Shinto references in Silent Hill F

Konami’s latest Silent Hill game The horror series “Silent Hill F” has sold more than one million copies in a single day. The series is known for its psychological nightmares and grotesque monsters that have tormented players since the first installment in 1999.

period silent hill transfer At the press conference, lead producer Okamoto Motoi said that initially, the games were “born by fusing the essence of Japanese horror with the essence of Western horror.” But now, with the 18th iteration of the series, the studio has shifted its focus, with its signature eerie fog covering Japan for the first time. Okamoto went on to say that Silent Hill F is “100% Japanese horror.”

Set in rural Japan in the 1960s, at the height of the Showa era, the game centers on Japanese culture (particularly Shintoism) and incorporates thematic messages of marriage and autonomy. from the towering Torii Less than two minutes into the game, players are drawn into the opening cutscene. “Faith” is one of Hinako’s health indicators. Religious themes and traditions are subtly integrated into the storyline. Players travel through Ebisuoka Village and the dark shrine plane where flowers and flesh flourish.

Recognizing and understanding these references adds an extra layer of appreciation to the game, but before we get into the specifics, a note of caution: prospective players and parents should keep in mind that the game has a CERO Z (18+) rating in Japan and an M (17+) rating from the U.S. Entertainment Software Rating Council. Adult content includes depictions of sexism, child abuse, bullying, drug-induced hallucinations, torture, and intense violence.

That said, here’s a selection of the numerous references to Japanese culture and Shintoism in the game. Please be aware of spoilers ahead.

Game screenshot (right) © Konami Digital Entertainment

Inari-sama and the foxes

Shinto is a religion without a single founder or fixed dogma. However, it does have countless usor gods, a concept expressed in the phrase “yaoyorozu no kami” (literally “eight million gods”). Shinto, meaning “the way of the gods,” focuses on worshiping gods, illustrious ancestors, inanimate relics, and natural phenomena.

Inari Okami or Oinari-sama is one of the basic gods of Shintoism, representing prosperity, commerce, agriculture, rice, and fertility. Inari worship is widespread, with more than 30,000 shrines dedicated to the god Inari across Japan. The most famous is of course Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine In Kyoto. It has a rich history of over 1,300 years and has appeared in numerous movies and pop culture images.

foxFoxes, seen in mythology as shape-shifting tricksters and benevolent creatures, were seen as messengers or emissaries of Inari-sama. Inari Shrine is home to numerous statues of foxes, often wearing red bibs or holding keys to the rice barns where the harvest is stored—essentially, life itself.

Oinari-sama appears in Silent Hill F Immediately, articles were revealed detailing rumors that “Inari-sama’s Curse” had infected Emisuoka. Of course, foxes are also important figures in the game, from the character Fox Mask (whose human surname is Tsuneki, a clever spelling of “kitsune”) to the fox statues guarding the shrine and the final boss monsters Nanao and Kyuubi in fox form.

Game screenshot (right) © Konami Digital Entertainment

Sale

Sale They are small roadside shrines dedicated to minor deities that are not enshrined at the main site. In Silent Hill F, Hokola serves as a progress checkpoint and a location where sacrifices can be exchanged for faith and improved statistics.

In real life, food-based offerings such as rice, mochi, and sake are reserved for the gods to enjoy. It is believed that the fox’s favorite food is fried tofu, so at Inari Shrine, crime and Inari Sushi is a common sight. You’ll find this reflected in Silent Hill F’s in-game products.

Game screenshot (right) © Konami Digital Entertainment

Kegare and hand water

After expelling her soul, Kitsune Mask calls Sakuko – Hinako’s childhood friend and the daughter of the family that runs Emisuoka Shrine – kegareand told Hinako that Sakuko is “an impurity that no longer bothers you.” “Kegare” is a Shinto term referring to pollution and evil corruption, including physical, mental and spiritual impurity. It was believed that impurities attached to a person would bring great disaster to society because they would cut off the connection with the gods. concepts mentioned in trivial matter The ancient mythological chronicle, written in 712, is thought to have developed during the Yayoi period (900 BC to AD 300).

Purification is one of the core principles of Shinto beliefs and can be achieved by participating in purification practices, e.g. hand water. Using hand water, people use a ladle to pour water on their left hand and then on their right hand to purify themselves before entering the shrine’s main hall. Then, rinse your mouth with water and carefully spit it out. Finally, tilt the shovel vertically so that the remaining water runs down the handle, purifying it for the next user. Kitsune Mask recreates this ritual step by step in the game, with Hinako hallucinating that the water is filled with bubbling lava.

Character image from SHf costume design booklet (right) © Konami Digital Entertainment

The Sho Clan Miko and Chihaya

mikoShrine girls are primarily young, unmarried women who serve as intermediaries between the mortal and divine realms. The history of shrine maidens dates back to the Jomon period (14,500-900 B.C.), when they served as shamans to perform religious rituals and deliver messages to gods.

Although their role has changed over the years, especially after shamanism was banned in the late 19th century, they still perform duties at Shinto shrines today, assisting the chief priests and overseeing the general maintenance of the shrine grounds.

True clan are traditional robes. For witches, they are made of speaker — a white kimono-style robe that symbolizes purity — and fire cauldronred, wrinkles teeth (loose pants) represent energy. During special rituals and dance rituals, the shrine maiden hall Chihaya — a white Haori Coats with floral designs or other symbols of significance to the shrine—draped over their regular clothing.

“kegare” Sakuko and the miko who assist in Hinako’s transformation ceremony are dressed in miko costumes, complete with Chihaya. During combat, Sakuko wields a spike-covered weapon reminiscent of a miko’s weapon Kaja’s tears Bellman. The usual colorful ribbons worn by employees were replaced by rough ribbons. Kusari Gama Chain sickle. Kagura bells are used by shrine maidens to perform Kagura dance, which is called Fat Mikoa ritual that invites the sun goddess Amaterasu to spread her light. In a twisted twist, the terrifying Sako’s fight choreography is directly inspired by Kagura dance, with her attacks imitating the ringing of a bell stick.

Game screenshot (right) © Konami Digital Entertainment

Bai Wu and Meng Yue

The White Monster in the game is named after its white color kimono It has the same name as the one worn at Shinto weddings. white eyesConsidered top-notch formal wear, all are pure white so that the bride can “absorb the colors of the groom and his family.”

Bai Wujin, although simple in color, is decorated with meticulous embroidery and weaving details to create a sophisticated garment with multiple layers. Hidden in Bai Wujin is he won’t miss it Damask pouch to hold small cosmetic essentials such as comb, rouge and mirror, and all Decorated dagger – a symbol of strength and the bride’s devotion to defend her new family.

In the game, the white monster also wears crossing star Headgear. The tall hood was originally worn by the elite to protect the skin from the sun and mosquitoes, but later it was incorporated into wedding traditions, somewhat like a Western bridal veil that covers the bride’s face. For example, the tiara can also hide the bride’s “jealous horns,” which is a sign of virtue and devotion.

Character image from SHf costume design booklet (right) © Konami Digital Entertainment

Fox mask matching his fiancé, wearing Meng Yuea piece of clothing decorated with bow (family crest) and reserved for special occasions such as weddings. His Mengyue has five family crests—located on the chest, center back, and sleeves—that evoke a high sense of formality. The family crest is also seen throughout the Dark Temple and during the Second Transformation Ceremony, when Hinako is branded with the family crest to indicate her status as an attached property. The montsuki set includes a kimono, haori and striped hakama pants. The outer cover of the fox mask is somewhat stylized, extending into a train.

Game screenshot (right) © Konami Digital Entertainment

Ema and Daimori

Shrines often offer amulets and amulets to visitors to pray for blessings and spread the faith beyond the shrine.

One of the first puzzles players encounter in the Black Temple use EmmaWooden wishing boards are hung in the shrine to pray to the gods for wishes. The Chinese character for ema translates as “图马”, alluding to the original practice of using real horses as sacrifices.

Game screenshot (right) © Konami Digital Entertainment

Visitors can also purchase Yusen In the shrine – a small bag blessed by the priest. The origin of the word “omamori” keep,Protect. There are many kinds of amulets, with different designs, shapes and specific blessings, including health, good luck, romance, academic or business success and wealth. These charms are a popular item to hang on backpacks and handbags, a practice that brings a sense of spiritual security to everyday life. Throughout the game, players can obtain various wards, which have effects such as restoring Hinako’s sanity and health.

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