Often translated as “god”, a Japanese kami is closer to the concept of a spirit. They are (mostly) not considered to be omniscient nor omnipotent, but rather they influence the human world within a certain capacity. They are believed to be manifestations of musubi, the interconnecting energy of the universe. It is often said thatContinueContinue reading “神 (kami) “god”/“divine spirit””
Tag Archives: Japanese language
結 (musubi) “human relations”
Literally meaning “tying together”, this word can be used to refer to the relationships that tie humans together, in particular romantic relationships. In Japan (as well as China and Korea) lovers who are destined to be together are thought to be joined by the “red thread of fate”. Romantic partners are often depicted with aContinueContinue reading “結 (musubi) “human relations””
寿 “congratulations”
This kanji is often found on Japanese greetings cards, and also on those fancy paper envelopes you put money in when you go to a wedding. It means “congratulations”. It can also mean “long life”. It is also the first kanji in the most common way to write sushi -（寿司）. This kanji is used for “sushi” not becauseContinueContinue reading “寿 “congratulations””
間 (ma) “emptiness, space, interval”
I told Miyazaki I love the “gratuitous motion” in his films; instead of every movement being dictated by the story, sometimes people will just sit for a moment, or they will sigh, or look in a running stream, or do something extra, not to advance the story but only to give the sense of timeContinueContinue reading “間 (ma) “emptiness, space, interval””
Onoré-sho (writing as one likes)
Here’s an example of a Japanese calligraphy style that’s easy to do! The style is called “onoré-sho”. “Onoré” is an old-fashioned and rather forceful way to refer to oneself. Onoré-sho emphasises a sense of freedom, doing things in one’s own way. With onoré-sho the artist is free to play around with the relative size, shapeContinueContinue reading “Onoré-sho (writing as one likes)”
臥虎藏龍 “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”
This Chinese idiom describes a place that is full of talented or extraordinary people who remain hidden and undiscovered. It’s also the name of the 2000 Chinese martial arts movie starring the talented and extraordinary Michelle Yeoh!
卯月(uzuki) “April” (archaic)
Like many countries, Japan uses a 12-month calendar. The names are very simple. January is literally “Month One”, February is “Month Two”, etc: 一月 = January 二月 = February 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 toContinueContinue reading “卯月(uzuki) “April” (archaic)”
限 (gen) “boundary, limit”
We tend to think of creativity as something that is free from limits. But what if the opposite was also true? The benefit of working within limits is that it is precisely the act of pushing against these limits, stretching them, bending them, playing with them, which leads to interesting artistic expression. In other words,ContinueContinue reading “限 (gen) “boundary, limit””
無限 (mu-gen) “unlimited / no limits”
The idea of no limits, or infinity, can represent divine eternal consciousness. It is an important concept in Buddhism, often represented by an endless knot that is strikingly similar to Celtic designs. It can also represent samsara, the endless cycle of death and rebirth. It is similar to the symbol of the ouroboros – theContinueContinue reading “無限 (mu-gen) “unlimited / no limits””
春分 (shun-bun) “Spring Equinox”
In Japan, 春分 (shun-bun) spring equinox is a national holiday. The week which contains spring equinox is called “o-higan”. This has connections with Buddhism, and on this day many people visit spend time with their families and visit their family grave. “Bota-mochi” (rice cake covered in sweet bean paste) is traditionally eaten on this day.
Calligraphy by Vicky 