Fantasy Interview | Yoshiko

🦉 Monco 11th Anniversary Interview

Today, to celebrate monco's 11th anniversary, we have a special guest from the forest. She is Yoshiko, an owl who is a resident of the night and guardian of the forest. What is the thought behind her gentle appearance?
We bring you an interview in which she quietly talks about "staying calm" and "being yourself."

-Thank you for your time today.

Yoshiko: Thank you very much. I'm honored that you've come all the way to the forest at this time of night. We are nocturnal creatures, so right now is the time when our minds are most alert.

- Right away... you seem very calm.

Yoshiko: That's right. We don't make much noise. It's very quiet at night, so we become sensitive to even the smallest sounds and signs. Living like that, our minds naturally become accustomed to the silence.

- Is there anything you do to stay calm?

Yoshiko: Well... that's a difficult question, but perhaps it's "trying to remain calm." Not letting anger get the better of you, and not letting yourself get overly sad. I think calmness is more than just a lifestyle choice; it's also a responsibility. As guardians of the forest, we owls have the role of watching over it so that everyone can live in peace.

- What exactly does your "responsibility" as a guardian entail?

Yoshiko: For example, keeping an eye on the surroundings to make sure no trouble occurs. If something does happen, quietly intervene to prevent the problem from becoming bigger. The most important thing is to make the animals feel that "living in peace is the best." Facial expressions are essential for this. A smile.

- Expression?

Yoshiko: Yes. I try to be kind and cheerful at all times. I believe that the smiles of these owls help maintain peace in the forest.

--But don't you ever get tired of it?

Yoshiko: Rather than being tired, people often say that it's hard to understand my emotions. I always have the same smile on my face, so sometimes people are a little scared of me...it's a little sad. But don't you think laughing is a wonderful thing? I like it.

- Yoshiko, do you ever get surprised or panic?

Yoshiko: Well, it's not that I haven't seen one. Once, I was patrolling the forest and I saw one perch on a tree branch...but it wasn't actually a branch, it was the body of a snake. The moment our eyes met, I was so surprised that my wings started flapping (laughs).

- Hehe, that side of you is wonderful too. Why don't you show that side of you to the people of the forest?

Yoshiko: ...

Haha... I said too much, sorry!

Yoshiko: That's true... Maybe I was convinced that "an owl should be like this." As I thought about the need to be a calm, centered being, I felt that this was just my natural self. But I also feel emotions inside me, like being surprised, laughing, and feeling a little confused. Thank you for making me realize this.

- No, no. It's an honor to hear so many wonderful stories. Finally, could you say a few words to our readers?

Yoshiko: Thank you for reading to the end. I think the reason owls can remain calm is because that's their natural nature. Even if they don't try to force themselves to calm their minds, I think the seeds of calm are already there in their hearts.
Try to trust that quality a little. Letting go of control might lead you in a more enjoyable direction than you might expect.

-Yoshiko, thank you very much for today.

Yoshiko: Thank you very much. Let's both stay calm and do our best.

🕊 Editor's Note:
Yoshiko's words were quiet, but they certainly reached my heart. "Staying calm" doesn't mean being determined, but rather relaxing a little and "coming back."
Wherever you are right now, try listening carefully to the seeds of serenity that lie within.