Secret (naisho)
Overview
Naisho is a Japanese word meaning keeping something secret, or not telling. It can also be written in kanji, and people of all ages, from kids to adults, use it. "Naisho da yo" means the same as "himitsu da yo" (it's a secret), but it has a softer, cuter nuance.
Naisho has an appeal that a simple refusal doesn't. "I won't answer" is cold, but "naisho" is playful. Having a secret in itself sparks the other person's curiosity. It works in a way similar to the Caligula effect.
Saying naisho in a question box
When a question you don't want to answer comes into your question box, replying naisho is one option. It comes across as softer than "I won't answer." You let the sender know you got the question without revealing the answer. Some senders enjoy it too: "Naisho? Now I really want to know!"
How naisho is received depends on the trust between the person answering and the sender. If you reply naisho when there's no trust, some senders feel brushed off. When there is trust, naisho becomes a secret between the two of you and a chance to grow closer.
The value of secrets
You don't need to make everything open. People who answer anything in a question box seem sincere, but keeping a few secrets can give you a sense of depth as a person.
Answering naisho is a way to protect your privacy, and at the same time, it adds a mysterious appeal to your question box. In question box answers, the balance between what you show and what you hide matters too. Naisho is an option for keeping that balance.