Seeped in tradition, Japan has embraced futurism in such a manner that it has inspired the world across industries of finance, fitness and health, pop culture and, of course, food. Its culture is ripe with wisdom and documents the way of living a fulfilled and balanced life. Such is its popularity that the American sitcom F.R.I.E.N.D.S. (1994-2004), too, refers to the concept of ‘unagi‘, meaning total awareness, in one of its episodes named “The One with Unagi”. From the popular manga comics and the technique of making sushi to hugely popular samurai — the country’s warriors and members of the military class of feudal Japan, their history and culture have taught the world an array of incredible things. Here are a few Japanese concepts for self-improvement that could add value to your life.
Simple, wise and effective: Follow these Japanese principles to live the best life
Wabi-sabi
‘Finding beauty in imperfection’ is the motto of this Japanese philosophy. Imibiging this thought lends a sense of detachment and comfort that comes with being alone without feeling lonely. Wabi means enjoying the state of solitude, while sabi can be loosely translated to something old, broken and rusted with time.
The wabi-sabi state comes to a person who is essentially mature enough to understand that nothing is perfect and that one always lives in an illusion of what one thinks how life should be. It means accepting their life wholeheartedly with all its problems.
This concept is represented in the inspired utensils or art. For example, a set of mismatched cups and saucers or pieces of pottery. Wabi-sabi also manifests itself in the Japanese love for vintage clothes, preciously preserved books and other items of interest.
Ikigai
This holistic concept encompasses a deep meaning, which could be used as a single motive for living a life. It is divided into four components: passion, mission, vocation and profession. This refers to a deep dive into one’s mind to find out what they love doing, society’s requirements, things they are good at and the profession they are pursuing to earn money. Ikigai urges one to find a semblance between all these factors and decide how one wants to live their life.
Ikigai practitioners believe that there needs to be a healthy overlap of these elements in one’s life, which could lead to enlightenment and awareness along with self-improvement. Ikigai is a life journey that should be considered as a process of constant evolution.
Omotenashi
This concept is deeply engraved in Japanese philosophy, as it dates back to the Heian period, ranging between 794 and 1185 CE. It highlights the importance of hospitality without payment or gratification of any kind. It is seen in different ways by which the Japanese live their lives. The culture of bowing, too, is a part of Omotenashi. Shopkeepers, hosts, fellow passengers or even random people in Japan are known to go out of their way to help a stranger in need.
These simple acts are not just a service towards unknown people but a belief to serve a higher purpose in life for collecting good karma. The Japanese believe that the intent behind the act of helping another human being should be pure and selfless, and only then can you practise this Japanese self-improvement principle.
Kintsugi
The kintsugi philosophy is a much-publicised act of re-purposing broken objects by filling the cracks with gold lacquer. The philosophy of Kintsugi is somewhat similar to wabi-sabi where imperfections are not just embraced wholeheartedly but also glorified. Often seen in the pieces of broken pottery or ceramic items filled in with gold, one learns that something cracked or damaged can be beautiful, too, and it delivers a powerful message on sustainability.
This tradition is 500 years old and is relevant in the age and times of fast life, urbanisation and a general capitalist mentality, leaning towards discarding objects and relationships quickly before moving on to new goals.
Omoiyari
This principle, when loosely translated into English, means to keep others in your thoughts. It is manifested in the simple acts of caring for others or being considerate in public. It means putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and being mindful of their existence. This altruistic way of life could be expressed by remaining quiet in public, cleaning public places after using it, and talking in the language of foreigners in front of them.
Oubaitori
This Japanese concept of self-improvement teaches one to focus on their own life and not compare it to others. It redirects us to introspect, prioritise personal growth and stop comparing our lives with that of others. The Japanese spelling of this concept symbolises a character representing different flowers such as cherry, apricot, peach and plum.
The nation’s culture believes that every individual has a different journey, and they are successful in their own right. This is similar to another Japanese concept called Kokoro, which focuses on the present moment and finding contentment in the same.
Kaizen
Kaizen combines two words: Kai meaning ‘change’ and ‘zen’ meaning ‘good’. It signifies bringing out an organisation’s transformation through continuous improvement and eliminating redundancy. This management principle greatly helped the Japanese to build a powerful economy after World War II, and it can be implemented on an individual level too. It means breaking down life goals into smaller, achievable pursuits and making steady progress on an everyday basis. This Japanese self-improvement technique also stresses removing activities that drain energy.
Gaman
Gaman originates from Buddhist teachings, stressing the need to be patient in unpleasant situations. It means to endure certain problematic situations or people for the greater good. It can be seen in the Japanese culture of silently waiting in long queues, being calm during calamities or being respectful towards an elderly person breaking public rules.
The concept tests a person’s endurance levels and motivates him to have a more restrained approach towards life to maximise its value.
Shikata Ga Nai
The Japanese term, Shikata Ga Nai, means ‘it cannot be helped’. This involves the act of letting go, which also teaches acceptance. It emphasises a deep philosophy that suffering is a universal and inevitable part of life. So, one should just accept the unpleasant change and move on in life.
Shu Ha Ri
This is essentially a concept from martial arts, which is a combination of three elements. Shu is when a student begins his learning from his master. At this stage, he emulates his teacher. Ha is the next level where the student goes deep into the technique of the teachings, and Ri is when he is ready to self-introspect and learn from himself. This concept can be used to approach our day-to-day life situations, too.
Shinrin- yoku
Shinrin-yoku means ‘forest bathing’ in Japan. This act of spending time in the wilderness is said to give one a break from a hectic life. Solitude is therapeutic, it is believed to help relax the body, mind and soul. Other benefits of forest bathing include good sleep, mood stability and longevity.
Mono no aware
To understand the concept of Mono no aware, one must understand the melancholy and pathos that life brings. This is a deep concept which teaches you to embrace sorrow, misery and the temporary nature of happiness or sadness. This Buddhist concept is used to describe a fleeting moment. For example, cherry blossoms or sakura are in bloom only for a few weeks in the spring, signifying something temporary.
Shibumi
This refers to the Japanese love for simple and aesthetic beauty which is devoid of much frills or fanfare. It stresses the significance of minimalism, which is complete not only in its aesthetic appearance but also bare with an understated sense of elegance.
Japanese architecture, pottery and even martial art embody this concept.
Shoshin
This Zen Buddhist concept stresses the importance of having a beginner’s mindset towards life. This means that an individual should be open to accepting new things in life without having any preconceived notions. Shoshin also encourages accepting that one does not know everything and encourages asking questions until doubts are cleared. This approach also teaches humility.
Mottainai
Mottainai accepts frugality as the way of life. It is all about using things that are passed down from ancestors instead of buying new things. This concept teaches you the importance of conserving resources and minimising wastage.
Japanese concepts for self-improvement benefits
The above principles have been passed down to generations as ancient wisdom and are known to greatly benefit human life in more than one way in our times. Individually or combined, these concepts can fix sleep schedules, instil discipline, and help find an individual their purpose in life. Overall, they are meant to optimise one’s efforts to attain all-round success and prosperity.
(Hero and Featured image: Courtesy of Tarun Savvy/Unsplash)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-What is the Japanese concept of self-improvement?
There are some incredible Japanese self-improvement concepts which, when adopted, can help one lead a fulfilled life. Some of these principles are ikigai, kaizen and wabi-sabi.
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Written by
Preeti Kulkarni
Senior Digital Writer, Astrology and Wellness
After completing her PG in New Media from the Asian College of Journalism, Preeti has worked in a daily and a magazine before finding her calling in digital journalism. A lover of single malts and an avid pop culture junkie, you can catch her at the movies on weekends or binge-watching the latest shows on OTT when she is not busy preparing her toddler for his Hogwarts letter.
