Japanese words – Page 20 – Calligraphy by Vicky

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””

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””

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?”

心 (kokoro) “heart-mind”

“Kokoro” can be translated variously as “heart,” “mind,” “spirit,” or “soul.” It refers to the innermost essence or core of a person, encompassing their emotions, thoughts, and beliefs. However, “kokoro” can also refer to a wider range of concepts, including the feelings and emotions of others, the collective consciousness or spirit of a group, andContinueContinue reading “心 (kokoro) “heart-mind””

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””

禅 Zen

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.