I remember the afterlife, any questions?

One day on a Japanese online message board, the main poster (OP) began to talk about their “past life memories.” While supernatural phenomena and spiritual topics are not uncommon on anonymous internet forums, this thread gradually developed into a deep discussion about views on life and death.

Don’t say I’m delusional.

• [2] I believe you, so tell us about it.
• [6] This is exciting.

In my previous life, I was in the late Showa period and died after colliding with a truck. Right after death, there was no sound. I could see a crowd gathering from my fallen perspective, then my soul (which remained in human form) was suddenly pulled out of my body and drawn upward as if against gravity. I could see my dead self from above. Since it was a provincial city in the Showa era, I was higher than a three-story building.

• [19] So you have memories of your past life too?

Also, I don’t think hell or anything like that exists. However, “sudden deaths” like accidents or shock seem to lead to faster reincarnation. After ascending, I encountered a luminous spherical being larger than a basketball, with a cream and silver color. That’s when I understood (realized?) that I had died. Then, probably for 49 days, I attended my own funeral as a guest, lived in the “afterlife” for a while, and was eventually told by an important figure there: “It’s time for you to go back to the human world,” who gave me a push, and I was reincarnated.

In Japanese Buddhism, it is believed that the soul wanders the mortal world for 49 days after death before departing for the other world. This “forty-nine day” period is an important milestone when memorial services are performed.

• [22] What are OP’s stats?

>>22 22 years old, unemployed, female, with worsening chronic illness.

Apparently, the higher you go, the better treatment you receive. I don’t know exactly what level I was at, but you know Alice in Wonderland syndrome? That kind of thing happens all the time there, but it doesn’t feel unpleasant. For example, there might be a tent, and when you enter it, the inside is as spacious as a school building. There’s no money or social status. Morality is everything.

Alice syndrome refers to a condition where spatial perception is distorted, and objects appear differently sized than they actually are. It was named after the experiences described in “Alice in Wonderland.”

• [27] It must be nice not to fear death when you have memories like that.

>>19 Yes. I remember my sister’s name and the name of someone I loved. If I could remember the name of the place I lived, I might be able to visit them. I don’t think there’s a hell in the afterlife. However, it is divided into layers. Do you know “Mashin Hero Wataru”? It’s like a mountain with layers inside it. You automatically enter the level appropriate for your soul. The world there has an overall pale pastel color scheme, the sky is low, and the weather is ambiguous.

“Mashin Hero Wataru” is a popular anime from the late 1980s to early 1990s, set in “Shinzan” (God Mountain), where seven worlds are stacked like a mountain.

• [32] It’s called the spirit realm.

>>27 I’m not afraid. Though I might get scared at the last moment, since it seems you can’t reincarnate with your current memories intact. But the reason I started this thread is because a lot of people discuss “what happens after death” in threads, and I wanted to be of some help, hoping people would think “oh, that’s one way to look at it” or “is that so?” This world is temporary, and the spirit world seems to be the real world. Now, here’s the main point. As I wrote earlier, the harder you work in this world, the better your treatment is over there. The higher the world you reach, the more freedom you have (though killing is forbidden), and you can even change your appearance as you like. However, thinking “Hehehe (laughs) now I can become a little girl and do this and that (laughs)” is not allowed. You can’t become a little girl until you’ve transcended and nullified your sexual desires. Impure thoughts are not allowed.

• [34] So human souls are like a system similar to Bleach’s gigai. When you die, an important person says “Oh, you died, welcome back. Go to the back of the line~ Next person~”

“Bleach’s gigai” refers to a concept from the manga “BLEACH” where souls use temporary bodies that they can swap in and out of.

>>32 Is that what it’s called? (Trying to make a pun with “yukai”/spirit realm). Also, in your next life, if you strongly wish for something in this world and make an effort equal to that wish, it seems that wish will come true in your next life. Like “I want a cute little sister.” But again, impure wishes are not allowed.

• [36] When I hanged myself and fell, there was just a dark world spreading out, and I could only hear my own screams.
• [38] >>33 By “effort” do you mean good deeds?
• [40] >>36 Tell me more details.
• [41] So if you do good things, you can go to a higher world.
• [42] Where do you go if you live normally?

>>34 Yes, that’s it. But as I wrote earlier, except for sudden deaths, you can apparently stay in the afterlife as long as you want. The higher your level, the more freedom you have in that regard, and if you’re skilled enough, you can even become someone’s guardian spirit. And that world is truly free in every way. You can eat all you want (without getting fat), change your appearance, and whatever you desire appears before you. It’s literally utopia. But as that becomes normal, you get bored, want stimulation, and decide to reincarnate.

• [44] Can you eat meat over there?
• [45] What about suicide? What happens with suicideeeee?
• [47] >>43 You often see on TV programs where they call the spirits of dead family members, can you really call them?
• [48] Do the important people there know about their own birth?

>>38 Yes, exactly. Like doing good deeds without expecting anything in return, that kind of thing.

>>42 I don’t know. Since the number of layers is unclear, I’m just writing about my own experience, no pun intended with “spirit.” There are jobs in that world too. But there’s no reward like in this world. It’s like volunteering.

>>36 Suicide is forbidden, so I heard you go to a world where there’s nobody and nothing. It’s a punishment. Rather, you should tell me more details.

In Japanese Buddhism, suicide is considered a grave sin, and there is a strong belief that those who commit suicide will not be saved after death. There are traditional teachings about falling into “hell” or “avici hell.”

• [50] I wonder if great historical figures have already reincarnated and are living as ordinary people? Are there concepts of languages like Japanese or English in the other world?
• [52] I read in a book about near-death experiences that there’s a library with various knowledge in the other world. Does such a library exist?
• [53] >>40 After hanging myself, I found myself in a dark place with an unfamiliar face in front of me, and I screamed “Uoooo” in a terrifying voice, which triggered me to scream loudly too. That’s when I woke up, but apparently my whole body was convulsing, and the rope came off my neck. The face that appeared before me looked exactly like Voldemort.

Note: Voldemort = The most powerful and evil wizard in magical history, appearing in J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series.

>>44 In that world, what we call “sequence” here barely exists, so you can eat it, probably. There’s no slaughtering and so on.

>>45 Remember when you forgot your homework and had to stay after school for extra study? It’s like that – either your next life becomes more painful than your current one, or you’re eternally alone in a dark, empty world.

>>48 Apparently they know everything, not just where they were born.

• [55] Why aren’t memories basically carried over?
• [56] The treatment for suicide seems harsh… the afterlife isn’t equal either. In that case, I’ll become like Kars in the dark world.

“Kars” is an immortal being from the manga “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” who was destined to drift eternally in space.

>>53 A guardian spirit? Or maybe someone who had a similar experience came to help you with the idea that “it’s not your destiny to die yet.”

>>50 Language doesn’t exist. Thoughts are directly transmitted to the other person’s mind(?).

>>52 I think there is. If you have a pure desire to “absorb knowledge.” Actually, I think it exists. We just forget when we’re born.

>>55 Because it would make living difficult. If you remembered your past life, you’d have too many special powers and your soul wouldn’t grow. The physical body is just like a dot in a game. What’s important is leveling up. I remember my past life, but sometimes I get homesick like “I want to meet my previous family (´；ω；｀),” and if I had continued living my previous life smoothly, I would have gotten a job during the bubble era, which would have been easy. Because of the recession, I sometimes feel frustrated thinking, “If only I had continued that life.”

The bubble era refers to Japan’s economic boom from the late 1980s to early 1990s, when jobs were plentiful and companies were hiring abundantly. In contrast, Japan has experienced a long period of recession in recent years.

>>56 Well, it wouldn’t be fair if the reward was the same for someone who slacked off during after-school cleaning and someone who worked hard, would it? lol. Suicide damages your soul by your own hand, so the punishment is apparently extreme.

• [62] The people in the spirit realm don’t understand suicidal people at all. Just make them completely disappear, idiots. Also, weak people who start a new game won’t become normal that way.
• [63] My family runs a shrine lol.

In Japan, there are families who maintain shrines as their family business, passing down the role of Shinto priest from generation to generation.

I’ve had a series of sad events, which have affected my heart and other aspects of my health. I have a sister in this life too, but she’s an extremely sassy bitch-type, and my parents are toxic. So I haven’t received proper affection. That’s why I live each day with the sole desire to “have a k i n d b r o t h e r” in my next life or in the spirit realm. Though I’m unemployed.

• [65] So these higher beings already know the truth that all of humanity has been unable to figure out despite our best efforts?
• [67] >>1 I don’t disbelieve what you’re saying, but… wouldn’t that mean ghosts would disappear?

>>62 I think it’s a bit unreasonable too. In this world, it’s common for level 80 and level 1 people to be on the same map.

Expressions like “level 80 and level 1” and “same map” are terms from RPGs or online games, used here as metaphors for the growth level of souls.

>>63 I want to be a shrine maiden >< I want to help the gods, even in the most behind-the-scenes way, and connect with people’s hearts even a little.

• [69] >>1 What are you planning to do from now on? It seems your current situation isn’t very good. Do you feel any kind of purpose in being born with memories of “after death in your previous life”?
• [70] Is there also a universe over there? Is the world map the same as here?
• [72] How did you eventually reincarnate?

>>65 They apparently know. That’s why memories are completely wiped when you’re born.

>>67 They exist. If you think “I’m not dead! Welcome? I don’t care about that!” your soul can remain in this world. That’s apparently what ghosts are.

>>69 It might sound presumptuous, but I hope to be material for consideration for people discussing “what happens after death” on message boards. Perhaps my role is to understand living righteously without regard for profit or loss? From now on, I’ll live kindly to others with the sole desire of “wanting a big brother.” I haven’t bullied anyone before, though. Rather, I was bullied. I thought a lot during the recent Otsu bullying incident, but I think bullying will never disappear. There will always be bullies, people who have to be bullied, and people who just can’t stop bullying. Given that, I decided I’d rather be on the receiving end. This is the perspective of someone who was bullied for about 10 years due to school transfers and atopic dermatitis.

The Otsu bullying incident was a 2011 case of student suicide due to bullying in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. It shocked Japan and raised awareness about the seriousness of bullying issues.

• [74] At this rate, I’ll be useless in the afterlife too.
• [76] Honestly, even as someone who’s supposed to inherit a shrine, I think: Gods? Lol.

>>70 I don’t think so? To put it in a somewhat chuunibyou way, this world is like a theater, and the script is over there… But since I experienced the disaster, I have my doubts about that too. Sorry, that’s not much of an answer. My shoulder has been painfully tingling.

“Disaster” likely refers to the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011, an event that caused many Japanese people to deeply contemplate the meaning of disasters and the existence of gods.

>>72 Important person: “Isn’t it about time?” Me: “I guess it is?” Important person: “Yeah.” Me: “Well, I’ll be going then.” Something like that, then I entered the womb and thought “It’s really boring and there’s nothing to do” before I was born.

• [79] Can you marry a 2D character over there?

>>74 It depends on what you do from now on, doesn’t it?

>>76 Yeah, when the disaster happened, I thought, “Is there really a god or Buddha?!” I thought that while looking at the ground splitting open.

• [81] >>78 From what stage were you in the womb? Right before birth?
• [82] Did you meet any famous historical figures there?

>>79 I’d like to do something similar if possible. But I wonder how 2D characters would move over there? It’s a bit complicated. There might be something more advanced than artificial intelligence.

“2D characters” refers to fictional characters from anime or manga. In Japanese otaku culture, it’s not uncommon to have attachment or romantic feelings toward fictional characters.

• [84] >>73 Ah, yes. I hope you can live better.

>>82 No, I didn’t. Sorry about that.

**>>81 I think I remember being in the womb for about 5 months? I think the soul enters around when ** develops.**

• [87] >>86 So before that, fetuses don’t have souls, so abortion is okay? Work on your settings a bit more.
• [88] What was your name in your past life?
• [91] Then why don’t I have memories of the afterlife…? Why does >>1 have memories?

>>87 I’m not sure? But isn’t that like visiting graves in this world? You can never get an absolute answer. If someone shares a different perspective than mine, I might think “Is that so?”

>>88 I want to remember. Something ending with “shi.” Hiroshi? Takashi? Kiyoshi? Something like that.

>>91 I think it depends on the person? There are people researching this on the occult board. Also, if this is your first life, you apparently don’t have memories. You’re fresh.

• [95] The universe is vast, but when reincarnating, can you choose places other than Earth? Can you choose the era?
• [96] >>92 > If someone shares a different perspective. Was >>86 just something you thought up? lolololol I thought it was your memory lolololol.

>>95 You can choose. You can choose everything. I’d like my next life to be in the same era as now. But I love 80s anime, so I’d like to be an elementary school student in the 80s. I like Magical Emi and Wataru.

“Magical Emi” and “Wataru” are popular anime from the 1980s. In particular, “Magical Angel Creamy Mami” (Magical Emi) is known as a representative of the magical girl genre.

>>96 I’m writing based on my memories. Doesn’t everyone? You write based on your experiences and your own theories.

• [98] By the way, my father said, “In my past life, I was a foot soldier in Oda’s army, one of the gunners.” I think that was probably a lie.

Oda’s army refers to the forces of Oda Nobunaga during the Warring States period. Foot soldiers were infantry at that time, and gunners were units that used matchlock guns imported to Japan.

>>98 hands matchlock gun

• [101] Even if you can choose your reincarnation destination, you won’t have memories anyway.
• [103] I saw this on Unbelievable once, where a woman was working at a library or something and there was a 3-year-old child all alone, and the woman gave the child a candy. She never saw the child again, but a few months later the woman got pregnant and had a baby. Years later, when the child could speak, the child said, “Mom, thanks for the candy.” Is this reincarnation too?

>>101 That’s it! That’s the problem.

>>103 I think it’s reincarnation. The child probably died for some reason, remembered what happened at the library, and wanted to be reborn as that woman’s child. That’s lovely.

• [105] In these kinds of stories, what is “soul growth”? ① Leveling up like in a game, from Lv10 to Lv11. ② Changing from state A to a different state B, like biological evolution. Is there an absolute evaluation standard?

>>106 Personally, I think it’s ①.

I’m getting sleepy, so I’ll go to sleep now. Good night. Feel free to continue discussing “what happens after death.”

As typical of a late-night message board, the conversation continues, but the protagonist exits once due to sleepiness. However, as the topic has captured readers’ interest, questions from other participants still continue.

• [115] It reminds me of a novel called “Kuruguru Tsukai” by Kenji Otsuki. The older you get, the more you like these kinds of stories. Or even tired young adults too.

Oh! One last thing! I think I went to Hatoya with my family in my past life. I want to go to Hatoya again! But I wonder if the game corner and other things have been updated? I wonder if they still have the three-tier style sashimi?

“Hatoya” is presumably the name of a hot spring inn or hotel chain. “Three-tier style sashimi” is part of a luxurious meal plan at accommodation facilities. This is described as a memory of a family trip during the Showa era.

• [118] >>1 Things you remember while you were there, for example, was there a time when you reflected on yourself being born in the Showa era? Did you talk with anyone about it, or did you see and decide on the family (parents) you’d be born into this time? If you remember such things, please tell us.

>>118 I remember thinking “I need to reincarnate soon~”. I didn’t check. If I had checked, I wouldn’t want these parents (´；ω；｀).

• [120] >>118 If you thought “I need to reincarnate soon,” doesn’t that mean you were born for revenge? Don’t you remember any firm resolutions you made?

>>120 I think I resolved to better communicate my emotions to others. Revenge, yes, it feels like that. But I hate the Heisei recession~ I prefer those days when shopping districts were vibrant~

The “Heisei recession” refers to Japan’s long economic downturn since the 1990s. The local shopping districts of the former “Showa” era were vibrant and were the center of community life.

• [124] >>122 Sorry for keeping you up when you’re sleepy, but I have so many things I want to ask. That’s it, I feel like your resolution to better communicate your emotions is a key factor. They say that reincarnation comes quickly only with a strong determination for revenge. Normally, when you die and are tired of life, you can relax in the afterlife, spend some time (though there’s no concept of time) healing yourself, talk with people there, make your own resolutions, work hard to level up, and think “Alright, let’s do this!” before being born. Many books say this.
• [125] I have almost no memories of early childhood, yet I still remember being in my mother’s womb.

>>124 I like you because you don’t criticize me. Strong determination… did I make that? I’m kind of a wimp lol. Yes, there’s no concept of time. There’s a kind of orderlessness in a good way.

>>125 I think that’s important.

• [128] >>122 Continued. Some people never reincarnate, some are fully healed before being born, there are all kinds of people. But among them, I think those who reincarnate quickly are exceptionally hardworking souls with a spirit of challenge. I think that’s why memories of past lives remain as memories. Since everyone wants to know about reincarnation, please tell everyone when you have time.

>>128 I want to tell as many people as possible. But you know, it’s an era where people think “what a weirdo” or “delusional much?” It’s difficult. Also, I do want to be reincarnated. I want stimulation. I think the essence of living is overcoming suffering. But a kind big brother is essential.

• [134] >>131 Tell people! Unlike in the Showa era, we now have the internet to spread information. The era of not sharing because people might think you’re weird is over. There are already many people who understand, and there are those who want to understand but lack knowledge, so they just laugh along with others. It took a lot of courage to come to a place like this and speak, knowing you might be criticized, right? You can also experience “communicating your emotions to others” here. Since people can’t see your face, it’s a good place to express yourself without embarrassment. I think it’s a considerable challenge because it’s a resolution you made yourself. Everyone has their own themes, so everyone has their own challenges. I believe you. I support you. By the way, who is the “kind big brother”? A being from over there?

>>134 (´；ω；｀) You say such nice things. I’m afraid of being identified, but I do write about this on my website. The kind big brother is my ideal. Not a being from over there. I want a big brother. And I want him to sleep beside me.

• [142] I’ve read through everything. It was interesting. It was intriguing as it had similarities with a thread I saw before called “I experienced what they call the afterlife, any questions?” Personally, I think ways to raise your soul’s level are: thinking about and doing things for others, not just criticizing, not being egoistic, and living honestly. I think these four things are related.

>>142 I agree. Things like “money for the gods” are not just meaningless but counterproductive. It might be a coincidence, but my shoulder hurts when I write about “gods.” But it’s fine when I write about Hatoya.

• [148] What happens when a soul reaches LV99999999?

>>148 If there’s no need for reincarnation, maybe you become a god? But I think if you want to reincarnate, you still can.

• [156] >>1 What do you think God is?
• [157] What’s the standard for determining whether reincarnation is necessary or not?

>>156 My own conscience… maybe… Anything else gets complicated with ego and such.

>>157 Apparently it takes longer to level up in that world than in this world.

• [163] >>158 I really understand. I think all beings on Earth coexist and are equal. I feel like ego disrupts this concept, messing it up. As for whether reincarnation is necessary… I think it might be something you decide for yourself, what do you think?
• [164] >>147 I also think that “money for the gods” is not right, but… I think it depends on one’s feelings. Since gods themselves have no physical form, it really comes down to “feelings.” So for offerings, whether it’s food or money, what’s important is the spirit in which they’re offered. I have quite a connection with mountain shrines and gods, but have you had any interesting experiences related to gods, >>1?
• [165] If there’s something painful and unbearable and you commit suicide, will you still be punished? What’s really the point of such people’s lives? There’s no meaning to life then.

**>>163 Exactly. Issues like abortion or life-prolonging treatment inevitably involve ego, so it’s difficult. That’s why the existence of gods is “there” but hard to explain. I think you decide about reincarnation yourself, probably. In my next life, I want to have strong spiritual sensitivity, remember my past life (this life), have a kind big brother, and be a black-haired girl with a ** body type.**

In this forum thread, the protagonist expresses specific wishes for their next life. “” is a censored expression, with the actual body type description being redacted.

>>165 I’m just living out of inertia because I’m scared of what comes after suicide lol.

• [168] In the afterlife, do you literally not kill even a single insect?
• [169] I feel like I’m studying something in my dreams while I’m sleeping. I don’t remember the content when I wake up, but is it just my imagination?

>>164 I have a memory of saying “I need to give a snack to the gods” while taking pine cones to the back of my grandparents’ house (a house that has existed since the early Meiji era). Maybe I was having the gods or similar beings play along with my make-believe? It was around the same time I remembered my past life. I think gods receive “feelings.” Like, gods prefer cookies made with true heart, even if they don’t taste great, over expensive sweets with no feeling behind them.

In Shinto, there’s a concept of “eight million gods” that dwell in nature and everyday objects, creating a culture where children feel close to gods from an early age.

>>168 There don’t seem to be many small insects… I heard that only creatures with a certain level of consciousness exist there.

>>169 I think that’s real.

Alright! Going to sleep now. Thanks for keeping me company. I hope all of your futures will be even a little bit more wonderful…

• [185] >>171 That’s interesting. Saying “I need to do X for the gods” is probably evidence that you were communicating with gods. You may not remember, but I think there was some action from the gods. “Gods receive feelings” – I understand well. That’s exactly right. Next time, try bringing an offering to an old, small shrine that no one visits. Someone like you will surely have a wonderful encounter.
• [203] People are not afraid of death, but afraid that there might be nothing after death.

This discussion about the mysterious afterlife, which continued all night, concluded with a philosophical statement. We all live with our own imaginations and beliefs about the “afterlife,” for which there are no visible answers.