I have memories of my past life, any questions? [Part 1]

This is a conversation between the main character (the thread creator) and other participants. In an online forum, various questions are posed to the protagonist who posted “I have memories from my previous life.”

I’ll answer within limits that won’t reveal my identity

• [2] Was your past life in the future? Past? Present?

It was in the past

• [4] What were you in your past life??

♂ I’m still ♂ now

• [6] Were you also a virgin in your past life?

I wasn’t a virgin in my past life or now. Sorry

• [7] Are you serious?

If you think it’s a joke, that’s fine

• [8] Tell us about your specs in your previous life

♂ Height about 175cm, average build. Face… I think I was better looking than I am now

• [9] Yeah right, liar

Whether you believe it or not is up to y…

“(ry” is the abbreviated form of “whether you believe it or not is up to you,” a famous phrase widely used as internet slang in Japan.

• [18] Die ↓ Born ↓ Kindergarten ↓ Elementary school ↓ Middle/High school/Now ↓ This part interests me. You’re basically living a cheat life

Well, I admit it was slightly like cheating. In middle school, I deliberately got questions wrong on tests and stuff.

“Cheat” is a gaming term referring to breaking the rules for unfair advantage. Here it means “unfairly advantageous” or “having an edge.”

• [22] I’m not interested in the content of your past life so don’t write about it. Why are you so convinced they’re memories from a past life?

I think everyone experiences this, but don’t you ever go somewhere for the first time and think “I’ve been here before” or “I’ve experienced this situation before”? That just turned into certainty for me.

• [23] Are you okay? Don’t you have anyone to talk to?

When I get serious responses like that, it makes me want to die lol. I’m not really bothered by it lol. Only my parents and very close friends know

• [26] Everyone experiences déjà vu. You became convinced just because it happened frequently?

No, there was a trigger, and my memories came back all at once. Probably if it was just déjà vu, I wouldn’t have been convinced

• [32] So what was that trigger? I’ve been asking about the reason for your conviction, you trash. Are you stupid?

Sorry for my lack of understanding. I was hospitalized after a traffic accident in elementary school. That was the trigger. While lying in bed, I kept dreaming about my past life.

• [29] Tell us how you died

Traffic accident. I clearly remember the “beeeep!” of the horn. I think it ended with everything turning white from the car’s headlights.

• [37] What are you doing now?

Now I’m a university student. Before I was a high school student.

• [39] Your date of birth in your previous life

Now, June 9th. Before, October 5th.

• [48] What’s your favorite snack, OP?

Koala’s March, both now and then lol

• [51] This is amazing if it’s true. But without remembering your previous address, parents’ names, birthday, accident location, and your name, proving it would be difficult

I remember all of that. Actually, I lived nearby. That’s probably why I remembered.

• [59] If you know that much, go check if that person actually existed

I have checked.

• [60] I got goosebumps. You’re amazing

I think probably everyone reincarnates… at least that’s what I believe. This might sound religious, but I think anyone might remember if they have some kind of trigger.

• [52] What era was your past life in? Which year?

I died in 1987… I think.

• [53] So if you googled your previous name and accident location, would articles come up?

I’ve never googled it. I haven’t tried looking it up.

“Google” is slang for using Google search.

• [62] I don’t mean we should identify you, I mean you should verify it yourself. Your past birth date, name, address could all be your delusion. Have you ever confirmed that person actually existed?

I’ve met the parents. Actually, they were people I knew. Does that not count as confirmation?

• [73] Do your previous dad and mom know that you were their son?

No, I haven’t told them. I mean, how could I?

• [55] Cars and Koala’s March means this wasn’t a very ancient past life. Couldn’t you identify the person?

Please don’t try to identify me.

• [57] First, tell us your age at death in your previous life and your current age. Be careful about the release date of Koala’s March or your lie will be exposed

Well, if it existed, that can’t be helped lol

• [58] Do you ever want to meet your previous mom?

I’ve met both my previous mom and dad.

• [63] Your previous parents must still be alive, right?

They are alive. I still visit them occasionally.

• [73] Do your previous dad and mom know that >>67 was their son?

No, I haven’t told them. I mean, how could I?

• [68] Are your past personality and current personality separate?

Hmm, hard to explain, but mixed? I think it’s my current personality, but my current personality is a mix with my previous memories.

• [69] Koala’s March was released in 1984? You died in a traffic accident in 1987. You’re safe

Well, if you think I’m lying, that’s fine.

• [71] Maybe you’re just convinced you’re the reincarnation of someone who died in that accident due to some trigger. There are quite a few people like that

That might be true.

• [72] So, did that high school student actually die in 87? You met his parents, right?

Yes, he did die.

• [78] Okay, okay. Maybe you should go to a hospital

I’ve had enough of hospitals.

• [82] Did anything good come from playing life on your second run?

“Second run” is a gaming term for playing a game again from the beginning after completing it once. Here it refers to living life for the second time.

I could do math and such without studying. For sports, even though I understood in my head, my body couldn’t keep up lol. Because of this, I think people around me viewed me coldly. New Game+ isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

“New Game+” is also a gaming term for starting a second playthrough while keeping abilities or equipment from the first playthrough.

• [85] In my recurring dream, I’m a princess crying while gazing at a lake in front of a palace under moonlight
• [86] Nice try, Juliet

That made me laugh lol

• [87] Do your previous parents know that you’re their dead son?

No, I haven’t told them. I don’t know if they’ve figured it out.

• [95] You had enough memory of high school knowledge during middle school to deliberately answer questions wrong, but you only clearly remember your birthday… huh.

That’s right. I don’t normally think about things like Chinese zodiac signs. I don’t even know my current zodiac sign.

• [96] Do you remember the afterlife?

Unfortunately not lol

• [98] If you died in a traffic accident, do you have any scars on your current body? Did your hobbies change?

No effect on my current body lol. As for hobbies… did they change? I like basketball. I think my type of girl hasn’t changed. I like dark hair.

• [99] The span between reincarnations is short. Death row inmates and Hitler have definitely been reborn already, scary

Now you’ve got me scared too lol. The span is short, you’re right lol

• [105] With the certainty of reincarnation, don’t you become careless about your current life thinking “there’s always next time”?

Not at all. I don’t know if I’ll be reborn, and I don’t know if I’ll retain memories next time either.

• [116] Have you visited your grave? How much older are your previous parents than you?

I haven’t gone that far. I haven’t asked where the grave is. My previous parents are quite a bit older. Almost 40 years difference.

• [119] What happens after death if there’s no reincarnation?

Please ask Soka Gakkai. I don’t know about such things.

“Soka Gakkai” is a religious organization. The thread creator is jokingly suggesting that religious questions should be directed to them.

• [121] Do you have any thoughts about remembering your past life? Like completing unfinished business from your past life, or having some kind of purpose?

When I remember the person I was dating back then, it makes me want to cry. I haven’t thought about having a purpose. You’ll miss out if you don’t enjoy your current life.

• [125] That’s a good way to think. Living in the present.

Thank you sincerely.

• [131] So in this life, after the accident in elementary school, you had the knowledge and experience of your high school self from your past life. That must have created quite a gap between you and others?
• [132] Like Conan lol

“Conan” refers to “Detective Conan,” an anime/manga character who is a high schooler trapped in a child’s body.

That’s right lol. But, how should I put it, I only became certain about my past life after the accident. Before the accident, I just had feelings like “I’ve seen this landscape before” even though I’d never been there, and I understood lessons without being taught, so from the teacher’s perspective I must have seemed like a very peculiar student. Sorry lol. After the accident, my previous memories suddenly came back, and I felt like I grew up instantly lol. But after the accident, when I met my previous parents, I felt like I shouldn’t tell them about this. I felt I shouldn’t tell them.

• [145] So you had faint memories even before the accident. I don’t have any feelings like that, so I wonder if I have no chance of remembering a past life. I’m envious you had such a mysterious experience.

I don’t know if you’ll remember, and I don’t know if 145 is a reincarnation either. Most people don’t believe in reincarnation anyway. But here I am, so I just have to accept it. It’s a mysterious experience, but it was painful until I was understood. I’m really fortunate.

• [133] Do you have memories related to your previous mom and dad?

Yes. They owned a barbershop, so I remember getting haircuts there. When small children came in, they could draw a lottery ticket after their haircut, and I remember getting scolded for drawing tickets without permission. I still go to my previous parents for haircuts, and sometimes I nearly cry.

• [136] Wouldn’t your previous parents be happy if you told them? Even if they didn’t believe you

Wouldn’t it just make them sad to remind them? They might be happy if they believed me, but their son has a different face and is someone else’s son now? Wouldn’t it be cruel if they knew?

• [139] So you’ll never tell them?

Hmm, I don’t know lol. If there’s some trigger, I might tell them lol

• [140] I don’t think so. If it was right after death maybe, but after twenty-plus years, shouldn’t it be okay? If it were me, I’d be happy to know

Is that how it works? Next time I go for a haircut, I’ll try to bring it up casually.

• [143] Have you ever thought that maybe you were born near where that child died, and coincidentally downloaded that child’s memories?

I never thought of it that way. Maybe that’s it. The truth remains in darkness.

• [147] Is there anything good about being reincarnated?

Not struggling with studies, I guess. But I feel like I lost more than I gained. Everyone around me seemed like children, which felt ridiculous, but part of me wanted to enjoy that too, so it was quite complicated.

• [150] Who have you come out to about this so far?

My current parents, my past girlfriend, and my current girlfriend.

• [152] How did they react?

They all believed me. My current parents and girlfriend took some convincing.

• [153] So you slept with your past girlfriend by smooth-talking her

She has a child now. I just congratulated her.

• [155] I have one question for OP. Don’t you want to go to a hospital?

No. My parents took me after I told them.

• [161] You got to meet your girlfriend from back then! That’s great. Tell us in detail how you met and talked to her

I’ll write it, wait a bit.

Here, the thread creator begins to tell his experience in detail. On internet forums, it’s common to announce when you’re about to make a long post.

I’ll write everything together. It’s a bit long, but those who don’t like it don’t have to read it. After the accident when I remembered my past life, I felt strange for a while. Like I was me but not me. I remembered when I was in 4th grade, and when I was in 5th grade I told my current parents. I really didn’t know what to do. My parents had a “?” kind of face at first lol. I mean, your child suddenly says, “I have memories from a past life.” Of course they’d be like “?” lol

• [168] I think there are quite a few people who believe in past lives and reincarnation
• [170] There might be many. They just keep quiet because they’d be looked at strangely if they spoke up

Mom said, “You shouldn’t say things like that!” but I was crying and saying it was true. Dad just kept quiet. That day ended with Mom saying “Go to bed now.” Dad kept looking scary. When I woke up the next morning, we went straight to the hospital lol. A psychiatric hospital lol. Inside I was like “Oh no…” lol. I remember the female doctor there was beautiful lol. Though her perfume was strong. I think she asked things like, “Are you being bullied at school?” and “You can trust me.” But I didn’t tell the psychiatrist. I mean, I couldn’t bring myself to. And I remember this, the psychiatrist said something like, “You shouldn’t trouble your mom and dad too much, okay?” I had feelings like “It’s not like I chose to be this way” and “You don’t understand anything” that just overflowed. I told the doctor, “So you pretend to understand everything. It’s fine if you don’t understand me. You’re certainly beautiful and sexually attractive. But for me, your perfume only evokes disgust. Doesn’t this kind of counseling not get covered by insurance? Could you just make something up so we can finish this quickly since the treatment cost is high?”

• [173] Child rampage lol
• [196] You could say all that with past life (high school) + a few years in this life? Your past self must have been high-spec

A few years means I was already 11. In my past life, well, I went to a college prep school. Though I don’t think my grades were particularly good.

• [202] Was your ex-girlfriend your classmate? How old is she now?

She’s about 40 this year. Yes, she was my classmate. I’ll write about it now.

• [172] Just thinking about my dead grandpa being reborn and close by makes me happy. Waiting for the continuation

Well, the consultation ended there. Actually, I just walked out. My parents still had that “?” face. Then my parents were called in by the doctor, and I was left alone lol. When my parents came out of the consultation room, my mom was crying, and my dad still had that scary face. Everyone was silent in the car. In the car, I thought, “I shouldn’t have said anything…” and really regretted it. After we got home, my dad said to my mom, “Leave us alone for a bit.” My mom’s eyes were swollen, but she went out shopping. I still can’t forget her smile at that time.

“Mom, don’t make her cry too much.” That was my dad’s first words. The following is the conversation between my dad and me, but it’s a bit hazy, so some parts might be filled in. Dad: “The doctor showed us a video.” Me: “…Video?” Dad: “Of the consultation…” Me: “…..” Dad: “I was surprised to see you talking like that.” Of course lol. Elementary school kids can’t usually use honorifics well, so if I was speaking that fluently, of course he’d be surprised lol. Dad: “Mom worries a lot, but she’s always thinking only about you. You know that, right?” Me: “Yes…” Dad: “I’m not saying you did anything wrong. And I just can’t believe you’re lying. You’ve always seemed somewhat adult-like since you were small, and Mom knows that too. Just don’t make Mom cry. She’s the person I love. Of course, you are too.” Me: “Yes…” Dad: “Will you tell me everything from the beginning?” Me: “…okay.”

In this scene, the father’s calm response and love for his son come through. In Japanese households, such serious discussions are rare, especially fathers expressing emotions frankly.

• [176] Being treated as strange just for having memories of a past life. I understand it might look dangerous from others’ perspectives, but I think it’s an overreaction since your personality isn’t broken

Thank you. That really makes me happy. I told him everything. How I’d always had déjà vu-like experiences. How school lessons were all things I already knew. How I remembered when I had the accident in 4th grade. How I kept seeing memories of my past life until I woke up in the hospital bed. How it was from the perspective of the son of the barber where both my dad and I got our hair cut. Memories from that time, and about the accident in my past life. Dad just quietly said “Uh-huh, uh-huh” as he listened. I was crying a lot halfway through. Dad’s eyes were teary too. After I told him everything, I heard from him. That there was a son at my previous dad’s place. That the son had an accident when he was in high school. That because of that, my previous parents almost closed their shop. That everything I said matched what my dad had heard from the barber. Afterward, we were both silent. It felt really long, but it was probably about 10 minutes or so.

• [178] Past life memories, how exciting lol
• [181] Heart-pounding excitement
• [182] It’s painful when parents cry. Unforgettable

Dad: “What do you want to do?” Me: “…What do you mean?” Dad: “About the future.” Me: “The future… I just wanted Dad and Mom to understand me. Because Dad and Mom are my dad and mom. And I am me.” Dad: “…I see. You are you. I understand. Do as you like. No matter what happens, Dad and Mom are on your side.” Me: “Thank you…” In the end, we were both crying a lot lol. I kept saying thank you, thank you.

Even now, when I talk about this with my dad, I’m about to cry lol. But now my dad says things like, “Having memories from a past life is amazing lol. You get to enjoy life twice lol. I’m jealous lol.” So I’m glad I told him lol. We decided my dad would talk to my mom. I didn’t talk with my mom that day, but the next morning my mom was normal. Dad secretly told me, “Mom understands too.” After Dad left for work, I told Mom, “Thank you, I’m really glad I’m your child,” and
The thread creator continues to describe an emotional scene with his mother. The deep bond between parent and child comes through in the text.

Mom hugged me while crying. I really have good parents.

• [184] This reeks of a drama

Looking back now, it’s really embarrassing lol. I think I could only say it because of my mental state at that time. I found this out recently, when I was drinking with my dad, he told me, “When Mom gets drunk, she always says, ‘My child told me he was glad to be my child, hehe lol’ and gets all cuddly.” I felt like dying from embarrassment. Dad: “You’re quite the playboy, aren’t you lol” and when he teased me like that, I told Mom that Dad had said he loved her back then, and got a punch on the head lol

• [194] What about your past girlfriend?

My past girlfriend… I’ll write about it. Wait a bit.

After telling my dad and mom, I felt much more settled emotionally. My report card had comments like “He is always serious and more adult-like than other children” lol. Teacher, I wasn’t serious, I just couldn’t relate to the other kids lol. When I first went to get a haircut at my previous parents’ place after my memories returned, I felt so sorry that I cried. Seeing my dad and mom whose once-black hair was now streaked with gray, I felt so sorry for dying before them. They were very worried when I suddenly started crying in the middle of a haircut. I kept saying, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” Then I started to feel like I shouldn’t tell them about this. So I haven’t been able to tell them, and that’s how it remains today.

• [200] Having your previous parents still alive must be complicated

I was happy to see them again.

• [205] Middle school life was, well, normal. I did club activities and had a pretty fulfilling time. I got into a decent high school too. After entering high school, I didn’t join any clubs but started working part-time. At a ramen shop in the local mall. There were others my age, and I was enjoying high school life. Then, on a weekend afternoon while I was working, we ran out of bean sprouts, so I went to buy some. Well, at the mall, they sell cheap ones in the food section. I put about 10 bags in my basket and went to the register, and there she was. My ex-girlfriend. Since it was a mall, I’d often see people I knew from high school, and occasionally I’d see people from my past life who looked familiar, but I never expected to see her there. She should have been about 35, but she didn’t look like a middle-aged woman at all, she looked very elegant with droopy eyes that
• [206] I cried at the part about your parents. I believe you. Please continue
• [207] You couldn’t possibly approach her, right?
• [208] What great parents you have, I’m envious. I hope you talk to your previous parents while you still remember as much as possible. But I’m worried about hurting them, or whether they’ll accept it…

About two months after I first saw my ex-girlfriend, she had begun to recognize my face, and we could have conversations like “Bean sprouts again? lol.” She knew I worked at the ramen shop in the food court, and I said things like “Come eat sometime, I’ll give you a discount lol.” Then on a Sunday afternoon, she came to eat. With a boy about 5 years old. I had seen her name tag and knew her surname had changed, so I figured she was married, but it was still a shock. Half of me wanted her to be happy, and half wanted her to still think of me. But I knew I couldn’t show it, so I just said normal things like, “Oh, you really came lol. Thank you lol.”

• [210] Death is surprisingly simple. And then you’re reborn. In your case, you were reborn in the same place as your past life, which is incredible, right? You could have been born somewhere else, or even outside Japan. It seems meaningful somehow.
• [214] It’s amazing that you met both your previous parents and your girlfriend again
• [215] Now 22, ex-girlfriend about 40. So simply put, you died around 18 in your past life?

Our ramen shop had a kids’ meal with half a bowl of ramen + gyoza + rice ball + toy, which was very popular with children. Making rice balls during busy times was a real pain lol. The boy of course said “I’d like the kids’ meal,” and I said, “Yes, certainly lol. Then please choose one toy from here lol.” Inside I felt like crying, but I think I did well maintaining my composure. Since the child was small, he couldn’t reach the toy box at the register, so my ex-girlfriend picked him up. (For simplicity, I’ll call my ex-girlfriend “Miki” from now on.) Miki: “Here, Kouki, they said you can choose one toy lol.” Kouki: “Um, let’s see…” When I heard Kouki’s name, my mind went blank.

Here the story reaches a turning point. The ex-girlfriend’s child is called “Kouki,” which is implied to be the thread creator’s name in his past life. This coincidence deeply shocks him.

• [219] Since the world population is rapidly increasing, that means there are either people who weren’t human in their past lives, or new souls. Will the moral quality of people continue to decrease…
• [225] >>219 Humans kill so many lives recklessly, so humans increase. Some souls escape the loop of life, but even accounting for that…
• [230] >>225 So the law of conservation of mass applies to souls too. Or maybe there’s a substance that creates souls that humanity hasn’t discovered yet. My thinking is getting occult lol

I thought the same thing reading Fullmetal Alchemist. The feeling of wanting to bring back your mother, from the deceased’s perspective, I appreciate it.

“Fullmetal Alchemist” is a manga/anime where the protagonists try to resurrect their dead mother. Readers are now engaging in philosophical discussions about souls and reincarnation based on the story.

• [220] Could it be, she named her child after her deceased ex…
• [221] No way…
• [222] Just caught up. This is crazy interesting

Because Kouki was my name in my past life. Because she used to call my name with that voice. Me: “Um, ah.” Miki: “Yes?” Me: “Oh, um, that’s a nice name lol.” Miki: “Thank you lol. Hey, Kouki, say thank you to the big brother?” Kouki: “Thank you lol.” Me: “And, um, what would you like, Miki?” (Actually using her surname with honorific.) Miki: “Then… soy sauce ramen please.” Me: “Y-yes, understood.” Miki: “Ah, without green onions please lol.” Right, Miki hated green onions. She hadn’t changed.

• [224] It might be sad, but I want past life memories too. I’m envious
• [226] This is too perfect…

It is too perfect. I’m surprised myself. Why was I born human again? Why in Japan? Why in the same region? Why did I have that accident then? Why did I die? No matter how much I think about it, I don’t understand. But no matter what, I am still me.

• [231] What kind of accident was it?

Bicycle VS Truck. I was turning a corner and there was a truck. I don’t know if I died instantly. I just remember the truck’s lights were bright.

I gave them free gyoza. Miki smiled and said thank you. She ate all her ramen. Kouki left some of his rice ball. I don’t know if I felt sad because Kouki left his rice ball or for some other reason. I quietly watched Miki and Kouki enjoying their ramen. Occasionally Kouki would wave at me, or Miki would smile at me, and I’d smile back. My face was smiling, but I felt like crying, though strangely no tears came out.

• 233 Sniff

After they finished eating, Miki came to return the dishes. I felt like I had to say something. But I couldn’t find the right words. Me: “Um…” Miki: “Hmm?” Me: “Do you believe in reincarnation?” Miki: “Yes lol.” It was an immediate answer. Normally, if a high school student working at the same mall suddenly asked something like this, people would be put off. But Miki unhesitatingly said “Yes.” I felt I had to tell her. That I was Kouki. That I loved her. That I’m sorry for dying first. Miki: “Well then, I’ll come again lol. Thank you for the meal lol.” I couldn’t say it after all. After Miki was out of sight, I went to the back and cried. That was the first time tears came out. The high school girl working with me was very concerned, but she said, “I can manage just fine by myself, so please come out when you’ve stopped crying lol,” with a smile, which was really comforting. I’m really glad this girl was working with me that day.

• [235] Don’t tell me you and that high school girl…
• [238] Reading this thread made me realize that career aptitude tests are important. Even without past life memories, you might unconsciously regain your past life sense

Well, to be honest, I’m now dating that high school girl who was with me then. Let’s call her Yuri. That day Yuri bought me ice cream lol. I thought “How cruel, making me buy ice cream after I’ve been crying lol,” but she said things like “I had a hard time working alone” and “I’m going to die from stress,” complaining a lot, so I bought it. But she didn’t ask why I was crying, which was really helpful at the time, so I felt like I could buy her ice cream forever. Well, I’ve actually been buying her ice cream for nearly 5 years now.

“JK” is an abbreviation for “female high school student.” After the sad reunion with his past life lover, the thread creator begins talking about his new lover in his current life.

• [243] Dating for 5 years, I’ll allow it. I have a friend who only dates high school girls

I have people like that around me too lol. When I ask Yuri to wear her uniform, she says, “5,000 yen please.”

I decided to talk to Miki next time I saw her. About a week later, I saw Miki at the register. As usual, I put about 10 bags of bean sprouts in my basket and lined up at the register. Miki: “Bean sprouts again lol.” Me: “Sorry lol.” Miki: “I’ll put them in a bag for you lol.” Me: “Thank you lol… Um, what time do you finish, Miki?” Miki: “What? lol. Are you hitting on me? lol. An old lady like me lol.” Me: “…I have something serious to talk about.” Miki: “I finish at 7 today, but…” Me: “Then I’ll wait for you at the park right outside the mall after 7.” Miki: “Um,” I walked away without waiting for a response. But Miki said, “Good luck with work lol.”

Here the story reaches another turning point. The thread creator has decided to tell his past life lover the truth and has arranged to meet her. The outcome is left to the reader’s imagination. Throughout the story, through the phenomenon of reincarnation, it portrays the bonds of family and the connections between past and present in an emotional narrative.