Translation guide
A belief system involving communication with spirits of the dead, often through mediums. In Japanese, this is most commonly referred to as 心霊主義 (shinreishugi), but related terms like 降霊術 (kōreijutsu) for the practice of summoning spirits are also used.
Referring to Spiritism as a philosophical or religious doctrine, especially as codified by Allan Kardec.
The standard term for Spiritism as a doctrine or belief system. It directly translates to 'spirit principle/doctrine'.
彼は心霊主義の研究に人生を捧げた。
He devoted his life to the study of Spiritism.
A direct loanword from English/French, used in academic or specific contexts to refer to Kardecist Spiritism.
スピリティズムは19世紀フランスで生まれた。
Spiritism originated in 19th-century France.
Referring to the act or practice of summoning or communicating with spirits, often through a medium.
Literally 'art of summoning spirits'. This is the most common term for the practice of spirit invocation or necromancy, often used in occult contexts.
降霊術を行うには特別な準備が必要だ。
Special preparations are needed to perform spirit invocation.
An alternative kanji for the same word (降霊術), meaning 'art of communing with spirits'. Slightly less common but interchangeable.
A more general phrase meaning 'to summon a spirit'. Used in everyday conversation or fiction.
彼女は霊を呼び出すことができると言う。
She claims she can summon spirits.
A traditional Japanese shamanic practice where a medium (itako) channels spirits, often the dead. Historically associated with blind female mediums in northern Japan.
Referring to a broader belief in spirits or the supernatural, not necessarily the codified doctrine.
Means 'spirit belief' or 'spiritualism'. A broader term that can encompass various beliefs in spirits, not limited to Kardecist Spiritism.
この地域には古くからの心霊信仰が残っている。
Ancient spirit beliefs remain in this region.
Loanword for 'spiritualism', often used in New Age contexts. Can overlap with Spiritism but is broader.
彼女はスピリチュアリズムに傾倒している。
She is deeply into spiritualism.
心霊主義 (shinreishugi) refers to the doctrine or philosophy of Spiritism, while 降霊術 (kōreijutsu) refers to the actual practice or technique of summoning spirits. Use 心霊主義 when discussing beliefs, and 降霊術 when discussing actions or rituals.
Directly translating 'spiritism' as 精霊主義 (seireishugi) is not standard and may cause confusion. Stick to 心霊主義 or スピリティズム.
交霊術のセッションで霊と話した。
We spoke with spirits during a spirit communication session.
Through the itako's spirit channeling, we heard the voice of our ancestor.