Ryuuji Kagami x Kaori Nakano: 2008 Special Dialogue (1)
Ryuji Kagami x Kaori Nakano: 2008 SPECIAL TALK (1)
“2008: The Year of Manners!?”
Destiny works in mysterious ways. Kaoruko Higashino, deputy editor of Harper's Bazaar and a contributor to OPENERS, told me, “According to astrologer Ryuji Kagami, 2008 is the year of manners.”
2008: The Year of Manners!? What could possibly be the basis for such a claim?
Rather than speculate indirectly, I thought it would be best to ask Mr. Kagami himself. Through our mutual connection with FRaU magazine, where he has a regular column, I asked the deputy editor, Ms. W, to arrange an introduction. Mr. Kagami kindly explained the astrological reasoning behind “2008 being the year of manners” via email.
Mr. Kagami describes astrology as “an intellectual game of interpreting imagery.” His interpretations of worldly events are so fascinating that I've written about some of them in the “Kokoro no Koromo” column of the Asahi Shimbun. However, the limited space in the newspaper could never convey the full richness of this “intellectual game.” I had always wished for an opportunity to learn more about astrological thinking in greater depth.
It was then, through OPENERS, that I received an invitation to a party from Moët & Chandon. By chance, I ran into Mr. Kagami at the venue, the Mitsui Club. Mr. O, the publisher of OPENERS, who accompanied me, spontaneously suggested, “Well then, let’s have a talk!” And thus, this project came to fruition. It’s less of a dialogue and more of me, the student, asking questions and being taught.
In an age of such advanced science, why do people turn to fortune-telling?
What significance does astrology hold today?
What are the specific methods of astrology?
How can we interpret worldly events through astrology?
And from an astrological perspective, what kind of year will 2008 be?
Armed with these wonderfully simple questions, I went to hear his thoughts.
Text by Kaori NakanoPhoto by Jamandfix
Why Will 2008 Be the Year of Manners?
NakanoThank you for your thorough explanation regarding the “Year of Manners” issue. I am truly grateful for this opportunity to speak with you again today. It feels as though a confluence of connections and coincidences has led us here… I’m deeply moved.
KagamiIndeed. The pleasure is all mine. Thank you for having me.
NakanoTo get straight to the point, “2008: The Year of Manners.” For OPENERS readers who are hearing this thesis for the first time, could you please elaborate? First and foremost, is there truly a connection between the alignment of celestial bodies and events on Earth?
KagamiAstrology operates on the premise that there is (laughs). Within astrology, as a system of interpretation, an interpretive game, we assume there is some causal relationship or correspondence between the positions of the planets and events on Earth.
NakanoAstrology is the art of interpretation. Yes, that phrase really captivated me (laughs). It’s not just a simple guess like ‘hitting the mark by chance.’ It’s about reading meaning between the imagery of planetary alignments and earthly events. Learning that astrology is such an intellectual game of imagery completely changed my perspective on it.
Ryuji Kagami
KagamiAstrology originated in an era of geocentric theory, so the structure is that the stars revolve around the Earth. The constellations along the Sun's apparent path are twelve. Being born under a certain sign refers to the direction of the Sun from Earth at the time of birth.
Nakano…I sometimes struggle to fully grasp the celestial discussions (tears). So, what is the basis for 2008 being the year of manners?
KagamiLast September, Saturn entered Virgo. Saturn represents “limits” and “reality,” while Virgo represents “order.” These two are an almost perfect match, compulsively creating order and imposing regularity even down to the minutest details.
NakanoWhere do these planetary images come from? Are they related to Greek mythology, for instance?
KagamiYes. Among the planets, those that move slowly, like Jupiter and Saturn, are particularly important. Jupiter stays in one sign for a year, and Saturn for two and a half years. We consider these slow-moving celestial bodies to represent the mood of society.
NakanoSaturn-Virgo signifies reality-order. And what about Jupiter?
KagamiJupiter entered Capricorn last December. Jupiter symbolizes “expansion,” and Capricorn symbolizes “tradition.” Therefore, there is a strong focus on tradition and formality.
NakanoJupiter-Capricorn for tradition-expansion. Combined with Saturn-Virgo’s reality-order, this leads to the “Year of Manners.” Hmm, it’s remarkable how you can derive such a catchy slogan from this. And given the current boom in elegance, it’s quite persuasive.
The Erika Sawajiri Backlash, the Revival of Dressed-Up Styles, KY, and Declining Passport Issuance Rates: Planetary Alignments
KagamiAs soon as Saturn entered Virgo, people who had been popular for their rebellious nature suddenly became targets of public criticism. Think of Asashoryu or Erika Sawajiri.
NakanoAh, now that you mention it, that’s true. When explained in relation to celestial movements, it feels less like a mere coincidence. Fashion is also heading in a more polished direction. For men, the trend is towards smart, tied-up looks. For women, it’s elegant skirt suits. The allure of the ‘coakuma’ (seductively cute) is fading, and the mood is shifting towards the enduring appeal of a sophisticated woman.
KagamiHowever, since it’s an interpretive game, we can also derive negative interpretations from this planetary alignment. For example, “exclusion of those who deviate from one’s own order” or “movements in perfect unison.”
NakanoThe backlash against KY (Kūki o Yomenai – unable to read the room) is precisely that, isn’t it? I’ve termed the current extreme sensitivity towards KY as “KY phobia” – a fear of not being able to read the room. This movement of excluding the ‘other’ is quite frightening.
KagamiTo “read the room,” one needs to pay attention to subtle nuances like tone of voice and timing. In Kyoto, if someone says “Bubuzuke demo” (Would you like some tea?), you must understand it as “Please leave.” A world where understanding these subtle social codes becomes an indicator of intelligence and emotional capacity is precisely what Virgo represents.
NakanoEven the KY backlash is related to the stars…!
KagamiPerhaps it’s a phenomenon unique to Japan, but I also see the declining passport issuance rate among young people as a Virgo-like phenomenon. It signifies a satisfaction with the subtle communication within their own circles, and a reluctance to venture out into the world and face the friction of different cultures.
NakanoThe fact that even the decline in passport issuance can be explained by celestial movements… it’s too fascinating.
Saturn Return: A Coming-of-Age Ceremony
NakanoWere there similar planetary alignments in the past?
KagamiTwenty-nine years ago. In 1978. It’s called Saturn Return, where Saturn completes one orbit and returns to its original position after 29 years from birth. In that sense, age 29 is a turning point, or rather, a coming-of-age ceremony, from an astrological perspective.
Photographer NAh, I’m 29 right now (laughs).
NakanoThe period just before turning 30 is also a time of anxiety, when one tends to look back at their past. By introducing the concept of Saturn Return, we can reframe this as a positive “coming-of-age” moment.
KagamiAstrology can also be a useful tool for living a better life in this way.
New Year's Gift from Ryuji Kagami!The application deadline for this was Friday, February 15, 2008.
Winners of the signed copies of "Soulful Tarot" (Sowa-sha), written and supervised by Ryuji Kagami, will be notified by mail.
Thank you for your many applications. (OPENERS Editorial Department)
Photography Cooperation: Cyber Inc.
Ryuji Kagami Official Website: http://www.ryuji.tv/
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