Japanese Expressions

Question 1

Was bedeutet Inemuri?

Answer 1

die japanische Kunst des „strategischen Schlafes“ (anwesend sein und schlafen).

https://www.japanwelt.de/blog/inemuri-japanisch-schlafen

Insbesondere im asiatischen Raum und in Indien sind so genannte polyphasische Schlafrhythmen, bei denen zum Schlaf in der Nacht kurze Schlafphasen während des Tages hinzukommen, traditionell nachzuweisen.

Japan hat, wie die meisten asiatischen Länder, inzwischen ansonsten die europäische Angewohnheit des monophasischen Schlafs in der Nacht angenommen. Hier entwickelte sich so das so genannte Inemuri (居眠り), was sich in etwa als „anwesend sein und schlafen“ übersetzen lässt.

Inemuri sieht man in Japan überall – am Arbeitsplatz, in der U-Bahn, auf einer Parkbank. Inemuri ist gesellschaftlich durchaus hoch angesehen, zeigt es doch den Einsatz und die Erschöpfung eines Menschen, der sich voll für seine Aufgaben einsetzt.

Inzwischen wird in Japan, das internationalen Studien zufolge als das Land mit der kürzesten durchschnittlichen Schlafzeit pro Nacht gilt, auch öffentlich für mehr Schlaf geworben.

Inemuri ist in nicht wenigen größeren Unternehmen ein erwünschtes Verhalten. Sogar Schüler werden inzwischen zu einem kurzen Mittagsschlaf angehalten.

Question 2

Was bedeutet das japanische Wort Kodawari?

Answer 2

Das Wort „Kodawari“ drückt zugleich den Stolz auf die erreichte Spitzenqualität als Ergebnis einer persönlichen Anstrengung aus.

https://www.wiwo.de/erfolg/management/von-japan-lernen-wie-japanische-manager-nach-spitzenqualitaet-streben-und-sie-erreichen/28992610.html

Question 3

What is tsundoku?

Answer 3

Tsundoku is a Japanese combination word.
📕 Tsun in tsundoku originates in tsumu - a word meaning ‘to pile up.’
📘 Doku, when used as a verb, means reading.
When combined, tsundoku means buying reading material and piling it up.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/davidemarlow_ikigai-purpose-creativity-activity-7063129506827403264-bSLD?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios

Question 4

Was ist Shoshin?

Answer 4

Shoshin ist ein Begriff aus dem Zen-Buddhismus und bedeutet Anfängergeist.
Es bezieht sich auf eine Haltung der Offenheit, des Eifers und des Mangels an Vorurteilen beim Lernen, selbst auf einem fortgeschrittenen Niveau, so wie es ein Anfänger tun würde. Wikipedia (Englisch)

Question 5

What is a Henkaten-Board?

Answer 5

Henkaten management is a methodology used to record and track changes in the process that may cause deviations, failures and problems, and may …

Question 6

What means the Japanese word Kintsugi?

Answer 6

Why do Japanese repair broken objects with gold?

Repairing broken objects with gold is a Japanese concept called Kintsugi which is roughly translates as ‘joining with gold’ (kin is ‘gold’ and tsugi is ‘join’.

It is a an old Japanese repair technique which uses gold to restore broken ceramic and porcelain vessels. Items which have been restored using the kintsugi technique are often considered even more precious than they were before.

Japanese believe that “You won’t realize your full potential until you go through the tough times,” Kumai says. With that said, Kintsugi takes work and awareness in order for it to truly be healing.

When we lose a person we love, a job or our health, it can feel like a precious piece of ourselves falling to the ground and shattering. But in the Japanese art of kintsugi, that’s where the creation of beauty begins in the delicate re-joining and mending of shards with loving attention.

Kintsugi teaches us that we have more options than just buying and replacing old stuff with new things. It praises the beauty of the aged and rustic objects.

Kintsugi promises a spiritual and physical rebirth, a sort of healing and a teaching that life moves on even with the scars. And those scars make us unique and more beautiful.

Question 7

What is oubaitori?

Answer 7

Oubaitori:
Sich nicht vergleichen

Die alte japanische Redewendung oubaitori stammt von den Kanji für die vier Bäume, die im Frühling blühen: Kirschblüte, Pfirsich, Pflaume und Aprikose. Jede Blume blüht zu ihrer eigenen Zeit, und die Bedeutung hinter der Redewendung ist, dass wir alle in unserem eigenen Tempo wachsen und blühen, so dass wir uns niemals mit anderen vergleichen sollten.

Question 8

What is Wabi-Sabi?

Answer 8

Embrace imperfection. Nothing lasts. Nothing is complete. Accept your own flaws and the flaws of the others. Find beaty in the imperfection.

Question 9

What is Gaman?

Answer 9

Have dignity during dureness. Hard times need to be met with emotional maturity and self-control. We need patience, perseverence and tolerance.

Question 10

What is Ikigai?

Answer 10

Know your reason for being. Define the reason, why get up every morning.

Question 11

What is Shikita Ga Nai?

Answer 11

Accept and let go.
Some things arent within your control. Accept what you cannot change and move on.

Question 12

What is Shu-Ha-Ri?

Answer 12

“When the student is ready the teacher will appear. When the student is truly ready, the teacher will disappear.” Tao Te Ching.

It is a way how to master a new technique:
There are three stages to aquire new knowledge:
(1) Shu: Learn the basics by following the one master or imitating the work of a great master.
(2) Start experimenting. Learn from masters and start integrating the learning into practise.
(3) Ri: This stage focuses on innovation and adaping the learning to different situations.

Präsiden Kawahara (Kuraray):

President’s Room August 2023
​

 During the latter half of the 16th century, the tea master, Sen no Rikyū (1522–91), perfected and popularized the “wabi-cha" style of Japanese tea ceremony and raised it to the level of art. One of Rikyu's teachings is shu-ha-ri (守破離), a concept relevant not only to tea ceremonies, but also to training processes and the relationship between masters and pupils in traditional performing arts such as martial arts and kabuki theater.

 

 "Shu (守)", to “protect", refers to following traditions and acquiring the kata(型) taught by masters. Kata(型) means form. “Ha (破)“—to “break"—means to break from that which is protected and adopt practices of different schools or those learned elsewhere. This is expressed as kata-yaburi, the breaking of basic forms. “Ri (離)"— “leave" or “separate"—means to move away from traditions while still respecting “shu" and “ha" and creating a new and original path.

 

 At first glance, it may appear that shu-ha-ri means to dispense with the old and adopt new ways, but that is not its true meaning.

 

 In Rikyu Doka, the teachings of Rikyu in the form of Japanese poem, he emphasizes the importance of adhering to the original form (essence or true nature) of the rules and customs: We can stray from it to make improvements or break with it to create new forms, but we must never forget the original form.

 The thoughts and actions of a person without basic learning tend to become unstable. Such a person is in a state of kata-nashi (no basic form) and is likely to quickly reach the limits of their advancement and growth.

 When a person that has mastered the basic forms (kata) breaks from them, it is kata-yaburi (the breaking of a form) On the other hand, when a person that has not mastered the basics breaks the kata, it is kata-nashi (without form). Traditional Japanese performing artists have learned the basics through constant training from a very young age. It is precisely because they have mastered the kata that they can delight audiences by breaking them in kata-yaburi performances. Great kata-yaburi can only be achieved where there is excellent kata.

Question 13

What is Mono no aware?

Answer 13

Mono no aware ist ein Konzept der Achtsamkeit und Wertschätzung, das die Menschen dazu ermutigt, sich der Vergänglichkeit des Lebens bewusst zu sein und die Schönheit und Freude zu schätzen, die man im gegenwärtigen Moment finden kann.

Question 14

Was ist Tsundoku?

Answer 14

Lesen bildet. Die meisten Menschen hätten gerne mehr Zeit zum Schmökern — und stapeln in ihren Schlaf- und Wohnzimmern Bücher und Zeitungen unangetastet.

Für die Angewohnheit, zu viel Lesestoff zu kaufen, haben die Japaner ein Wort: Tsundoku.

Der Begriff setzt sich zusammen aus: „Tsunde-oku“ (dt.: Dinge stapeln) und „dokusho“ (dt.: lesen), erklärt Wikipedia.

Question 15

What is Shikitogai?

Answer 15

Shikitogai

Shikitogai, or “four virtues of conduct,” refers to the interconnected virtues of wisdom, benevolence, courage, and sincerity. These qualities, considered essential for a good life, promote a life of integrity, compassion, and excellence. By cultivating these virtues, you’ll be better equipped to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience.

Question 16

What is Nemawashi?

Answer 16

Nemawashi(根回し) is Japanese for “laying the groundwork; behind-the-scenes maneuvering; consensus-building process​.” This is an informal process of talking to people, warming them up to your idea, and listening to them to get their feedback and hear their concerns. The goal is to get their consensus before formally proposing a change. Hopefully the final agreement is then a mere formality, because all (or most?) sides have already agreed beforehand. This also makes it easier to work with disagreement. If another person rejects the idea formally in front of everybody, it is much harder and potentially includes much more loss of face for them to change their opinion. An informal rejection during small talk, on the other hand, can be much easier overcome through consensus finding.

On a side note,nemawashi_comes from_ne(根) for roots of a plant and_mawasu_(回す) for turning or rotating, and is also a gardening term for carefully digging around the roots of a tree or other plant before transplanting, rather than ripping out the plant. Similarly, in a company you talk your way around before proposing the decision. Different from lobbying,_nemawashi_is more of a consensus building and transparent communication approach.

Reference:
Christian Roser: The Soft Power of the Toyota Production System—Yokoten, Nemawashi, and More | AllAboutLean.com

Question 17

What is Yotoken?

Answer 17

Yokoten_is actually an abbreviation common at Toyota for_yokotenkai(横展開) forhorizontal deployment or application to other fields​. The idea is to share leanings and experience across the entire company. You could call it a best-practice sharing across an organization. These best practices can be technical, organizational, or other, not only on the outcomes but also on the process. It is sometimes also written as_Yokoni Tenkai_(横に展開), but carries the same meaning.

Reference:
Christian Roser: The Soft Power of the Toyota Production System—Yokoten, Nemawashi, and More | AllAboutLean.com

Question 18

What is Hansei?

Answer 18

Hansei(反省) meansreflection; reconsideration; introspection; meditation; or contemplation​. This is a sequence of self-reflection, taking responsibility, and committing to improvement. This is generally a part of Japanese culture and aims to both understand and admit your own mistakes and flaws. While in the Western world, admitting guilt often opens you up for even more attacks, in Japan it is seen as a step toward improvement. And, yes, it can involve a lot of bowing.

Reference:
Christian Roser: The Soft Power of the Toyota Production System—Yokoten, Nemawashi, and More | AllAboutLean.com

Question 19

What is Sanpo Yoshi

Answer 19

This principle emphasizes the importance of ensuring advantages for the seller, the consumer, and the local community.

Question 20

Was ist Nomikai?

Answer 20

Nomikai (jap. 飲み会; dt. etwa „Trinkzusammenkunft, Treffen zum Trinken, Trinkparty“) sind gruppeninterne Feiern zur Festigung beruflicher Verbindungen und ein für die japanische Gesellschaft typischer Teil des sozialen Lebens.[1]

Nomikai sind fester Bestandteil aller Arbeits- und Ausbildungsverhältnisse. Angestellte sind zur Teilnahme zwar nicht ausdrücklich verpflichtet, dennoch wird sie in gewissem Umfang erwartet, da solche Partys nicht als private Veranstaltungen oder Freizeit, sondern als ein sozialer Aspekt der Arbeit angesehen werden.[1]

Von keinem Nomikai-Teilnehmer wird Alkoholkonsum verlangt, aber sehr oft können solche Veranstaltungen bzw. die nachfolgenden Unternehmungen zu regelrechten „Saufgelagen“ ausarten.[1]

Question 21

What means Shippai-gaku?

Answer 21

Sicience of failure analysis.

Toyota, weltweit bekannt für seine Produkte und bewundert für das Toyota Produktionssystem, behandelt Fehler anders – um aus ihnen zu lernen. Häufig wird versucht diese Fehlertransparenz mit weichen Faktoren wie Kultur oder Sozialverhalten zu erklären und zu erreichen. Bislang kaum bekannt ist jedoch die Tatsache, dass bei Toyota von Fehlerlehre gesprochen wird: Eine bewusste Technik, die als Teil des Handwerks professionell erlernt werden muss! Der japanische Begriff hierfür lautet Shippai-gaku, eine Lehre über den Umgang mit Misslingen.

Question 22

Was sind Honne und Tatamae?

Answer 22

Honne (jap. 本音) bezieht sich auf die wahren Gefühle und Wünsche einer Person. Diese können dem entgegengesetzt sein, was seitens der Gesellschaft erwartet wird, oder was entsprechend der Position einer Person und der Umstände traditionell für erforderlich gehalten wird. Diese Wünsche werden oft verborgen gehalten, außer gegenüber den engsten Freunden.

Tatemae (建前, „Maskerade“) ist das Verhalten und die Äußerungen in der Öffentlichkeit und entspricht den Erwartungen der Gesellschaft, der Position der Person und den Umständen. Sie muss daher nicht der honne entsprechen. Dies wird oft durch Lächeln oder eine bewusst ausdruckslose Mimik maskiert.

Question 23

Was ist ein Senpai: Das Senpai-Kōhai-System erklärt?

Answer 23

https://gogonihon.com/de/blog/was-ist-ein-senpai/

Was sind Senpai und Kōhai?

Ganz grundlegend bedeutet Senpai “Senior” und das Gegenstück, kōhai 後輩, bedeutet “Junior”. Senpai beschreibt eine höherstehende Person, und zwar im Kontext von Schule, Arbeit, Sportverein oder sozialer Organisation. Sie sollen für ihre Kōhai als Mentor fungieren und Verantwortung für sie übernehmen. Allerdings kann der Grad dieser Beziehung variieren, abhängig von Rahmen und Umfeld der Beziehung.

Question 24

What are Bōnenkai and Shinnenkai ?

Answer 24

Bōnenkai (Year-End Party) and Shinnenkai (New Year Party):
Bōnenkai and Shinnenkai (New Year party) hold significant importance within Japanese corporate culture. Bōnenkai usually takes place at the end of the year and is an event that brings employees together to bid farewell to the past year.

Shinnenkai, on the other hand, occurs at the beginning of the year, and is an event where employees exchange New Year’s greetings, share their aspirations for the upcoming year, and reinforce team unity. It should be noted that often companies choose to host only one of these events, due to their closeness in date.

Question 25

What is Nomikai?

Answer 25

Nomikai (Drinking Parties):
Nomikai are commonly known as drinking parties. These events form an integral part of the Japanese office culture. They serve as relaxed settings beyond the confines of work where team members can unwind and establish deeper connections. It also encourages employees to engage on a more personal level. Although these events have been deemphasized in recent years due to changes in working culture like remote work and also a growing demand to be able to get “home from work early”, these gatherings are still key to ensure teambuilding and information exchange.

Nowadays, consuming alcohol is not necessarily a “must” in modern Japanese companies as it is more about the time spent together. i (Drinking Parties):
Nomikai are commonly known as drinking parties. These events form an integral part of the Japanese office culture. They serve as relaxed settings beyond the confines of work where team members can unwind and establish deeper connections. It also encourages employees to engage on a more personal level. Although these events have been deemphasized in recent years due to changes in working culture like remote work and also a growing demand to be able to get “home from work early”, these gatherings are still key to ensure teambuilding and information exchange.

Nowadays, consuming alcohol is not necessarily a “must” in modern Japanese companies as it is more about the time spent together.

Question 26

What is Söbetsukai?

Answer 26

Sōbetsukai (Welcome and Farewell Parties):
Welcoming new employees with a warm gathering and bidding farewell to departing colleagues are essential aspects of Japanese office culture. These events not only make newcomers feel welcomed and at ease but also ensure that departing team members leave with cherished memories and a sense of appreciation.

Question 27

What is Hanami?

Answer 27

Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing):
Hanami is a traditional practice of appreciating cherry blossoms in spring while eating and drinking under the trees. A company employee will go early in the morning to reserve the best spot for the company. All employees will then join the party after work.

Question 28

What is Undökai?

Answer 28

Undōkai (Sports Day):
Usually held in late summer or early autumn, undōkai is an annual sports day where employees participate in various team-building games and sports competitions. By organizing undōkai, companies promote a healthy work-life balance and create a fun and competitive atmosphere that strengthens teamwork.

As opposed to a more Western approach where the company should “stay out of the details of my health”, in Japan there is a legal obligation to monitor the well-being of one’s staff through various methods like regular health checks. In that sense, undōkai are part of this system.

Question 29

Was ist das Hepburn Romanisierungssystem?

Answer 29

Das Hepburn-System (jap. ヘボン式, Hebon-shiki) ist ein Transkriptionssystem für die japanische Schrift, genauer für die Transkription der japanischen Mora-Schriften („Silbenschriften“) Hiragana und Katakana in die lateinische Schrift. Das Hepburn-System ist sowohl in Japan als auch weltweit am meisten verbreitet.

Question 30

What means Hara Hachi Bu?

Answer 30

Don’t stuff Yourself . Eat Your eighty percent filled.

Question 31

What is Kakeibo?

Answer 31

Make a budget and stick to it!

Question 32

What is Zanshin?

Answer 32

Have you ever heard the word “Zanshin”?

It could be a tip for better tomorrow.

Zanshin is a familiar term for those practicing Japanese martial arts. Literally, it reads “lingering mind,” but it has two meanings. The first is a sense of regret or lingering affection. The second refers to the mindset in martial arts of maintaining alertness even after a movement is completed. While it translates to “leaving the mind behind,” the implications can be quite different.

Takano Sasaburo, a revered master of modern Kendo, explains Zanshin as follows:
“Zanshin means to leave the mind behind without intention. It’s not Zanshin if you plan to leave your mind from the beginning. For example, if you want to leave a single drop of water in a cup, tilting and discarding the water gradually will leave nothing behind. However, if you throw it all out at once, a drop remains. If you conscientiously empty it, nothing will stay; something remains only when you discard it unconditionally. Zanshin that is intended is not true Zanshin. True Zanshin is what remains only after you have fully executed the strike.”

Zanshin is more than just a martial arts technique; it’s a way of life. It’s not just about what happens after you make a move, but about staying connected with the flow of life. Zanshin shows us that being truly present and aware doesn’t come from holding on tight, but from letting go completely and giving our all. It’s about finding a balance between trying hard and letting things happen naturally, where being fully engaged comes naturally from living with all our heart. So, Zanshin is like a life lesson, teaching us that being fully involved and letting go in each moment is the key to staying mindful and finding inner peace.

Question 33

Was gilt es bei Präsentationen vor Japanern zu beachten?

Answer 33

💡 Tip #19: in presentations, you may want to introduce yourself extensively in your slides, unlike the usual, simple bios you’re normally used to!

I’ve talked about trust before on multiple occasions, but it’s really important to build trust with your Japanese audience from the get go. This also applies to presentations! Most of the presentations I’ve seen by Japanese professionals tend to start with a detailed profile of the presenter’s career and professional accomplishments 🏅

Yes, a lot of these slides are information heavy and (no offence but) not aesthetically pleasing, but the average Japanese user is thinking “this person has many qualifications. I trust this person.”

It’s not their fault, but Japanese people culturally tend to be wary of foreign brands and companies. The best you can do is try to break that barrier by listing all your accolades and making it clear that you are a trustworthy professional

Question 34

What is Ichi-go Ichi-e ?

Answer 34

The Art of Now: Embracing “Ichi-go Ichi-e (一期一会)” in Every Moment

In a world that rushes us from one moment to the next, the ancient Japanese concept of “Ichi-go Ichi-e” offers a refreshing pause. This beautiful principle, which translates to “one time, one meeting,” invites us to treat each encounter as a singular, irreplaceable moment in our lives. But what does it truly mean to live by “Ichi-go Ichi-e,” and how can this philosophy transform our daily routines, relationships, and creative endeavors?

Sen no Rikyu, a 16th-century master of the Japanese tea ceremony, is said to be first popularized this concept, emphasizing the unique beauty and significance of each tea gathering. Every meeting, whether with a lifelong friend or a stranger, could be our last. Thus, we should approach each interaction with the utmost care and sincerity, cherishing the fleeting nature of our connections.

The world of calligraphy, with its delicate dance of brush and ink, embodies the spirit of “Ichi-go Ichi-e” in every stroke. As a calligrapher, I’ve learned that no two pieces can ever be identical. The subtle interplay of ink, paper, and the artist’s mood at that precise moment creates a masterpiece that cannot be replicated. This realization led me to abandon the endless pursuit of perfection in practice, embracing instead the beauty of the first attempt, often the most authentic and inspired.

Adopting a “one-shot” approach in calligraphy and life aligns with the essence of “Ichi-go Ichi-e.” It teaches us to pour our heart and soul into the present, fully aware that this moment is all we truly have. This philosophy extends beyond artistic pursuits, encouraging us to live more consciously, appreciate the impermanence of life, and find beauty in the ephemeral.

So, let us carry the spirit of “Ichi-go Ichi-e” into every encounter, every task, and every creative endeavor. By doing so, we not only honor the richness of each moment but also cultivate a deeper, more meaningful connection with the world around us. After all, in the art of now, every moment is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Question 35

What is „Enzan no Metsuke”?

Answer 35

„Enzan no Metsuke” - The Art of Holistic Perspective in Life and Business

Enzan no Metsuke is a concept inherited from the tradition of Kendo, It offers more than mere tactics. It teaches us to perceive an opponent as if gazing upon a distant mountain, capturing the entirety to discern vulnerabilities. Yet, this ancient wisdom extends beyond the Kendo dojo, offering profound insights into our daily lives and the business world.

In the Business Realm
In the fast-paced business environment, it’s easy to overlook the importance of the panoramic perspective taught by Enzan no Metsuke. Getting too engrossed in project minutiae can lead to losing sight of the overall flow and market trends. Applying the lessons of Enzan no Metsuke in business enables us to grasp the bigger picture and make strategic decisions.

Application in Daily Life
Enzan no Metsuke also serves as a valuable guide in our everyday lives. Focusing too much on trivial issues can obscure our view of life’s broader goals and meanings. Viewing our lives from a broader perspective helps us understand the place temporary obstacles and challenges hold in our long journey.

Enzan no Metsuke teaches the significance of not getting lost in details but always considering the bigger picture. By adopting this mindset, we can develop strategic thinking in business and a broader perspective on life.

Keeping this universal teaching in mind and applying it to our daily routines can lead us to make more insightful and wise decisions. Practicing Enzan no Metsuke and embracing its refined viewpoint holds boundless potential in both life and business.

Question 36

What is Heijoshin ?

Answer 36

The renowned swordsman Yagyū Munenori (1671 - 1646), who served as a martial arts instructor to the Tokugawa shogunate, once said, “A person who handles all matters with Heijoshin is called a master.” Heijoshin means “keeping a calm and tranquil heart as usual.”

These simple words are, however, challenging to practice. When I do calligraphy on expensive, irreparable materials, such as ceramics or wood, I often find it difficult to maintain Heijoshin due to the tension.

Being superior in some way, having exceptional sense, or possessing superior skills alone does not make one a professional. True professionals are those who can maintain composure and demonstrate their abilities under any circumstances.

Have you ever managed something perfectly during rehearsals, only to falter during the actual performance? It’s only through daily practice and training, ingraining skills into our bodies, that we can truly develop the ability to approach tasks with Heijoshin.

Miyamoto Musashi also spoke of a similar mindset: “When the body is still, let not the mind be still; and when the body moves violently, keep the mind tranquil. Do not let your spirit be dragged by the body’s movement, nor let the body be influenced by the mind. Always be mindful of the spirit and not be distracted by the body.”

The words of these two great swordsmen serve as a guide on the path to true professionalism.

Question 37

What is Shikai?

Answer 37

In kendo there is a term to describe the states of mind you should avoid/master. This term is “Shikai” and can be roughly translated as the “4 things to avoid” related to your state of mind, let’s list them:
– Kyo: Surprise (surprise)
– Ku: Fear (crainte)
– Gi: Doubt (doute)
– Waku: Confusion (hésitation)

These are the four states of the mind you do not want to fall in during a Kendo/Iaido competition, examination or demonstration. So being able to master your stress, avoiding to lose your temper and stay calm in order to think clearly, execute the proper technique and make the right decision can be described as “Heijoshin”. This can also be linked to the teaching “to be able to defeat the other, first conquer-yourself”.

When reaching higher grade, practicing kumitachi, the “Kendo no kata” for example with a Habiki (Sword replica) can make you suddenly realize such states of fear/doubt, facing someone with a real blade in a combat situation (Kata) even when it is a partner not an ennemy and a predefined scenario.

Being mentaly involved in your combat either real (Kendo), imaginary (Iaido) or during Kumitachi practice allows you to work on mastering your state of mind and maybe achieve the sate of “Mushin” translated as “Empty mind” but rather meaning open/free mind that allows you to react/respond instantly to any attack.

Question 38

Was bedeutet Omotenashi?

Answer 38

Omotenashi, auch bekannt als japanische Gastfreundschaft. Das dahinterstehende Konzept in all seinen Facetten mit einem einzigen Begriff zusammenzufassen, ist nahezu unmöglich. Es beinhaltet weitaus mehr als reine Hospitalität und versteckt sich in Japan häufig in den subtilsten Gesten.

Question 39

What are the Five Spirits of Budo?

Answer 39

1) Shoshin – Beginner’s Mind
2) Zanshin – Lingering Mind
3) Mushin – No Mind
4) Fudoshin – Immovable Mind
5) Senshin – Enlightened Mind

Source: The Five Spirits of Budo

Question 40

What is Shoshin – Beginner’s Mind ?

Answer 40

1) Shoshin – Beginner’s Mind

This refers to the kind of attitude that you probably had when you first started martial arts. You were excited and eager to learn. You had an attitude of openness, eagerness, and had no preconceptions of how to do your techniques. You just wanted to learn. This is the mind that you should have, even when you get to the point of learning advanced martial arts.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you already know everything that you need to know. Maintain a beginner’s mind, even when you get to the higher levels of your martial art. The person who thinks that he or she already knows everything, is not open to learning anything. Maintain Shoshin when you are training with others and continue to learn from everyone you meet.

Question 41

What is Zanshin – Lingering Mind ?

Answer 41

2) Zanshin – Lingering Mind

Zanshin is a state of mind where you are totally in the Now – the present moment. It is a state where you are completely aware of your environment and your surroundings. You are relaxed, but aware and alert.

Zanshin has also been translated as 8-directional awareness. If you take a piece of paper and draw a straight vertical line and a straight horizontal line, and then draw two more straight lines going through the center point, so that you basically have an 8-pointed star, this would illustrate the 8-directional awareness of Zanshin.

If you could see this in a 3-D drawing, you would see that Zanshin covers every direction. It is a state of being totally aware of your environment – front, back, up, down, and both sides. It is total awareness.

It is a state of total awareness where your mind is always alert and prepared for action. This can only be achieved by practice, serious practice, not playing around. Zanshin is only achieved by taking your training deadly serious, as Master Funakoshi described.

Question 42

What is Mushin – No Mind ?

Answer 42

3) Mushin – No Mind

Mushin literally means mind-no-mind or empty mind. It is a state where you are acting but not having to think about your actions. Achieving the state of Mushin is at the core of Japanese martial arts and can only be achieved by years of practice.

The moon’s reflection in a lake is only clear when the water is perfectly still. If there are waves or ripples, the moon’s reflection is distorted. You could think of Mushin as being a state of mind where there is no distortion or thoughts, yet you are still acting.

Think of it like this, when you first learn to drive a car, you have to mentally think about everything you do. You consciously think about turning on turn signal, checking both ways, where your hands are, your speed, etc. But once you have mastered driving your car, you do all of those things without having to think about doing them. That is Mushin. You act without having to think about what you are doing because you have mastered that specific action.

The Japanese say that Mushin cannot be understood with the intellect, but rather, it must be experienced. And that is true. When you go into Mushin, your mind is quiet, but your body is acting. To achieve this state, your mind must be free from any conscious thought, including anger, hesitation, doubt, fear, or thinking about how to do what you are doing. You simply act. You allow your spirit to guide your body.

Question 43

What is Fudoshin – Immovable Mind?

Answer 43

4) Fudoshin – Immovable Mind

Fudoshin represents a mind that is totally at peace, in every situation. It is a mind that filled with courage and determination. There is no fear in the immovable mind; it is in a state of complete composure and peace.

When you have achieved the immovable mind, you will feel that you can achieve anything, that you are invincible. Your mind cannot be disturbed, no matter what. In this state, you are able to face fear, danger, and even death with a calm spirit.

When you develop your mind to the point of having Fudoshin, or an immovable mind, you will be free from anger, fear, and doubt. You will approach every situation with a calm mind that can’t be moved.

Question 44

What is Senshin – Enlightened Mind?

Answer 44

5) Senshin – Enlightened Mind

The enlightened mind is the highest level of the 5 Spirits of Budo. At this level, you will hold all life as sacred. You will be able to perceive how everything fits together to make the whole. You will understand how each part of the Universe is connected and how something that effects one part of the Universe will ultimately affect us all.

Once you reach this level you will see the world in a totally different way. Your thoughts and intentions will be pure and sincere. You will wish harm to none. Your mind and spirit will become one.

Reaching Senshin is truly rare. It is not something that you can force, but something which will come after a lifetime of practice in controlling your thoughts and purifying your spirit.

This is a very basic overview of the 5 Spirits of Budo. Each of these can be delved into much deeper. It was my intention to give you a basic overview of each part, a basic understanding if you will. You must be sincere in your training. Put your spirit, mind and body into your training each and every session. Kaizen! Bohdi Sanders ~ https://thewisdomwarrior.com/2015/12/30/bushido-the-five-spirits-of-budo/

Question 45

What is Kodawari?

Answer 45

Do you work in pursuit of true excellence?

Perhaps you have been practicing ‘Kodawari’:

I spent three weeks last year traveling to meet with some of the best artisans in Japan.

I spoke with Michelin star cooks, the best Jeans-maker in the country. I spoke with successful startup founders, university professors, and innovation specialists.

All of them mentioned this philosophical concept:

⚡️KODAWARI

What is it?

Kodawari is the spiritual pursuit of perfection in your craft.

To live your Kodawari, you pursue a
→ deep commitment to quality,
→ attention to detail and a
→ continuous striving for excellence.

Kodawari goes beyond skill and technique:

Living “Kodawari” makes you emotionally and spiritually dedicated to the process.

→ You take pride in what you do, no matter how minor or routine the task may be. You apply yourself entirely to achieve the highest standards.

Adopting the principles of Kodawari can transform the way you approach your work.

Kodawari encourages you to
→focus on quality over quantity,
→to value the process as much as the outcome,
→and to continuously improve and refine your skills.

How can you integrate Kodawari into your daily routines?

Kodawari starts with a mindset shift:

1. COMMIT TO EXCELLENCE
   If it’s a small task or a significant project, approach your work with the intent to do it to the best of your ability. A path to excellence will open up.
2. FALL IN LOVE WITH THE DETAILS
   The small things matter. Find excellence in the details that others might overlook. Learn to love the details.
3. NEVER STOP LEARNING
   Mastery is a journey, not a destination. Find the room for improvement. Look for new skills to acquire that give you a new perspective.

This concept at the heart of Japanese artisans can help you find meaning and pride in your work.

By embracing Kodawari, you will not only enhance the quality of your work but also find more profound satisfaction and meaning in what you do.

Question 46

What is Ganbatte?

Answer 46

Try your hardest