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I would like to introduce some background information on Japanese culture for non-Japanese readers to deepen their understanding of the story when reading "Kamisama Kiss".
Today's topic is "kagami" (mirror).
"kagami" (mirror)
Since ancient times in Japan, the objects enshrined as the "yorishiro" where Kami dwells have been nature itself such as rocks, mountains and trees. However, mirrors are enshrined in many shrines in Japan. Why did mirrors come to be enshrined in shrines?
In everyday life, mirrors are used to reflect oneself.
The fact that mirrors are enshrined in many shrines has the important meaning that worshipers face their own Kami reflected in the mirror and look back on themselves.
They worship their own Kami in the mirror and become aware of their daily actions.
The shrine is also a place where you can be aware of Kami in yourself as a worshiper reflected in the mirror.
The etymologies of "Kagami" (mirror) are said to be in "Kagemi" (seeing shadows).
The worshipers themselves face with Kami through the mirror and worship with a sincere and pure heart. They look in the mirror and think things by themselves.
It is important for worshipers to listen to their own voices and continue to ask themselves, without asking others for answers easily.
What does Tomoe look at when he faces with Jiro? (Vol.10)
In "Kamisama Kiss", various mirrors appear.
The mirrors are depicted as necessary items for both the characters in the story and the reader himself/herself to "see the true quality of things without being bound by selfishness."
"If you call yourself a man, a strong man, be honest and admit you like Nanami! Watching you is like watching a mirror, and that annoys me."(Vol.10)
At Mt. Kurama, Tomoe looks at Jiro and understands that Tomoe himself is not obedient to Nanami (Vol. 10). Tomoe tells Jiro that he seems to be looking in the mirror. Tomoe is looking at Jiro and thinking about his own approach to Nanami there.
