Huldufólk (EN: Hidden people, Elf-like existence) also living here.
Sadly even though I've been in Iceland more than 15 years, I haven't met them.
Icelanders don't talk about Huldufólk daily, moreover I don't feel that people strongly believe Elves.
However, people might say naturally, like "That rock over there is related to Huldufólk...".
I believe that this Icelanders' "feeling" is very familiar to Japanese people.
Because Japanese people also have similar kind of sense that "existence that is not easily visible," such as Yookai-monsters and ghosts in our life. (Of course how strongly "believe" is depends on the person.)
In 2024, I believe that almost no Japanese encounter Yookai-monsters regularly.
But, for example, Japanese-inn in Iwate Prefecture and in Tohoku-region where you may be able to meet a "zashiki-warashi" are still popular and it's not easy to make a reservation for staying.
There are proverbs related to Yokai-monsters, like "Kappa no kawanagare (EN: Even Homer sometimes nods.)" and "Onaji ana no Mujina (EN: Birds of a feather.)".
I've never met Japanese who complains "There are no kappas!" or "There are no Yokai-monsters, so the proverb doesn't make sense" or something like that.
In recent years, it seems that many Japanese say they are "non-religious" people.
Though I believe that only a few would consider Jizo-statue is just a stone statue so may treat badly, or may behave "whatever" when they visit temples and shrines.
In the first place, in my opinion, listening to the bells on New Year's Eve or going to a shrine/temple for praying on New Year's day means people still have a certain kind of devotions.
Summer is the season for ghost stories, and I'm sure some people test their courage by doing Kimodameshi.
Ghosts (Yuurei, Obake), Yokai-monsters, spirits, gods... there are many "beings that are not easily visible" in Japan.
Probably now more people are "not denying their existence" than "actively believing" in them.
But still, I understand that believe "beings that are not easily visible" is the Japanese sensibility and culture.
Ghosts (Yuurei, Obake), Yokai-monsters, spirits, gods... there are many "beings that are not easily visible" in Japan.
Probably now more people are "not denying their existence" than "actively believing" in them.
But still, I understand that believe "beings that are not easily visible" is the Japanese sensibility and culture.
