Tag Archives: Japan

名誉 (meiyo) “reputation” – the sixth virtue of 武士道 (bushidō)

The sixth virtue is “Honour”, which I have translated as “reputation”.

In popular fiction, samurai value honour over life itself. If a samurai was captured in battle, the story goes, he was expected to kill himself rather than suffer the shame of defeat.

Even in modern Western societies, how we are viewed in the eyes of others is integral for successful friendships, business relationships, and other types of human connection.

I have “translated” this virtue as “reputation”, because this is more realistic and nuanced than dividing actions into either “honourable” or “shameful”.

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 .

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””

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 veryContinueContinue reading “桜 (sakura) “cherry blossom””

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

絆 (ki-zu-na) “bonds”

“Kizuna” can refer to any kind of bond, but it usually refers to the bonds that structure human relationships. Although the term “bond” sounds inflexible and unforgiving, in Japan it usually has a positive nuance when used to describe human relationships. Even if the nature of a human relationship leads to a reduction in humanContinueContinue reading “絆 (ki-zu-na) “bonds””

縁 (en) “destiny”

Although en can refer to destiny in general, it often has romantic connotations…. something like star-crossed lovers, destined to be together for all eternity. One of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan is Izumo Grand Taisha in Shimane Prefecture. As well as being considered the “meeting place of the gods” it has a reputationContinueContinue reading “縁 (en) “destiny””

夢　(yu-mé) “dream”

In comparison to the soul, life is comparable to a dream. Your dreams are temporary, like your life.  The original of this work is available to purchase here. 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 “夢　(yu-mé) “dream””