Tag Archives: Calligraphy

礼 (rei) “respect” – the fourth virtue of 武士道 (bushidō)

The fourth virtue is “Politeness”, which I have translated as “respect”, for reasons explained below.

These 8 virtues were first mentioned in Nitobe Inazao’s 1899 book “Bushido: the Soul of Japan”.

Nitobe states that the “courtesy and urbanity of manners which has been noticed by every foreign tourist as a marked Japanese trait” is often criticised by foreigners as “absorbing too much of our thought and in so far a folly to observe strict obedience to it.”

He defends his countrymen by asserting that “Politeness will be a great acquisition, if it does no more than impart grace to manners; but its function does not stop here. For propriety, springing as it does from motives of benevolence and modesty, and actuated by tender feelings toward the sensibilities of others, is ever a graceful expression of sympathy.”

Hence, “politeness” is considered a way of showing sympathy and 仁 (jin) compassion (see the previous entry). In modern Western society, this would be termed “respect”, and indeed Nitobe says “Modesty and complaisance, actuated by respect for others’ feelings, are at the root of politeness”. (Italics mine).

仁 (jin) “compassion” – the third virtue of 武士道 (bushidō)

The third virtue is “Benevolence, the Feeling of Distress”, which I have translated as “Compassion”.

These 8 virtues were first mentioned in Nitobe Inazao’s 1899 book “Bushido: the Soul of Japan”.

Nitobe writes: “Benevolence to the weak, the downtrodden or the vanquished, was ever extolled as peculiarly becoming to a samurai.” He illustrates this by recounting an event from the 12th century in which a warrior slays an adolescent (he’s pretty much compelled to because if he doesn’t do it, his comrades will), and feels so bad about it afterwards that he becomes a wandering monk.

Make of this what you will, but it does illustrate that “benevolence” is more complex than mere kindness. For this reason I have translated this virtue as “compassion”, which is more than kindness; it also requires seeing the “larger picture”, and understanding the world from others’ points of view.

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:ContinueContinue 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 FrenchContinueContinue reading “皐月 (sa-tsu-ki) “May””

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 veryContinueContinue 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 artworkContinueContinue 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 purchaseContinueContinue reading “栄 “flourishing” or “prosperity””