries between the physical world and the realm of spirits.
For the cultural explorer, understanding the Reinosha offers a fascinating glimpse into the Japanese soul, where ancient shamanism survives amidst modern skyscrapers.
The Origins: Shamanism and the Kami
To understand the Reinosha, one must look back to the dawn of Japanese civilization. Japan’s indigenous spirituality, Shinto, is animistic, based on the belief that Kami (gods or spirits) inhabit all things—from mountains and rivers to ancient trees and stones.
Historically, the boundary between the human and spirit worlds was navigated by shamans. In early Japanese history, political and religious power were often intertwined. The concept of Matsuri-goto referred to both governance and religious rituals.
Original Reinosha figures were often women, known as Miko (shrine maidens). While modern Miko primarily assist with shrine ceremonies, their ancestors were shamanistic mediums who practiced Kamigakari (god possession), channeling the will of the Kami to advise emperors and village leaders. This foundation set the stage for the Reinosha, who function outside the strict hierarchy of organized priesthoods, offering direct spiritual counsel.
Legend: The Itako of Mount Osore
Perhaps the most legendary manifestation of the Reinosha tradition is found in the remote Aomori Prefecture at Osorezan (Mount Osore). Known as one of the three most sacred places in Japan, it is a desolate, volcanic landscape often described as the entrance to the underworld.
Here, the legend of the Itako persists. The Itako are blind female mediums who undergo grueling ascetic training. They are famous for a ritual called Kuchiyose, in which they summon the souls of the deceased to speak through them.
While distinct from the general term Reinosha, the Itako represent the archetype of the Japanese medium in folklore. During the grandiose Osorezan Taisai festival held twice a year, thousands of mourners line up, hoping to hear words from lost loved ones. These interactions are not viewed merely as spooky ghost stories but as a vital form of grief counseling and ancestral reverence, deeply embedded in the Japanese psyche.
Modern Culture: Spirituality in the Digital Age
In contemporary Japan, the Reinosha has evolved. They are no longer confined to misty mountains or ancient shrines. The “Spiritual Boom” (Supirichuaru Buumu) of the early 2000s brought psychics into the mainstream media.
Today, a Reinosha might look like an ordinary business person. They offer services ranging from Uranai (fortune telling) to spiritual cleansing of new apartments and exorcisms (Oharai) for those plagued by bad luck.
- Media Presence: Reinosha frequently appear on variety TV shows, analyzing celebrity auras or visiting “haunted” locations.
- Power Spots: The modern belief in energy flow has popularized travel to “Power Spots”—locations like Mount Kurama or the Meiji Jingu shrine well—where people go to recharge their spiritual energy, often on the advice of a Reinosha.
This modernization proves that spiritualism in Japan is not a relic of the past; it is an active, living part of the culture that helps people navigate the stresses of modern life.
Traveler’s Tips: Experiencing the Spiritual Side
If you are interested in exploring this mystical side of Japan, keep these tips in mind:
- Visit Osorezan: If you are adventurous, a trip to Mount Osore in Aomori provides a hauntingly beautiful look at the traditions of mediums. Note that it is only open seasonally (usually May to October).
- Respect the Atmosphere: When visiting shrines or Power Spots, maintain a respectful demeanor. These are places of worship, not theme parks.
- Omikuji: You don’t need a private session with a Reinosha to get spiritual advice. Visit any major shrine and draw an Omikuji (paper fortune). Many are now available in English.
- Skepticism and Etiquette: While scams exist everywhere, for many Japanese, these beliefs are sincere. Avoid openly mocking rituals or spiritual counselors if you encounter them.
Sources & Further Reading
For those wishing to delve deeper into the historical context of Japanese spirituality and shamanism, the following texts are essential:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Japan’s oldest chronicle, detailing the age of the Kami and early shamanistic queens like Himiko.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Offers further historical context on the relationship between the imperial court and spiritual rituals.
- Carmen Blacker, “The Catalpa Bow: A Study of Shamanistic Practices in Japan”: A seminal academic work exploring the history of Miko, ascetics, and mediums.