Kimodameshi (肝試し or きもだめし, ; "testing one's liver"),[ 肝試し - コトバンク]
At night, usually during the summer, a group of people visits an ominous place such as a cemetery, haunted house, or secluded forest path to carry out specific missions there.[ Kimodameshi: Putting a chill in the Japanese summer - Stripes Okinawa]
History
In
Ōkagami, a Japanese historical tale from the early 12th century, it is written that
Emperor Kazan sent three of Fujiwara no Kaneie's sons to a house purportedly haunted by
oni at 3 o'clock in the morning; only Fujiwara no Michinaga succeeded in visiting the house, returning with a sword-damaged wooden post as evidence. This suggests that the idea of a "test of courage" had existed near the end of Japan's
Heian period.
Modern day
Kimodameshi may be overseen and carried out by
or
. In such instances, some preparation may be involved, and others may assume the role of scaring the participants.
Law
Without proper consideration, kimodameshi can result in crimes being committed, such as
(per Article 130 of the Penal Code of Japan),
vandalism (Article 261), and
intimidation or
coercion of those unwilling to participate (Articles 222 and 223).
See also
