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Oh yeah, it is that time of the year again... That part when I start questioning myself why I like Touhou. When I got into this, I did not know too much about the tone and nature of the universe everything is placed in. Due to the light-hearted nature of fanon content. I thought this is actually quite a nice place to live in, without too many worries. However, as I started reading more and more about the nature of the Gensokyo and the way humans are treated, I started to question everything I knew up to that point. Let's just say that if I woke up in Gensokyo one day, I would either just wish to die quickly (since "spirited away" people are free real estate and any youkai can eat them), or if I were able to find the Human Village/Hakurei Shrine out of sheer luck, I would just wish to GTFO as I do not want to become a mere cattle, only used for having my fear harvested by some demonic creatures just to maintain a so-called "status quo". At least this is how I understood things until now. Basically, it turned from a light-hearted land of adventure into basically a dictatorship of the youkai who need the humans as fuel simply for maintaining their own existence. But this might go deeper, exploring the very purpose of why Gensokyo was created and what is the whole purpose of maintaining a status quo. Both questions seem to already have answers, but it is always interesting to analyze more and create theories that could expand on it. Meanwhile, there is also this fragment from the big file I have analyzed recently, trying to bring an explanation to the way things work in Gensokyo: I am not fully sure if this text is accurate or it is just coping, but it sure brings some interesting points that seem to make the situation look less bad than the impression I was left with. As for the "demons" themselves, I have been asking numerous times why do they look like cute young girls. What initially brought me into Touhou was the characters. Out of any possible anime/Japanese game kind of series, this one caught my attention since it felt different. A nice balance between cute and badass, without the general horny element of modern Japanese media. Besides a meta reason like "this is just a Japanese thing", I was looking for a different, more in-universe reason. Sadly, only much later did I start getting into the actual materials about them, and try make some (to be fair, quite summary) research about their mythological inspiration. I suspect everything is just a trap, made to caught unaware people off-guard (an in terms of meta, turn a frightening beast of mythology into a "waifu"). Another idea I have come up with was expressed in a previous topic. I will just bring it here: I've been thinking of something among these lines a while ago. Maybe it is related to faith and fear that determines how the youkai/god will look like. Which can also be connected to their physical appearance and design choice. Right here, I'd spawn a bit of a headcanon: in the old days, people used to fear the youkai. Therefore, this fear turned them into the frightening, mythology-accurate forms we know of from Japanese traditions. However, as times changed, people have started to become less fearful of them, especially in the outside world following the increasing implementation of science, and therefore the youkai have started to lose their frightening factor and so started to look more like cute girls, while still somehow retaining their powers more or less. I am not very sure if any of this makes sense, but this is what I could come up as a random theory at 3 AM. I wish I might be wrong about some of the points I have brought earlier, especially in the first paragraph. I feels like a real shock going from one tone that seems to have been promoted in the fandom, then collide it with the realities of canon. This is also a place where cultural differences and cultural shock come into play, as the realities of Japanese culture and religion are a great unknown to me. There are a lot of things that very different from the culture and traditions I was brought up into, and there are things I might never be able to understand. I also find it ironic how shocked and in a poor mood I can get be knowing a thing I like can be dark. Which is strange, especially because I absolutely love Warhammer 40,000. And that universe is very known as the poster-child (and creator) of the concept of grimdark to begin with. But yeah, this is me going again through a weird period of questioning myself why do I actually like this series and what makes it so lovable for me. Last time it happened last year, and back then it shattered m original image of Touhou.

Another thing come across my mind, it's something about the fairies, and souls floating around Gensokyo, fairies are trademark of gensokyo as they represent the nature of Gensokyo in some way; If the fairies are gathered around in max quantity, there's something going on and if they're none there's also something on. So, going back to the your first reply, what will happen if they're fond of you? Do you get an instant villager card and a warranty to not get attack by yokai. As for the souls, (Ghosts, Vengeful Spirits, so on and so forth) without 'em Gensokyo would be missing something as they boost the fear harvesting and also stand on par with the yokai, human and fairies to set the overall balance of Gensokyo and the tone as mentioned in your title. One more thing, I'm recently aware that the outside world and Hakurei Shrine has some sort of connection as Someone in the comments (reply) of (3) JOURNEY TO GENSOKYO - Visiting Shimo-Suwa in Central Japan - YouTube (I haven't read the manga and books so I don't know if this is accurate) One said the following:

It appears to be case, as they're usually Japanese/Shinto believers but if someone from another religion got brought in Gensokyo, they don't have to change the religion although it's going to be very hard for them. Another thing is that can also happen: Converting to the local religion either Taoism, Shintoism or Buddhism, in which case they're not going to be happy. The next thing you're gonna know is either Conversion, Confusion or Cast away from Gensokyo via the barrier. So, in short, even if you're not a Shito Believer and also an Atheist, you're in for a ride. (Shito Believers are playing dark souls in the hardest difficulty and non believers are playing with a driving wheel as it's a tad bit inconvenient) Let's say a Islam or a Christian ends up in Gensokyo gods can gather faith since they do believe in god albeit faintly and just like your statement in the latter part, It is somewhat possible to create a new deity solely based on the faith of those whom are dedicated enough; I would be blown away myself if I saw a mexician god sharing tacos with a Shinto god. I'm quite fond of the idea, imagine those ancient gods from different religion gather in Genoskyo as they were forgotten and some of their power were weakened due to that. I wonder if those gods would come all the way form their respective part of the place to Japan, gensokyo although it might not be easy as there are japanses gods that guard the seas and the sky making 'em difficult to come in; I have one thing that can make the travel easier, if the commoners show great virtue (And donaations) for the gods the trip will be more smooth sailing also applied to the gods as well, (I have a hunch, what if the Hukurei shrine's donation box is very well donated? who knows, The god itself might show up) I too have watched him for years but I'm afraid I'm missing out on the western side of the world thus wanting a good channel that covers the detailed aspect of western cultures, mythologies, and most importantly history. (I also need to find one for the Chinese since I've found an interesting shitpost containing history of Chinese: One time, a chinese commoner thought "So, I've heard of this 'Bible' book and he took that "book" and spread Christianity all over China hence, making the English and one other country that I dont' remember try to aid the guy but the punchline is he has never seen a Bible in his entire life and had caused the Chinese emperor and the self-proclaimed Christin of China into battle and have a body count so huge that can compare WW2 if not higher; that was history for China while the other were busy claiming lands) This does covered the outsider aspect of Gensokyo but there're now more things that wish to see more manga about the daily life of fairies and human villagers and also souls any kind of souls works (long as it isn't the Moriya Shrine and Eintei for the 27th time). Surnist! I also miss him but fret not as he doesn't upload often and maybe, he's planning a big old topic into a video) Alright, now to the artists, it's somewhat strange as Zun have a clear path in making the manga and thus, I must say he just accept the multiple designs and said Beer and having characters appear young. I wish to see their original form or at least a shadow to satisfy my cat frog. Ah, yes "Meet the Halves": honestly I've no idea how that works? As you said, Human and Yokai Parents for him? It's very possible since they have those relationship in Gensokyo, one even got a god whom likes frog. As always, we will know once the Hukurei God is reavealed. It is very much a thing that's set in Japanese Mythology as they take the form of a woman to seduce and used the men whom had likely peak their interest. (She is a shape-shifter as it's one of the sub abilities for yokai and Tanuki are basically better at them but her main ability isn't shape-shifting it's the "MASSIVE BALLS") For the question of limitation for shape-shifting? No, it isn't exclusive to only her, most of yokai can do that easily and sages too, heck my frog Ogama can also do that hence, I call it fireball of Skyrim but actually easier as it is one of the common skill among yokai Yeah, it does reflect to real war in my vision also. Even, Zun said that it's It's darker than usual. Hey, I like your view G. I do have the high ground here (Just a bit) Yes, Indeed it's quite hard to keep track of the things here and I'm hanging on 'cause I got into mythology of Japan when I was only 5 (Ah, those were the days, fairy tales from Japan were up in Burmese Television, sadly it has shut down.) Oh, I diagnose you with some Japanese History, as long ago they were very lazy (Also borrowed Katakan from China) and they've seen a lot of.... interesting stuff along the way so, they evolved to much harder working ones. (too hard) And yeah most of weird topics and now popular.... squid (Oden with these taste heavenly) "stuff" has also originated from Japan hence, this might be the reason for things that aren't weird for 'em but very weird for us outside of Japan. I've read your post and it's very enticing, I saw one of the people to not read Tv troupes as they highly exaggerated Fanon depictions and I've read one of 'em and couldn't be more right. Yeah, this has been very wonderful read through brother.

This actually raised me a question. My guess is that in Gensokyo those who are spirited away are usually Japanese/Shinto believers I would assume. I am making such an assumption based on the focus of Touhou being predominantly on the area of Japan, with references to China and Korea. Any other parts of the world seem to be only briefly brought in, mostly as references (Hecatia is a bit of an exception, being probably the only character inspired by a religious entity from the Western world, more exactly the goddess Hekate of the ancient Greeks). Here comes the question: what does happen if someone from outside the Shinto/East-Asian world is brought into Gensokyo? More on that a little later. As for the humans that are sent there, here is an interesting part from the "Humans" article of the wiki, particularly the "Outsiders" subchapter: From this fragment, there are some interesting points that can be abstracted. it seems like outsiders entering Gensokyo might also happen by accident, given fluctuations in how strong the Hakurei Barrier is finding "outsiders" in Gensokyo is a rather rare sight, as most of them are either eaten or leave as soon as they get the chance there seems to be a selection of those who end up in Gensokyo - people with little knowledge in technology (so no engineers, scientists, IT programmers etc) just like you have also pointed out, the Villagers are protected under a contract that came to be following the Vampire Incident youkai are hard to distinguish from human beings due to their appearance, and for outsiders only stuff like ghosts seem to be the obvious it is not fully clear if the outsiders, once becoming part of the Village folk, are also protected by the contract, but it is possible there are special cases of outsiders who accommodated to the new world of Gensokyo (but I would personally put it on "because protagonist character" like in the case of Sane & Moriya gang, or how Maribel, Renko and Sumireko have not been eaten by any youkai despite being outsiders) Perfect Memento in Strict Sense actually does have an interesting fragment, especially since it reflects the way inhabitants of Gensokyo might see outside people getting in: Here is the question I have been talking about to be asked later. If you are not a Shinto believer and decide to remain in Gensokyo, how will things work out? Gods cannot get power from your belief if you are a believer of any other religion. Are there people in Gensokyo who are not Shinto believers? I know there are some atheists like Sakuya and Nitori apparently, but there does not seem to be sign of any other religion going on like Christianity or Islam. In a way, it would be interesting if ancient, forgotten religions of Europe and their gods would find a place in Gensokyo. Since the land was created to preserve these beliefs in a world that has gone in the direction of science of progress, therefore starting to stray away from religion, mystical and mythical entities have found a place to live there. And so I was thinking if others have found their place there. Hecatia already got to Gensokyo, wonder if other members of the Greek, Roman or any other ancient pantheon would fins their place. Or maybe Gensokyo was founded too late, and those old religious entities lost their powers/disappeared before having any chance to find their place in Gensokyo. As for the people who get there and are not Shinto, do they end up converting their religion from anything they used to be up to that point once they see gods are actually real and live in the same land as them? Or there is some form of religious toleration for anyone? It would be funny if a Christian got in Gensokyo, and their faith would be strong enough to actually create an entity. (Oh wait, I think I am not confusing it with the power of the Warp and belief in Warhammer 40.000, and the creation of miracles/Living Saints and other Imperial stuff in that universe...) I always like seeing personal interpretations of how things work or ended up getting in the state they are nowadays. Especially when you are given enough creative liberty and the chance to fill in the gaps with your judgement. Also the theory is interesting. I have actually been watching Linfamy for a few years now. I have found him thanks to a video on Heian Japan, and from then on I got extremely curious to learn more about the early history, culture and mythology of Japan. I new literally nothing about East Asia up to that point, and this was a very entertaining way of learning new things. Ah, the flowing of time in Gensokyo. One topic that keeps bugging everyone up since it does not seem to make any sense. I remember Surnist made a very good video on the topic long ago (I really miss him posting stuff - it's been 11 months already without a new video...) As for different artists, it is funny, but also confusing how depending on the artist, characters seem to be getting younger as time goes on. Just look at Youmu and how she is portrayed in any official manga. From her first appearance in PCB, artists who worked on canon material seem to be drawing her younger and younger looking. Or how if you show someone an image of Akyuu, they will not believe you when you say she is 27. They will tell you she looks like being 17 at most due to the way portraits are drawn. It would be interesting to know if the Contract might actually be what ended up in "taming" the youkai, and turning them into the pretty girls we have canonically (or downright attractive/seductive if you go by fanart). And since they could no longer feed on the population of the village, their powers might have diminished as the main source of power has remained in scaring people instead of eating them. Also, perhaps they also became a bit more sociable following this "taming", as even those who are regarded to have the "Worst" relations with humans seem to be only acting if you mistreat them (or destroy their flowers - I mean, didn't Eiki tell Yuuka in PoFV to basically "do your job and scare more humans"?). So maybe this is why they might have ended up looking the way they do nowadays? It could be either this, or I might be falling again into the trap of moe. Short answer would be that perhaps a diminishing in power would have lead to this aspect of theirs, and it is interesting if they are still able to transform into their original youkai form. Rinnosuke is a peculiar case. Besides he is like one of the few named males we know of, he is also a half-youkai. How does this even work? Was one of the parents a human and the other a youkai, is it a duality thing like with half-human-half-phantoms, or an incomplete transformation into a youkai? This is an interesting part. I did not manage to fully understand it though, especially the part of picking the aspect of a young woman. From my limited knowledge of Japanese mythology, I know youkai turning into attractive women was a thing, which I remember was quite common especially with Kitsune (the case of Tamamo no Mae always comes to my mind) and whatever the name of the creature that inspired Yamame is. As for Mamizou, isn't she a shape-shifter? Her ability could be a neat explanation for what is going on, but I am not sure if it limits just to her, or can be applied to any youkai. I was never too shocked by the conflict from Touhou 17. I actually found it rather interesting, especially when you see none of the parts is perfectly clear. it very much reflects real wars in my vision. No side is perfect and has its own fair share of flaws and things that might put dirt on their reputation. The world is not perfect, as we cannot say there are saints and demons among people, just different shades of grey at times. I think you might have a bit of an advantage, as you are from Burma and therefore not so far geographically from the world Touhou revolves around (at least much closer than I am anyway). In a way, it would be basically as if I were talking about the culture, myths and folklore of the Slavs, a people I am relatively used to as a Romanian and which live in the same geographic area. Oh, and having some common elements of culture with them that might have developed in the early stages of the creation of the Romanians as a group of people, somewhere in the 6th-5th century AD. Indeed, reality can be harsh, and in the case of Touhou, I would explain it through an initial exposure to the fanon its greatly altered vision of Gensokyo, followed only very late by actual exploration of canon. Things seem to be going nicely there, at least from the perspective of the protagonists because yeah, protagonists, but things might be completely different when it comes to the life of your average villager (who still lives the same way as his ancestors did 100 years ago). To me, it is not shocking the origins of these characters (I am quite fine with the original versions of tales), it is just that something that from the outside that seems to be about cutesy and wholesome actually starts getting darker and darker the more you get into it, something you would not really expect from what seemed, again, to be all cutesy and wholesome. Sometimes, fanon feels like a completely parallel universe when it comes to this and the tone chosen. Perhaps an initial exposure to canon, only then followed by fanon would have helped quite a lot, especially with a warning at the beginning that "things are not really all bright as they might seem". I guess I may not be fully able to understand the way Gensokyo (and Japanese traditions) works, because what they see as nothing special, and very much part of their culture might be shocking for someone coming from another culture, with a different set of values and things of the kind. Last time the shattering happened, I was not here either. Instead, it all happened through a post on r/touhou, which I can link if you wanna see the reaction back then. As for a new answer on "Would you live in Gensokyo", now that I am in the post-crisis clarity, it would be the following: If I were given the chance, I would still go back home. It might be difficult for me to integrate into a new world based on different customs, traditions and myths, and where I cannot communicate to anyone due to language barriers (unless I get to Suzunaan in the Human Village, since apparently Kosuzu can decipher any language), But if I were to stay, I would have to learn the language, possibly change my religion due to possible incompatibilities with the local system, as well as getting used to the realization gods and monsters are real, and not just a concept as I used to believe in the world I came from. But if I were to overcome these barriers, guess the only thing I could do would be living a simple life in the village, taking up drawing or perhaps writing. All of this if you even make it up to the Human Village to begin with. Here is the thread I have mentioned on m original reaction from last year:

Alright, if you woke up in Gensokyo one day, (yeah.... it's free real estate for yokai) for the human village you might turn into a everyday Joe in there or leave with Reimu. Your fear are also going to be harvested and overall gonna be watched by yokai (Although they won't kill you if you identify as a villager) Hence, Gensokyo is dangerous for humans which is the home of monster. About the "status quo", it is true that they need to maintain the balance like yin and yang, if the humans exist yokai can gather faith and if they don't they're not going to live long as that's one of the reasons gods from the outside migrated to Gensokyo. Going back to the topic, in the human village, you are going to be favored by gods and demigods. I.e Harvest gods, Tengu, Kapa, sages. Sages will since they were once human who have meditated a long time and likely to protect the village from danger, Tengu and Kapas are also here to aid the village as they're going for the "status quo" or friendship 'cause I only see those three types to be actually paying some mind to the village. The very purpose why Gensokyo is created is mainly due to the sages thinking "this could be a jolly good place for yokai to live in" but I've my own lore: back from the beginning of this land, yokai are very common around Japan, They were being archived by japaneses, Akyuu is one of 'em as there were war between humans and yokai the emperor sets out eighty thousand men to hunt down one of the evil yokai of japan and that's didn't work. (Although two of 'em are personally screwed by the emperors touchy subjects) and legendary samurai and bowman to took out two of 'em. That would make yokai hatred and fear grow and will seize a land in the mountrain and call it home and later set up a barrier while human resides in making the former hatred disappear. Another theory is yokai saw the human populations drastically improved and thought to themselves that they too should make a home to live and kappas, sages, and most likely oni encouraged and there Gensokyo. Very nice channel, who detailed cover all of japan be it history, economy, health, folklore and so on. Now time to answer this question with my views. As you said, they might be based on our belief, we've always see these monsters as non humanoid figures, demonic being and all the eldritch horrors but why do they look like young women? and if anything they should look tad bit older than their in game portrait. Maybe things works differently in Gensokyo? or those who are in effect of the great Hukrei Barrier; if you may, compare those portraits in game starting from pc-98 era to latest window entry, Reimu, Marisa, Alice looks like they have aged in Pc-98 and thus mature looking but go to the window era one by one and they appear to be younger; this might be the artists' different artstyle but if we take account to it, then, how time works in Gensokyo is truly enticing. Oh, and with faith yokai got tamer and became young looking women? Another thing to add is, they're simply trying to look for prey, "why take a form of a man when you can be a woman and hunt those pesky men" but this would spark discussion as there're nearly full of woman yokai and not a single sight of a man can be seen. (I'm aware there're average joe that isn't important to the plot but still) It's too good to be true and this isn't logical enough as yokai can take up any form they like but why is Korindou a male? Okay, to my last theory; human are intelligent and they improved over time as opposed to yokai, there aren't many smart cookies. So, they take the form of human and can take notes down of human behavior, trading with humans etc.... it's easier to take other forms and their original form (I.e Suika travel in mist form, and possibly of screen original forms of our beloved Touhous) But the main reason is that humans are in perfect balance in strength, wisdom, wit, pride while most of the specimen has only one great deeming quality and can't master it enough. Humans can't fly but they invented planes, humans can't swim, they made scuba gears and all kinds of machinery. Even if the humans' tech, strength, are inferior then yokais, they have the mind and are willing to improve and that my friend is why yokai in Gensokyo (prefer to) looks like young woman. (Young 'cause they inherited the female mind of us and are sensitive about how they look and their age but there're a few who doesn't care: Mamizou and the onis since they don't care about that, bring sake, strength, pride and your beliefs to the table Human) Well, you can't have everything good like yin and yang there must also be the shocking horrors as the tone changes light-hearted from fandom to somewhat grimdark but also chill that will not be afraid to get serious once in a while like in Touhou 17 that brought my shock factor to maximum as I saw two faction fighting for power and double plot twist as both sides were not good but one is tamer than the other. (And I read a new eagle boss in the Extra scenario and got so hyped) Oh yes, the cultural difference play so much since most of the character are from mythologies from Japan, China, Greek and possibly others too. Anyways, it's always nice for me to learn culture and religion of other countries and yes, History sparks on my mind. Reality is often harsh as I said if you have good there must also be the bad; the essence of "Giving You A Brief History Of The Origin In Fairy Tales" are going to work especially if you're not hoping for it. Gensokyo looks very friendly in the first glance isn't? but as the true origins were revealed and there goes the perfect fantasy world, don't get your view on Gensokyo get altered as everything have balance and it isn't all rainbows and candies neither the bloody gore stuff that the yokai are always fighting and humans are always 100% eaten. It's in the middle, remember that Numenor. Aye, I did say I'll give you my opinions on your threads and this is a very good topic that you've brought up. Yeah, last time I wasn't there so your image got shattered to piece. At the end of the day, if a character and music from a franchise (doesn't have to be the same) speaks to your soul directly and you're having a good time and memories because of 'em, then, I'm positive that I've answered your last question.

Zun is a gatekeeper, the definition of gatekeeping is to keep or prevent someone from from participating or playing something. Zun is preventing people from playing touhou, he is stopping people from playing touhou. He took down the piracy downloads on this website which would be fine if the games were on steam. Touhou 1-8 and 9.5 are not on steam, so he is a gatekeeper, he is stopping people from playing the games. He doesn't care about western fans. Until he puts 6-8 and 9.5 on steam, I'm gonna continue pirate(I don't really care about the PC98 era)