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Japanese culture combines traditions and a modern view of the world in an amazing way. Thousands of years of existence as an isolated island nation have allowed Japan to go through several rounds of evolution and create a truly unique culture in solitude. Here are just a few bright and interesting philosophical concepts, the understanding and application of which will help you to better control your life and make more informed decisions.
This term originates from the Japanese martial art Aikido. "Xiu‑ha‑ri" is a method of learning and mastering new practices. It consists of three main components:
This is how Aikido master Endo Seishiro describes this concept: "During the xiu, we repeat all the basic techniques and techniques so that our body learns them in the form in which they were created before us. We remain faithful to these fundamentals. At the next stage, "ha", we add our own innovations. It is allowed to destroy and ignore the basics here. And finally, at the "ri" stage, we discard basic knowledge and use our creativity to act according to the will of the heart and mind, without overstepping boundaries."
This concept is based on the idea of continuous improvement through small positive changes. The Japanese began to widely apply this approach during the recovery period after World War II. It is believed that it was first introduced in Toyota production, and then the practice was picked up by other Japanese companies.
In business, kaizen benefits at a variety of levels: from production to working with a team and clients. For personal growth, kaizen can be used by changing your life for the better in small steps, for example, gradually assimilating useful habits.
This Japanese term consists of "iki" — "life" and "gai" — "meaning, value". Combined, they imply something that makes our lives worth living.
Here is what the Japanese psychologist Michiko Kumano says about this philosophical concept: "To feel ikigai usually means to feel the inner fullness and deep satisfaction that accompany us when we do what we love. Responsibilities don't give us ikigai. It can be obtained only if we keep spontaneity and do what we want ourselves. Therefore, ikigai is individual and depends on a person's personality."
It is considered Do what you love and live longer, the Japanese ikigai philosophy says / CNN that it is the philosophy of ikigai that may be one of the reasons for the longevity of Okinawans.
This is the philosophy of hospitality, which says that any care should come from the heart. Omotenashi is a vital part of Japanese culture, firmly rooted in society. People who practice this approach enjoy being involved and helping others, and do not require anything in return.
Omoyari can be described as being receptive to other people's feelings and personal affairs, including the circumstances surrounding them.
The author of the book "Omoyari. The little book of Japanese Philosophy of Communication" by Erin Niimi Longhurst explains this philosophical concept as follows: "This is a form of selfless participation when you put yourself in another person's place, look at the world through his eyes, try to anticipate his needs and behave in a way that makes it easy, comfortable and joyful for him."
Cashiers in Japanese stores are a great example of omoyari. If they notice several packages from other stores in the hands of a customer, they will give him one large one so that he can put everything there, even if he buys some small change in their store.
