IGN (In-Game Name): I will be applying with my GG_Grem account.
What is your discord username?: GG_Gremlin.
What is your timezone?: AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time).
Describe your activity on the server: I am very active on the server and rate myself an 8/10. I spend anywhere from 2 to 12 hours online each day or every other day whenever I have free time, averaging about 4 to 8 hours daily.
List your current roles on the server:
[College][B] GG_Gremlin.
[Grade-12] GG_Gremlin.
[Grade-12] GG_Grem.
[Cat] GG_Grem.
Link any previous applications:
[LANGUAGE APPLICATIONS]
Korean Language Application [Accepted]
Korean Language Application [Accepted]
Spanish Language Application [Accepted]
Vietnamese Language Application [Accepted]
Shanghainese Language Application [Denied]
Swedish Language Application [Accepted]
Arabic Language Application [Accepted]
Portuguese Language Application [Accepted]
Dutch Language Application [Accepted]
Greek Language Application [Accepted]
Chinese Language Application [Accepted]
Portuguese Language Application [Accepted]
Greek Language Application [Accepted]
Third Language Application: Russian [Accepted]
Spanish Language Application [Accepted]
Korean Language Application [Accepted]
Spanish Language Application [Accepted]
Italian Language Application [Accepted]
Hawaiian Language Application [Accepted]
Malaysian Language Application [Accepted]
Russian Language Application [Accepted]
Filipino Language Application [Accepted]
Spanish Language Application [Accepted]
JSL Language Application [Accepted]
Russian Language Application [Accepted]
Korean Language Application [Accepted]
Italian Language Application [Denied]
Spanish Language Application [Accepted]
Thai Language Application [Accepted]
German Language Application [Accepted]
French Language Application [Accepted]
Russian Language Application [Accepted]
JSL Language Application [Accepted]
Portuguese Language Application [Accepted]
Spanish Language Application [Accepted]
Korean Language Application [Accepted]
Russian Language Application [Accepted]
French Language Application [Accepted]
Third Language Application: French [Accepted]
Korean Language Application [Accepted]
Filipino Language Application [Accepted]
JSL Language Application [Accepted]
French Language Application [Accepted]
French Language Application [Denied]
Korean Language Application [Accepted]
JSL Language Application [Accepted]
[SCHOOL APPLICATIONS]
English Professor Application [Accepted]
Painting Arts Teacher Application [Denied]
Karakura High School Student Council Application [Accepted]
What position are you applying for (Maiden or Priest)?
I am applying for the Priest position.
What is your motivation for applying?
I have several motivations for wanting to join the shrine faction. First, I have a deep admiration for the work that the shrine maidens and priests do on the server. Their inclusivity, welcoming everyone regardless of their knowledge level, and their friendly demeanour consistently brighten my day. I aspire to be that special someone who greets visitors at the shrine, offering them a tour, providing tarot readings about their lives, or even giving them items from the gift shop. Once I gain a better understanding of Shintoism and Japanese culture, I hope to answer any questions shrine-goers may have about the religion and the life of a priest at the Karakura Monastery.
My second motivation is from my previous considerations to apply for this position. Despite my initial fears of not being knowledgeable enough, I have decided to try my best and give it a go anyway. While my knowledge of Japanese culture and Shintoism is limited, I am a firm believer in love and learning. I have a strong passion for researching mythology and folklore, making this a fantastic opportunity for me to explore my interests within a culture I have always admired.
The third motivation is my love for playing characters with strong cultural roots. I have portrayed characters from various countries, languages, cultures, and religions, but I have never fully immersed myself in Japanese culture and its Shinto-Buddhist beliefs. I am eager to learn and believe this experience will help me grow while growing my understanding of Japan, allowing me to accurately portray my Japanese characters.
My fourth motivation for applying is the wonderful events hosted at the shrine, such as the beautiful weddings, the stunning New Year festivals, and even the casual conversations with spirits like Kitsa. Whether it’s large events or simply assisting around the shrine with various tasks, I am eager to participate and learn more. I understand that I may start small with simple greetings to visitors or offering tarot readings. I am committed to the learning process of becoming a knowledgeable, responsible, and respected shrine priest.
Lastly, my fifth motivation to join the shrine faction is my love for writing. I am an avid reader and writer, and the shrine combines the three things I cherish the most—writing, learning, and researching. As I mentioned earlier, I am excited to explore Japanese culture, Karakura folklore, and Shintoism. Additionally, as an experienced writer and certified librarian in real life, I look forward to using my research and writing skills to document my experiences at the shrine through tasks such as cleaning, meditating, praying, and giving tarot readings.
What do you currently know about Shintoism? Are you willing to learn more about it?
My knowledge of Shintoism is limited, but I am eager to learn more about it. Here are the things I currently know, organised in a list:
Shintoism: Shintoism is a polytheistic religion that worships multiple 'gods' known as kami. It is also animistic, meaning that Shintoists believe all things, both living and non-living, possess a soul.
Kami: Kami is a term roughly translated into English as "god" or "deity." They are believed to inhabit all things, including people, places, concepts, and nature.
Yokai: Yokai refers to "strange apparitions" in Japanese folklore. They are spirits that come in many forms, ranging from animalistic to human or monstrous.
Tsumi: Tsumi is the Japanese word closest in meaning to "sin." It refers to the violation of social, religious, moral, or legal rules. However, it is mostly used in a religious or moral context.
Kegare: Kegare translates to "uncleanness" or "pollution." It is a type of tsumi but is not classified as a sin. Kegare can be purified through purification rituals known as misogiharae. It often relates to the defiled state of a soul, which can occur through contact with death, childbirth, disease, and other forms of contamination.
Misogi: Misogi means "purification" in Japanese. This ritual can be performed in many ways, such as martial arts, deep breathing exercises, drinking sacred water, or submerging yourself in sacred water. The traditional misogi ritual involves completely submerging your body in a sacred waterfall.
Harae: Harae is a general term for ritual purification in Shintoism.
Temizu: Temizu is a cleansing and purification ritual in Shintoism performed by washing the hands and mouth with water. This ritual is expected when visiting Shinto shrines and is performed before entering the shrine and praying to kami. It serves as a symbolic cleansing of the body and mind to purify them from evil.
- Scoop up water from the Chōzubachi with your right hand using the hishaku dipper.
- Pour some water (not all) over your left hand.
- Switch the hand holding the hishaku and pour water over your right hand.
- Cup your left hand to collect water and rinse your mouth.
- Spit out the water carefully into the overflow area outside the Chōzubachi.
- Rinse your left hand again.
- Tilt the hishaku so that the remaining water runs down the handle to cleanse it.
- Place the hishaku back in its original position.
Chōzubachi: Chōzubachi is the name of the large water basin from which you retrieve water during the Temizu ritual.
Hishaku Dipper: The hishaku dipper is a Japanese ladle used to scoop water. It is often used in the Temizu ritual and for tea ceremonies.
Shrine Maiden: A shrine maiden or a miko (young priestess) is responsible for performing rituals, assisting priests, and maintaining the shrine. Some of the tasks a shrine maiden may perform include: Hishaku Dipper: The hishaku dipper is a Japanese ladle used to scoop water. It is often used in the Temizu ritual and for tea ceremonies.
- Tea Ceremonies: Shrine maidens may host tea ceremonies for guests, which are based on four main elements: harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. During a tea ceremony, the tea master enters and bows, and the guests bow in return. The guest is offered food, after which the tea master prepares the utensils, fills the chawan (a bowl used for preparing and drinking tea) with hot water, and then empties it to prepare the tea. Finally, the tea is served to the guests.
- Tarot Readings: Shrine maidens may provide tarot readings to guests using a distinctive deck of 78 cards known as a tarot deck. Guests can request different types of readings, such as love, career, finances, the future, the past, and more. During a reading, a shrine maiden typically shuffles the deck and asks what type of reading the guest prefers. The guest is then told to draw a certain number of cards from the deck, following their intuition. After the cards are drawn, the shrine maiden flips them over one at a time, explaining the meaning of each card in relation to the chosen topic.
- Guiding Visitors: Shrine maidens may guide visitors around the shrine and provide tours, taking guests to various locations including the gift shop, tea house, onsen, dojo, old shrine, farm, and main building.
- Selling Souvenirs: At the shrine's gift shop, shrine maidens may assist guests in purchasing a variety of items, including omamori (amulets), omikujis (fortune slips), ofudas (talismans), charms, blessed lanterns, koinobori (koi flags), plushies, and stamps.
- Cleaning the Shrine: Shrine maidens maintain the cleanliness of the shrine grounds by dusting, sweeping, mopping, and performing other cleaning tasks as a sign of respect.
- Preparing Offerings for the Kami: Shrine maidens prepare offerings for the kami during their duties. Offerings usually consist of food, drink, or yen. The most common offering is a 5-yen coin as it is said to be good luck. A shrine maiden or guest purifies themselves at the temizuya (purification fountain) before ringing the bell, bowing deeply twice, clapping twice (with one hand slightly lower than the other), clasping their hands in prayer (either aloud or silently), bowing once more, and then leaving.
- Purifying Themselves: Shrine maidens, along with guests and shrine priests, frequently purify themselves, typically through the temizu ritual before entering the shrine or through misogi.
- Educating the Public: Shrine maidens may be asked questions about Shintoism, Japanese culture, folklore, or their daily lives. During these interactions, they engage in respectful conversations and provide information to guests, as long as it is appropriate.
- Kagura: Kagura is a unique duty performed by shrine maidens, involving a ritualistic and ceremonial dance meant to entertain the kami. A key aspect of this dance is chikon, which involves purifying and shaking the spirit. There are two main types of kagura: mai and odori. Mai features slow, circular movements, while odori consists of quick, jumping motions.
- Officiating Ceremonies: Shrine priests officiate ceremonies at the shrine, such as ritual worship or weddings. During a wedding, a purification ritual known as shinzen shiki (marriage before the kami) is performed. The priest first washes the couple's hands and mouths to symbolise the cleansing of their hearts and bodies. He then leads a prayer to the kami, asking for the couple's protection and announcing their marriage. The couple exchanges vows, takes three sips of sake from three different cups (symbolising their past, present, and future), exchanges wedding rings, and offers a sacred branch to the kami, along with food and wine. Guests may also offer food and wine to the kami, concluding the ceremony. Traditionally, the couple hosts a wedding reception afterwards, held in a banquet hall.
- Tarot Readings: Similar to shrine maidens, shrine priests can also assist with fortune-telling and tarot readings, offering their services to guests as explained above.
- Guiding Visitors: Shrine priests can assist with guiding visitors and providing tours, just like shrine maidens.
- Selling Souvenirs: Shrine priests may also work in the gift shop alongside shrine maidens, selling various souvenirs mentioned previously.
- Cleaning the Shrine: Shrine priests are responsible for the shrine's upkeep as well. They participate in cleaning tasks such as vacuuming, dusting, mopping, and more.
- Preparing Offerings for the Kami: The responsibilities of shrine priests align closely with those of shrine maidens, particularly regarding the preparation of offerings for the kami.
- Purifying Themselves: Shrine priests are required to purify themselves, and typically engage in a misogiharae ritual daily. Alternatively, purification can also be performed through temizu.
- Educating the Public: Shrine priests are expected to educate visitors and provide accurate answers to questions about the shrine's daily operations, Shintoism, Japanese culture and folklore, and other topics of interest.
- Protecting the Spirits: A unique duty of shrine priests is to protect and promote harmony between people and the kami, as well as safeguard any spirits residing within the shrine.
- Mediating Blessings: Additionally, shrine priests are responsible for mediating blessings from the kami to worshippers.
Character Full Name: Mizuwokakeru Miyakawa. Before you sits a young man in his early twenties, exuding a serene elegance that captures the attention of everyone in the room. His dark blue hair, reminiscent of the deep ocean waters, flows gracefully down to frame his pale, flawless complexion. This striking visual perfectly complements his name, which translates to "flowing water." As he speaks, his voice is soft and melodic, imbued with an air of respectful calm that invites conversation. "My name is Mizuwokakeru Miyakawa," he begins, his tone almost musical, "but please, my friends call me Mizu." His exquisite blue eyes, sparkling like the clear sky, hold a depth that suggests both wisdom and warmth as they meet yours.
Character Title: Mister Miyakawa, Mister Mizuwokakeru, or Mister Mizu. Mizuwokakeru gently unfurls himself from his previous seated position, shifting to a more comfortable criss-cross-apple-sauce posture that reflects his relaxed demeanour. He runs his long fingers delicately through his hair, a calming gesture that helps soothe the nervous fluttering in his chest. Taking a deep, measured breath, he synchronises his movements with the rhythm of his inhalation, presenting you with a wide, inviting smile that reveals a row of perfectly aligned white teeth. "Just Mister Miyakawa or Mister Mizu is fine with me," he adds, his voice warm and friendly, encapsulating an approachable charm that feels instantly reassuring.
Character Age: Twenty-four. When asked about his age, Mizuwokakeru's expression shifts slightly as he lets out a soft, inquisitive hum. He reaches up to adjust his stylish gold-rimmed glasses, a defining feature of his look. "I am twenty-four years old—young, I know," he states, a hint of playfulness in his voice. A confident smirk spreads across his face, eyebrows raised slightly, subtly suggesting his maturity despite his youth. "But I assure you, I am more than capable of taking on this position," he continues, oozing a quiet self-assurance.
Character Marital Status: Unmarried. Mizuwokakeru repositions himself, smoothing the delicate fabric of his white cotton kimono, which falls gracefully over his form. "I'm unmarried." His eyebrows lift ever so slightly, and as a soft chuckle escapes his lips, you catch a glimmer of vulnerability mixed with hope—perhaps hinting at his openness to finding a partner. There’s a subtle charm in his demeanour, which makes it clear that while he is content in his current state, he would embrace the right connection should it come along.
Character Nationality: Japanese-American. With a gentle wave of his hand, Mizuwokakeru expresses his identity concisely. "Japanese-American," he states, his voice carrying both pride and a touch of humility. As he shares this piece of information, it’s evident that he carries the cultural richness of both backgrounds within him. He is expressive, using his words thoughtfully to convey just enough without overwhelming, perhaps recognising that an interview thrives on the art of conversation—one that balances enquiry with introspection. His body language is inviting, suggesting that he is both engaged in the moment and aware of the importance of each exchange.
Degree/Certifications (If applicable): Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Advanced Language Studies, and a Graduate Diploma in Library and Information Management.
Backstory: Mizuwokakeru softly sighs as he leans back in his wooden chair, a low rumble escaping his throat when asked about his past. "Well, it's a long story, but I'll try to condense it," he chuckles playfully, his smile widening before he gently clears his throat. "I was born and raised in Orlando, Florida, with my three caretakers." He smirks and nods his head. "Yes, I said three: two biological parents, a lovely American man named Oliver and a stunning Japanese woman named Mikoto, who found a loving third partner, an Australian woman named Charlotte. They raised me with somewhat suffocating but adoring love and care." He smiles fondly while mentioning his carers, placing a hand on his heart to show sincerity as he feels it swell with pride for their happy polygamous marriage.
"Unfortunately, I didn't stay in Orlando long; I moved to Osaka, Japan, when I was just a toddler and spent most of my youth there until I turned eighteen, after which I graduated and had my ceremony." He pauses for a moment, his hands moving animatedly as he continues, "I then moved to Adelaide with my mother, Charlotte. I studied Language Arts at the University of Adelaide. During this time, I maintained my Japanese skills and learned to speak Italian." He muses, straightening his posture in his seat and crossing one leg over the other. "After three years of studying for my language degree, I felt the need to revisit my home in Osaka, so I studied online part-time for two years while working in a local bookstore and taking university courses until I received my graduate diploma in Library and Information Management."
Leaning forward slightly, with his hands illustrating his experiences, he adds, "After that, I took a year-long trip through as many places in Italy as I could, visiting historic and scenic destinations like Venice, Pompeii, and the Florence Cathedral. When the new year came, I realised I needed a change of pace: somewhere I had never been before, somewhere I could thrive into the person I was meant to become. I thought, What better place than a little town in the middle of nowhere in Japan?"
He takes a breath, a hint of seriousness entering his voice. "You see, my life hasn't been without its challenges. I was diagnosed early on with a speech impediment, which led my parents to usher me into speech therapy. However, it wasn't until I turned twenty-one that I faced something incredibly daunting. I struggled academically and even had to repeat a year in university, which prompted a major psychological evaluation. That's when I was diagnosed with level 3 autism, inattentive ADHD, major depressive disorder, anorexia, generalised anxiety disorder, and social phobia. It was a lot to process, but I learned to embrace these parts of myself and sought help from psychologists, my religious community, and my parents." Mizuwokakeru chuckles, shaking off the heaviness for a moment. "And that's how I ended up at your doorstep, asking you for a position as a priest at your esteemed monastery."
How does your character act around shrine grounds? How do they interact with guests and other staff?
Mizuwokakeru is often seen maintaining the shrine grounds, devoting his time to cleaning, meditating, and practicing yoga. He finds solace in these activities, as they allow him to connect with his surroundings and centre his thoughts. When he's not engaged in these tasks, he enjoys retreating to his private room or the onsen, where he can relax and recharge in solitude. His interactions with guests reflect his warm and considerate nature; as he greets them, he performs a respectful bow paired with a charming smile, saying, "Hello, my dear, and welcome to the Karakura Monastery. If you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to fetch me or any other member of the shrine."
Mizuwokakeru possesses an innate charisma, especially when he is around peers. In those moments, he may embrace a slightly more flirty and confident demeanour, as he actively seeks to forge meaningful connections and possibly a romantic relationship. However, this playful side is balanced by his genuine, reserved, and mature disposition. He naturally maintains respect for others, reflecting the core values instilled in him by his upbringing in Osaka, Japan.
With his fellow shrine members, Mizuwokakeru adopts a friendly yet professional approach, engaging them in discussions about their duties or commenting on the ever-changing weather. As he gets to know his colleagues better, he gradually transitions to a more relaxed, casual demeanour, still upholding a level of respect—particularly towards the elder members of the shrine.
Mizuwokakeru often exhibits small, nervous habits that stem from his autism. He may be seen fidgeting with his hair or using hand gestures to emphasise his words while speaking. To alleviate the tension or anxiety that he sometimes experiences, he has a tendency to chuckle lightly, a habit that also helps to put those around him at ease. It’s not uncommon for him to blush when he feels flustered or embarrassed, adding a charming vulnerability to his otherwise composed exterior.
You see a guest jumping around the roofs of the building and overall disrespecting shrine grounds; how would your character handle it?
In a soft yet low tone, Mizuwokakeru called out to the individual who was recklessly jumping between the rooftops of the shrine buildings, a clear violation of the sacred space. "Please come down from there, or else I'll have to escort you out of the shrine grounds, dear," he said, his voice ringing with a calm firmness, akin to a gentle parent coaxing a toddler down from the height of a large bookshelf. The serenity of the shrine was disrupted, and he hoped for a swift resolution.
If the individual persisted in their antics, Mizuwokakeru would take a deep breath, wave his hand in a dismissive manner, and begin to approach them with measured steps, carefully adhering to the designated path to maintain the sanctity of the grounds. "My dear," he began again, this time with a more serious undertone, "I have already given you a warning. Consider this your second. If you do not come down from the rooftops, I will be compelled to intervene directly and escort you down myself." His voice dropped lower, more insistent, but still imbued with a sense of care, emphasising the importance of his request.
Should the individual ignore his third and more explicit warning, Mizuwokakeru’s demeanour would shift subtly as he scanned the surrounding area for assistance. He would quietly signal to another shrine member, perhaps someone who had been observing the situation from a distance, and together they would approach the individual, presenting a united front. It was not just about removing the person from the rooftops—it was about preserving the peace and reverence of the shrine. If necessary, they would work together to guide the individual down and ensure their safe exit from the sacred grounds, always maintaining a respectful approach.
Why does your character want to become a shrine maiden/priest?
Mizuwokakeru has a profound passion for becoming a shrine priest, driven by his deep-rooted love for his hometown of Osaka, a place rich with cultural heritage. Growing up surrounded by the intricate beauty of ancient shrines and charming gift shops lining every street, he formed a strong connection to the traditions and spiritual essence that permeate the city. This enchantment has inspired him to pursue a career that allows him to recreate that vibrant and serene atmosphere in his adult life, where he can play a role in preserving and sharing the beauty of his community.
In addition to his aspirations of priesthood, Mizuwokakeru harbours a similar dream of becoming a librarian. He holds a strong belief in the power of knowledge and story to uplift and enlighten individuals, and he longs to create an environment filled with learning that sparks joy and curiosity in others. Through engaging conversations and thoughtful interactions, he hopes to brighten people’s days, making meaningful connections that foster a sense of community and understanding.
Mizuwokakeru also views his journey towards becoming a shrine priest as not just a career choice but as a path to spiritual fulfilment. He is driven by a lifelong desire for deeper meaning in his life, which he believes can be achieved through dedicated service at the shrine, connecting with the sacred grounds, and guiding others in their spiritual journeys. From his childhood experiences among the shrines, he has come to understand the power of faith and community, and he is determined to contribute to that legacy in any way he can.
Appearance: Before you stands an unassuming Japanese-American young man, measuring just 5'3". Despite his short, pear-shaped stature, there is an undeniable maturity about him that transcends his years. His striking sky-blue eyes, reminiscent of a clear summer sky, shimmer with a depth of wisdom. Messy strands of midnight blue hair curl playfully around his delicate features, framing a complexion that is a soft, pale pink. A captivating scent of thunderstorms mingled with the ocean envelops him.
Age: 24.
Height: 5'3" / 160cm.
Weight: 113lbs / 51kg.
Build: Athletic, pear-shaped.
Skin Colour: Pale pink.
Eye Colour: Sky blue.
Hair Color: Dark blue / Midnight blue.
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