Decision-making in a self-evident atmosphere. Reconsidering the Japanese word kūki (空気)

Abstract

This paper examines the Japanese word kūki (air or atmosphere) that can influence the decisions of human subjects within it. Drawing on two examples from Natsume Sōseki’s novel Kokoro, it explores the fundamental characteristics of kūki that, as a self-evident atmosphere, latently affects the subjects. Then, revisiting Shichihei Yamamoto’s critique of the misuse of atmospheric power, this paper proposes a new typology of kūki and points to key cross-cultural tasks for the future of Atmospheric Studies.