勇 (yū) “courage” – the second virtue of 武士道 (bushidō)

Bushidō comes with a handy list of 8 virtues that one can follow to lead one's best and most noble life. You may not have been born a samurai, but you can still live like one by following this code. The second virtue is “Courage, the spirit of Daring and Bearing”. These 8 virtues were first mentioned in Nitobe Inazao's 1899 book "Bushido: the Soul of Japan". He describes "courage" as “bearing” as well as “daring”, which suggests that courage has a broader meaning than merely courage in battle; it also includes enduring difficult situations. He goes on to say: “Courage was scarcely deemed worthy to be counted among virtues, unless it was exercised in the cause of Righteousness.” This implies that true courage comes from knowing what is right, having the clear-sightedness to understand one’s own values and to hold by them, whatever the situation. It is necessary for courage to be informed by 義 (gi) integrity .

義 (gi) “integrity” – the first virtue of 武士道 (bushidō)

The first virtue is "“Rectitude or Justice”, which I have "translated" as "integrity", for reasons below: Historically in Japan, opinion on what was “right” or “moral” was fairly uniform. In modern Western countries, people of many different cultures and backgrounds live side by side, so it is neither possible nor desirable for individuals to always look to their societal norms for moral guidance.  These days what is considered “right” is often something that one must decide for oneself. However, the ideal of sticking to one’s values even when it is difficult is still considered a virtue: that of having personal integrity.

金 (kin) “Gold” or “Money”

It's Golden Week in Japan! So I wrote "Gold". "Golden Week" (Sometimes abbreviated to "GW") is a week beginning 29th April, containing multiple public holidays in a row. This year, the dates of the holidays are: Saturday 29th April: Showa Day Wednesday 3rd May: Constitution Memorial Day Thursday 4th May: Greenery Day Friday 5th May:Continue reading "金 (kin) “Gold” or “Money”"

皐月 (sa-tsu-ki) “May”

Like many countries, Japan uses a 12-month calendar. The names are very simple. January is 一月 (ichi-gatsu, literally "Month one"), February is 二月 (ni-gatsu, "Month two"), etc. However, before the Meiji Restoration (mid-1800s) it was common to use an older 12-month system. These months’ names referenced the weather and the seasons (similar to the FrenchContinue reading "皐月 (sa-tsu-ki) “May”"

The eight virtues of Bushidō  – were they ever really a thing?

Bushidō. Often referred to as “the samurai code of chivalry”, it stirs up images of noble and fearless warriors, fiercely loyal to their comrades, living and dying by the sword, choosing death over dishonour.  There is no doubt that the way of the samurai continues to have a hold on the public imagination. But what exactly was bushidō?

桜 (sakura) “cherry blossom”

Here's some seasonal calligraphy. It's cherry blossom season in most of Japan at the moment. Cherry blossom is a sign of new life and new beginnings. In Japan the academic year begins in April, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. I took this picture on the banks of the Meguro River, a veryContinue reading "桜 (sakura) “cherry blossom”"

美 (bi) “beauty”

The original of this work is available to purchase here on my Etsy site. WordPress users get 15% off with this code: WPCODE15 In Japan, calligraphy works of meaningful characters or phrases are displayed in homes, offices, temples and dōjōs as decoration and to provide inspiration. If you would like to own some Japanese calligraphy artworkContinue reading "美 (bi) “beauty”"

栄 “flourishing” or “prosperity”

This term can be used to describe both people and companies. It emphasises the importance of both personal and collective growth.  It also reflects the Japanese respect for hard work and perseverance, and the acknowledgement that long-term dedication to one’s goals can bring steady and lasting success. The original of this work is available to purchaseContinue reading "栄 “flourishing” or “prosperity”"

生き甲斐 (ikigai) “reason for living” – is it actually a legit Japanese concept?

Now in the Oxford English Dictionary, “Ikigai” is defined as “a motivating force; something or someone that gives a person a sense of purpose or a reason for living”. You’ve probably heard of it. It’s been promoted world-wide as an ancient Japanese formula for leading a good life. However, as someone who lived and worked in JapanContinue reading "生き甲斐 (ikigai) “reason for living” – is it actually a legit Japanese concept?"