JAPANESE CONCEPT OF LIFE

1. Ikigai: A reason to exist

The Japanese concept of “ikigai” means identifying and practicing your life purpose. In other words, the reason you wake up in the morning. An individual’s ikigai should be something they are passionate about and good at. It should be something the world needs and can sometimes provide for a person financially. The Japanese believe that everyone has their own ikigai and that finding it is an essential journey to bring satisfaction and meaning to life. In fact, trying to find your ikigai in life can also be a good start for your resolutions for 2021.

2. Oubaitori: Never compare yourself

The Japanese term “oubaitori” means never comparing yourself to others. Consisting of the kanji characters from four symbolic trees, cherry, plum, peach, and apricot, the concept refers to the different ways in which each tree grows. In other words, it is the idea that like flowers, everyone blooms in their own time and in their own way.

3. Kaizen: Continuous improvement

In Japanese, “kaizen” is a word that means continuous improvement or change for the better, and is a business philosophy that aims to continuously improve efficiency and effectiveness at all levels of operation. It is a method of continuous improvement through gradually making small changes for the better. Kaizen was first implemented by Japanese businesses after World War II, and its principles and functions are known as the “Toyota Way”. Today, it has become a concept for creating desirable habits, and improving efficiency and functionality in our personal lives.

4. Wabi-Sabi: Admiring Imperfection

“Wabi-sabi” means finding beauty in what is impermanent and imperfect. In other words, it is the Zen Buddhist concept of beauty seen through appreciating the imperfection in nature, in that everything is impermanent. This philosophy acknowledges three basic principles: nothing is permanent, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect. In a personal sense, it means gracefully accepting one’s own flaws and those of others.

5. Mottainai: The concept of zero waste

The Japanese term “mottainai” can be translated as “too good to waste”. It refers to the belief that everything is worthy of respect and gratitude and therefore it is important not to waste it. This concept refers to respecting and recognizing the value of resources and therefore not wasting them.

6. Kintsugi: The Art of Repairing with Gold

The Japanese art form known as “kintsugi” refers to the practice of mending broken ceramics with gold or silver lacquer. The result is a beautiful object that celebrates its flaws. The practice of kintsugi is rooted in the concept of wabi-sabi, in which imperfections are considered admirable. The name itself refers to the golden journeys we all have. This perspective can help us appreciate our own imperfections as an embellishment that makes things and people more beautiful. Many artists have been inspired by this concept and have incorporated this art form into their work.