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Kokology #1-2

Kokology: The Game of Self Discovery

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The Japanese bestseller comes to America Kokology is the popular Japanese psychological quiz game, based on the study of kokoro ("mind" or "spirit" in Japanese). It has now become a phenomenal success in America as well. Using sound psychological principles, Kokology asks you to answer questions about seemingly innocent topics -- such as the color of an imaginary bird that has flown through your window, the cleanest room in an imaginary house, the sequence in which you read the articles in the daily paper -- and then reveals what your answers say about you.

This edition of "Kokology" includes over 100 of these situations and scenarios. Whether you play the game alone as a means of self-discovery or with friends (if you dare ) in an effort to discover more about each other, Kokology will provoke hours of reflection, insight, and hilarious good times.

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

64 people are currently reading
651 people want to read

About the author

Tadahiko Nagao

9 books17 followers

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5 stars
204 (46%)
4 stars
137 (31%)
3 stars
79 (17%)
2 stars
15 (3%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Melissa Namba.
2,237 reviews16 followers
February 7, 2017
This is a book I designate as a bathroom book. Little content, but interesting enough to reach for. I felt like the ideas behind this were a bit ambiguous, the way horoscopes are, but then again, who doesn't love to read their horoscope. I often thought that the book needed to consider Hofstede's seven dimensions because the cultural differences can make a big different on how the answers should be understood. The authors are Japanese so they come from an Eastern culture that have very different cultural norms from the US. However, this was supposed to just be a "for fun" thing so I can't get too picky. But still...Hofstede...
Profile Image for Ma. Natalie Keith Martin.
9 reviews
January 2, 2026
Quirky and entertaining book that reveals insights about your personality through simple, playful exercises. It’s light, fun, and surprisingly thought-provoking, a great read for self-discovery without feeling serious or heavy 🫣
Profile Image for Jell.
130 reviews33 followers
August 21, 2012
Really fun "game of self discovery." Insightful and best done in the company of friends and family. You'll be shocked about the unlikely results of every game. Recommended to everyone, especially for those events where you want to break the ice or get to know someone or some people a little bit more.
Profile Image for Sandra Ramirez.
22 reviews
June 28, 2021
I enjoyed this book, but I must admit, I don't feel like it was accurate all the time. Most of the time, it made me think about how I make decisions and navigated through life. If you want to take some time to get to know yourself, this book can be your first step.
Profile Image for Psyckers.
247 reviews3 followers
March 31, 2025
This is an interesting book that can give you good insights on the way you think in different scenarios. It is a great collection to try out amongst other team forming exercises.
Profile Image for Leanza.
53 reviews
January 31, 2017
I first encountered this book years ago back when I was in high school, when one of my teachers gathered some students and asked us questions from it. Then she explained what, according to this, those answers symbolized. I found most of it to be quite true, without me realizing before that I thought of certain things that way. It was incredibly interesting and I had not known anything like it before. Years later, I found out that lots of people make similar things on the internet in the forms of personality quizzes hahaha. But they are not the same, since Kokology is, I guess, more professional? No matter how many online quizzes I took to relive that Kokology experience, they simply were no match.

Anyhow, the reason for my five stars is really more personal than critical. I consider this one of my favorite books because it was kind of what introduced me to psychology. Though I didn't pursue the subject academically or anything, reading and thinking about it on my own has changed my way of thinking ever since. And it's all thanks to this book.
Profile Image for Ryan.
13 reviews2 followers
February 9, 2017
Honestly, I think this is just something that's fun for everyone. The questions range from personal to tame to sensual, and everyone I've done this with has gotten a good laugh. You may not want to answer the questions more than once - so once you've gone through the book it may lose a little - but hearing new peoples' answers is always a hoot, and it's a good time to re-do them years later and see how (/if) you've changed. Give it a shot!
Profile Image for Louise S..
56 reviews16 followers
January 30, 2017
I really had a fun time answering this self help quiz! My friend and I read this in the bookstore one afternoon and we were laughing are asses off when few of the interpretations didn't apply to us.

Kokology does not only entertain, but it also points out some side of me that I refuse to acknowledge. It gives me something to reflect on about myself. It is true enough that it helps its readers discover more about their inner selves.
Profile Image for Renetta.
112 reviews19 followers
April 10, 2013
This is a fun book of personality quizzes. Most are accurate and a few aren't. It's fun to pass the time with friends and family. I've pulled it out while camping, on cold rainy days and small get togethers with friends. I've learned a few things about my family and friends. Maybe too much! Yikes! it's amazing the path a conversation can take. Add a couple cocktails and it can get really interesting!
Profile Image for Annie.
225 reviews8 followers
January 11, 2009
Eric and I love taking this book to the pool when we lay out. Each section has a little situation and then a list of questions about what you would do or which one you are most like, etc. We would both answer and then we read the part that tells you what your type means or what your answer reveals about you.
Profile Image for Abby.
157 reviews
February 8, 2017
It's a great book to discover yourself and the people you "play" it with. Not everything is true though. Do not get angry at the book when it tells you things that are incorrect or offending. At least, although it didn't tell you what/who you are, you now know what/who you aren't.

It's a fun activity with a group of people. Ask around. :)
7 reviews2 followers
April 16, 2014
at first, I got really into it but i continually read it, the contents and all the explanations became natural with me, like nothing special anymore. Well, i'm still thankful i've read this book, somehow it helps me and guides me to correct the not so good behavior or traits that i have.. :)
1 review3 followers
June 17, 2014
I would recommend this to any one who has extra time on their hands. You will find that the answers are pretty darn accurate and some may be true but you might not know it quite yet. It is a good book and I recommend it to young and old.
Profile Image for Lisa.
150 reviews12 followers
May 18, 2008
Such a fun book. I brought this book to Hawaii with me for a visit so I could "play" it with my mom and sisters. We had a blast!
3 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2008
Highly entertaining, yet offers some harsh criticisms - better enjoyed at parties/social gatherings.
Profile Image for GeoRG!e.
28 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2017
This book shows great insight. Some of the quizzes you will retake and realize your answers are different. A lot of it is based on mood.
Profile Image for Zyrah Samar.
18 reviews
August 20, 2012
A perfect book to discover one self and even the people around you. Perfect for gatherings such as sleepovers and camping. I really had fun reading the book!
Profile Image for Heather Brush.
403 reviews37 followers
September 6, 2012
Fun stuff. Reminds me of a writing quiz I took in 8th grade English class.
Profile Image for Christine.
10 reviews4 followers
November 22, 2012
Some revelations made me laugh, and some left my mouth gaping open out of shock. So, you get the point. :-D
Profile Image for Naine.
18 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book. Fun way to learn things about yourself and your friends. Must have!
Profile Image for Clint.
255 reviews3 followers
February 7, 2017
This is a bathroom, coffee table, or doctor's office book. It's fun, but it's just a distraction -- not the self-reflective journey it boasts.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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