Kokology: Pictures At An Exhibition

Kokology- [Japanese, kokoro, mind, spirit, feelings + Greek, logia, the study of] 1. A series of psychological games designed to uncover emotional and behavioral traits of the players  2.  A popular term for the interpretation of the hidden meanings of human behavior and situational responses -- kokologist n -- kokological - adj -- kokologize v

"When we set out to develop Kokology, our first and foremost goal was to make it fun.  After all, who in their right mind would want to play a game that isn't?  The basic concept was already there --- or plan was to create a game where people would imagine themselves in everyday situations and unusual scenarios and respond to simple questions.  The answers are interpreted from a psychological perspective and tell us something about the way that person's mind works.  It's kind of like a Rorschach test that uses words instead of inkblots". -- Tadahiko Nagao

 Eight Tips For Playing Kokology

1. Say the first thing that pops into your head.  The game works best if you don't hesitate or agonize over your choice of words.  There is no right or wrong answer.
2. Play with other people if you can. 
3. Don't try to predict the answer. 
4. Be honest with yourself.  Kokology may be only a game, but like any good game, it can teach you something about yourself if you let it.  Don't be afraid to accept the truth when a minor fault or shortcoming of yours is exposed. 
5. Be prepared.  Some of the quizzes will ask you to write something down or draw a picture, so it's a good idea to have a pen or pencil and some paper handy before you start. 
6. Don't read ahead.  Don't be tempted to skew your answers by peeking at the interpretations.  What fun is that?
7. Watch people's reactions (including your own).
8. Keep an open mind.    As in life, it's important when playing Kokology to keep things in perspective.  There are no correct answers and there is more than one way of reading any situation.   

Kokology, The Game of Self-Discovery by Tadahiko Nagoo and Isamu Saito  ©1998 pages 1, 12, 13, 29-31

Pictures At An Exhibition

Every once in awhile it's nice to take a break from your busy schedule and experience the world of art firsthand.  Some of us go to concerts or plays, come take up dance or musical instrument, others try their hand at crafts.  And of course, there's always a trip to the museum....

You are standing in front of a a painting at an art museum, hands clasped behind you back as you try to take it in, when a total stranger comes up alongside you and says something to you.  Which of the following does the stranger say?

1. "Isn't that a beautiful picture?"
2. "What do you think of this painting?"
3. "Excuse me, do you have the time?"
4. "You know, I happen to be a painter myself."

 Don't peek ahead!  Pick your answer first!

Key To Pictures At An Exhibition

When a stranger suddenly speaks to you, there's always a momentary mix of apprehension and expectancy.  In this imaginary scenario, the words the stranger spoke actually reflect how you react in chance encounters and when meeting others.  Your answer reveals what kind of impression you make when meeting someone for the first time.

"Isn't that a beautiful picture?"

Your friendly and positive nature creates a great first impression on almost everyone you meet.  Your only concern should be that people may not take you seriously at first.

 "What do you think of this painting?"

You're the type who likes to feel out the other person's temperament before committing yourself to anything.  People can sense that hesitancy, and it may color their reactions to you.  You won't step on any toes with your cautious approach, but you may end up living on other person's terms

"Excuse me, do you have the time?"

To half the world you seem like an all right sort, but to the other half you look just a little strange.  You create a first impression of living life at your own pace and maintaining an individuality that some would call eccentric.  You don't place much importance on what others may be thinking or feeling.  For better or worse, therein lies the secret to you.

"You know, I happen to be a painter myself."

On first meeting someone, you come across as a little bit nervous and overeager.  Maybe you're just trying too hard to be liked, but the harder you try, the worse an impression you make.  Don't worry so much about making people think you're great -- they'll like you better if you just loosen up and relax.