What’s Your Japanese Spirit Animal?

By: Ian Fortey
Estimated Completion Time
6 min
What’s Your Japanese Spirit Animal?
Image: DoctorEgg / Moment / Getty Images

About This Quiz

In the West, we often only know Japan from what we see in the media, and that very often focuses on urban centers. We know that Tokyo is a massive city with cutting edge technology. Much of the rest of Japan may be unknown to those of us who haven't gone out of our way to learn about it. Beyond the amazing food and rich culture of Japan, there's a whole world to be discovered. Mountains and forests abound, with huge tracts of untouched wilderness covering the island. All of that land is home to a range of creatures both big and small that have lived in Japan for centuries. In fact, there are a number of creatures that are endemic to Japan and can't be found anywhere else on Earth. It's a truly unique and diverse ecosystem that ranges from the nearly arctic cold in Hokkaido down to the subtropical areas of Okinawa. 

It shouldn't come as a surprise that with such diverse geography there are a number of diverse creatures, as well. Perhaps more than you may have thought at first, and certainly even some that are more closely linked to you than you might imagine. We're confident that you have a spirit animal in Japan just waiting to be discovered. So what are you waiting for? Take the quiz and find out what it is.


When a friend comes to you with a serious problem, are you able to offer support and advice when they need it?
I'm not super good at dealing with other people's problems.
I'll do whatever I can to help.
I can try.
If they ask for my advice, I'll share my thoughts.

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On a long road trip, are you willing to risk speeding down an empty stretch of highway?
Of course!
I'd rather play it safe.
You're always good to go at least a few miles over the speed limit, aren't you?
I'd rather wait until other cars are around so I don't stand out.

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Does your stomach knot up with nerves just before you have a job interview?
No, I'm pretty cool.
Like you wouldn't believe
Almost nothing makes me nervous.
I feel some flutters but I'm usually fine.

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We all go through relationship ups and downs. Are you usually the person who breaks it off when a relationship goes sour?
Definitely
I think I get dumped more than I dump.
I haven't really been in that many relationships.
It's about even.

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If you had the option of installing some kind of totally unnecessary but still very fun luxury in your home, what would it be?
Home theater
Swimming pool
Hot tub
Game room

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Do you ever go for walks just for the fun of walking?
Do people do that?
I wish I had the time.
Every once in a while
All the time

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If your health wouldn't suffer as a result, would you eat fast food all the time?
I couldn't afford to keep that up.
I don't think so.
Oh, yeah!
I'd eat it more often but not all the time.

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What gives you the best night's sleep?
I can sleep pretty much anywhere.
Waterbed
A nice, firm mattress
One of those adjustable beds

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If you could magically make yourself a skilled athlete in any one sport, what game would you like to dominate?
Basketball
Golf
Professional wrestling
Soccer

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There are a lot of different ways you can tie the knot. What sounds like the best wedding to you?
Go down to the courthouse and elope
A big, opulent wedding with all my family and friends
Weekend in Vegas
Just a small gathering and a little reception afterward

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Sometimes you just get super hungry and a regular meal won't cut it. When that happens, would you visit a buffet?
I've never been to a buffet I really liked.
I don't need that much food.
I love the buffet!
I'll go if everyone else is.

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It can be hard to control your emotions sometimes. Do sad movies ever make you cry?
I don't really watch sad movies.
Pretty much all the time
Nah, it's all fake.
Yeah, if it's a real tearjerker.

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Do you feel like you want to do things just like your parents did or do you want to strike out on your own?
I don't know much about how my parents did anything.
My parents set a good example.
My parents had some good ideas, but there are different things I want to do, too.
I follow my own path.

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Imagine a world with no cities and no technology. What kind of environment would you be living in?
Out in the open country
Near the water somewhere
In the deep woods
I'd love to live in the mountains.

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Most of the Earth has already been discovered and mapped out, but space is wide open. Would you explore a new world if you could?
I think I'm happy to stay here and keep an eye on Earth.
I'd be too scared, I think.
That sounds like the adventure of a lifetime.
I'd love to visit a new world, but I don't know if I'm bold enough to go first.

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Some people have extremely vivid dreams. Have you ever had a dream you thought was real?
I barely even remember my dreams.
All the time
Not that I can recall
It happens very rarely.

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Do you feel an actual connection to nature when you're outside?
I'm not sure.
A strong connection
I feel something, but it could just be that I like being outside.
Sometimes, under the right circumstances

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Do you think you have keen enough survival skills to handle being lost in the woods for a few days?
Maybe for a couple of days but not too long
Not at all
I like to think so.
I wouldn't want to risk it.

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Would you ever move to another country to be with someone you loved?
I don't think I could do that.
Yes, I would.
I'd really have to think about it.
Anything's possible.

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Do you think the widespread use of technology like cellphones and the internet has helped humanity or made the world worse?
Both
I think technology can do a lot of good in the world.
Seems like there are a lot of downsides
It all depends on who is using it and how.

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Do you have a passion for traveling and seeing distant lands, or do you like to stay closer to home?
I haven't really traveled enough to know what I prefer.
I kind of like to stick to where I'm comfortable.
I like vacations, but I don't want to stay away too long.
I travel as much as I can.

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If someone wrongs you, are you quick to forgive or will you hold a grudge?
I grudge like it's my job.
Forgive and forget, I say.
I'll be angry for a while, but it will fade.
Might depend on how I was wronged

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Are you the kind of friend who will plan an elaborate party for someone on their birthday?
I don't really plan parties.
Definitely, I go all out.
Nah, but I'll make sure my friend has a good time.
I've been known to throw a party or two.

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We eat to get energy, but sometimes we eat for the joy of it. What's your favorite comfort food dish?
Fried chicken
Mac and cheese
Meatloaf
Ice cream

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If you get caught out in the rain, what's your typical reaction going to be?
Run for cover
I love playing in the rain.
Get indoors as soon as I can
It's just rain, no big deal.

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Sometimes a phone call can last forever. Do you like your calls to end fast or are you a talker?
Make it quick!
I could talk all day.
A call should last as long as it needs to and no longer.
Well, some people are worth talking to longer than others.

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Are you the kind of person who can make decisions easily or do you spend a lot of time mulling over your options?
I'm pretty good at making up my mind.
I'm very indecisive.
It depends on my mood and the decision.
You should always take your time with important decisions.

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Are you happy?
Not as happy as I want to be
Extremely
Right now? Sure. Tomorrow? Who knows?
Overall, I think I'm pretty happy with life.

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Do you think it's important to learn more than one language if you can?
Not necessarily
Definitely
Yeah, but it's hard to do.
I would love to learn more languages.

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Are you a workaholic, or do you like to slack off when you can?
I'm a pretty hard worker.
I work, but I love my time off.
I wish I didn't have to work.
I can get distracted pretty easily.

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