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””
Tag Archives: Japan
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””
改善 (kai-zen) “continuous improvement”
Kaizen is a Japanese term meaning “change for the better” or “continuous improvement.” It is the Japanese business philosophy of continuously improving operations. Kaizen sees improvement in productivity as a gradual and methodical process. The kaizen concept asserts that there is no perfect end. Everything can be improved upon, and all employees must strive toContinueContinue reading “改善 (kai-zen) “continuous improvement””
放 (hanasu) “let go”
Freedom is found in letting go of desires, attachments, opinions, and other burdens which no longer serve us. The more we let go into grace, the more we gain. Living freely, without grasping. Each moment is enough, just as it is.
幽玄 (yuu-gen) “beauty in the unseen”
Beauty can be found not only in what is shown directly, but also in what is unseen, half-seen or suggested. It’s the hidden meaning in a haiku poem, the elusive figure only half visible in a Hiroshige woodblock print, the subtle line in a calligraphy work, or the faint shape of Fuji-san just visible throughContinueContinue reading “幽玄 (yuu-gen) “beauty in the unseen””
Calligraphy by Vicky 