10 Japanese Concepts That Can Help with Self Mastery

1. Omoiyari

Omoiyari means caring and showing sincere consideration for others.

Japanese fans made the headlines in 2018 when they tidied up a stadium after the game. A display of Omoiyari.

Practicing Omoiyari helps build self-awareness, empathy, and positivity.

2. Ikigai

Ikigai is a state of wellbeing that arises from devotion to activities one enjoys, bringing a sense of fulfillment, said Japanese psychologist Michiko Kumano.

In Japan, there is a saying that people who have a purpose in life live longer.

3. Wabi-sabi

Embrace imperfection and impermanence in life.

The concept invites us to see beauty in imperfection.

For example, by learning to appreciate a broken pot, we may see the positive in an imperfect situation.

4. Mottainai

Mottainai means respecting the resources we have, not wasting them, and using them with a sense of gratitude.

Uniqlo uses “Mottainai: Old Clothes, New Life” to achieve zero waste.

The concept invites us to be grateful and be intentional about our actions.

5. Shin-Gi-Tai

Shin-Gi-Tai translates as “mind, technique, and body.”

Mind, technique, and body are the three elements for maximum performance used in martial arts.

A healthy body and a sound mind are the foundation for developing and refining any skills.

6. Kaizen

Kaizen means continuous and incremental improvement for the better.

The concept of continuous and incremental improvement and development is vital to instill good habits and achieve excellence.

7. Mono No Aware

This concept describes having empathy towards things and their inevitable passing.

It reminds us that nothing is permanent. And that we should willingly and gracefully let go of our attachments to transient things.

Younes Hairej