KEMONOMIMI INFO!

獣耳 ; lit. "beast/animal ears"

A kemono is a spirit (youkai) in japanese folklore. These spirits have a beast form and may also have a human form, though their human form will retain some beast features. They come in many forms, from creatures like Byakko, Bakeneko, and the Kappa, to Keizobo, Kawauso, and Kitsune.In the west, "kemonomimi" has started to have a different meaning : "a person who wears animal ears, tails, or other accessories."While using the term may seem harmless, there are many people, myself included, who feel the term is appropriative and does not adhere to it's original japanese meaning.

• Alterhumanity
• Cultural Aspects
• Notes
• End

ALTERHUMANITY

In terms of alterhumanity, using the term "kemonomimi" to simply mean "someone who wears animal accessories" takes the term away from people who it may actually apply to.As stated before, kemonos are where "kemonomimis" came from. That being said, referring to yourself as a kemonomimi (i.e. referring to yourself as a kemono of some sort) when you do not have any connection to the creature is like someone calling themselves a therian when they're just a furry.They do not have the spiritual or psychological connection to the creature, and therefore cannot use that term for themselves.

CULTURAL IMPACT

Another aspect to consider when using the term kemonomimi in the western way is the cultural impact kemono and kemonomimi, as well as youkai in general, have had on japanese culture.Many spiritual or religious beliefs in japanese culture stem from kemonos and other similar youkai. For example, many people in mainland japan believe Ōnamazu, a giant catfish youkai, thrashes about in the mud and causes earthquakes. Similarly, many holiday traditions in japan stem from warding off evil spirits, which may include youkai. For example, holidays like Setsubun (Spring Equinox) and New Year feature specific traditions used to drive away evil youkai.

Other things to remember

None of this means you can't dress up and have fun expressing yourself. You can do literally whatever you want forever. But! My ultimate goal with making this carrd was to inform people of kemonomimis actual meaning and combat people watering it down and erasing the culture behind it.If you do enjoy dressing up with animal accessories, cool! You're cosplaying a kemono/kemonomimi. Remember that kemonomimi ears, tails, and other beast features are features they are born with.If you do identify as a kemonomimi/kemono or with kemonomimi/kemono, then great! You can call yourself a kemonomimi! Kemonomimi is an alterhuman term, not one to describe how someone dresses or what hobbies they enjoy.

Thanks for reading!

This Carrd was made by an indigenous japanese person