5 Japanese philosophies to live by

After doing some research and reflecting on my life, I have come to the conclusion that following certain philosophies can help you lead a more balanced and meaningful life. These philosophies focus on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, self-care, and gratitude, all of which are essential elements of a thriving and fulfilled lifestyle.

Kaizen (改善)

Kaizen combines two characters — Kai 改 and Zen 善. ‘Kai’ meaning change, while ‘Zen’ stands for goodness. The concept of Kaizen encourages individuals to commit to making regular small improvements in order to become the best version of themselves. It’s an idea that has gained traction over the years due to its effectiveness in helping people achieve their goals in all aspects of life, from career success to personal development.

Oubaitori (桜梅桃李)

Oubaitori is an ancient Japanese proverb that serves as a beautiful reminder to be appreciative of the uniqueness in ourselves and in others while remaining humble just like the 4 trees (cherry, plum, apricot and peach) that bloom in the springtime, have different flowers and bloom at different times.

Ikigai (生き甲斐)

Ikigai is a combination of the two words ‘Iki’ 生き meaning life, and ‘Gai’ 甲斐 meaning worth or benefit. It implies that one must know their purpose in life and strive to reach it in order to lead an accomplished and meaningful existence. The importance of having something to look forward to every morning is paramount when it comes to Ikigai because it provides an underlying motivation for achieving goals and living a fulfilling life.

Mottainai (勿体無い)

Mottainai is a Japanese word that expresses a feeling of remorse or regret when something valuable is wasted or not utilized to its full potential. It is an attitude that encourages individuals to recognize the value of resources and take necessary steps to save, conserve and appreciate them. The concept of Mottainai teaches us to be mindful of our actions and be conscious about not taking anything for granted.

Kanso (簡素)

Kanso is an ancient Japanese concept which signifies the importance of keeping things simple, elegant and functional. It is one of the seven core principles of Zen philosophy, allowing people to reach a state of Wabi-Sabi — a profound sense of awareness towards the imperfection and impermanence of all things. This principle encourages people to focus on finding beauty in simplicity and letting go of any kind of unnecessary complexity.