belief in the spiritual power of words; kotodama thought
A traditional Japanese belief that spoken words have a spiritual power that can influence reality, often associated with Shinto and folk practices. The term is used in academic and cultural contexts.
See also: 言霊信仰
Kotodama thought is a belief in the power of words that has continued since ancient Japan.
In kotodama thought, it is said that speaking good words brings about good things.
言霊信仰 is a closely related term often used interchangeably, but 言霊思想 may emphasize the philosophical or ideological aspect, while 言霊信仰 stresses the religious or folk belief aspect.
Compound of 言霊 (kotodama, 'spirit of words') and 思想 (shisō, 'thought, ideology'). The concept of kotodama is ancient, but the compound 言霊思想 is a modern academic term.