The aesthetics of "Relationships" that Japanese Culture Challenges the World to Explore

In today's world, where globalization remains mainstream, we often tend to view things through a Western lens. However,  I believe that Japan possesses a rich culture capable of posing deep and multifaceted questions to the various challenges that the world is facing now, or will face in the future. This is because the universal theme of "relationships" is strongly ingrained in the language, institutions, and spirituality that are rooted in our daily lives.

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The "Listener's Responsibility" and "Relationship" Embedded in Language

Let's compare the communication styles of Japanese and English. While English is a "speaker-responsible" language, meaning that it places importance on the speaker clearly stating the subject and clearly conveying their intentions, Japanese is said to be a "listener-responsible" language. The subject is often omitted, and emphasis is placed on understanding the context and the other person's feelings. This is a reflection of a culture that values consideration for others hidden behind words and harmony built by avoiding direct expressions. Rather than highlighting the individual, it values the shared understanding that emerges "between" individuals . This delicate communication may offer new possibilities for dialogue in a modern society where exclusive individualism is rampant.

The Philosophy Expressed by the Kanji "Ningen" (Human Being)

Why does the kanji for "Ningen" (人間, human being) include "Ma" (間), meaning "interval" or "between"? I have pondered this question for a long time, and the more I studied it, the more I began to see the fundamental Japanese philosophy behind it. This is the idea that we do not simply exist as "individuals," but as social beings who live  "between" others—that is, within relationships with others.

On the other hand, the English vocabulary is rich in nouns, excelling at meticulously identifying and labeling individual entities as if they were atoms. This characteristic is likely related to the foundations of Western individualism, which clearly separates individuals and recognises them as independent entities. Yet, as the word "Ningen" (human being) indicates, Japanese culture has always valued the perspective that the individual is enriched and meaningful only only within the context of relationships with others. Perhaps Japanese people have not found much meaning in the individual existing on its own.

Moreover, this concept of "Ma" extends beyond "Ningen" to various everyday words. "Seken" (世間), signifying society; "Nakama" (仲間), referring to companions who share a common purpose; and "Tema" (手間), indicating the time and effort required for a task. Interestingly, even "Manuke" (間抜け), meaning foolish or stupid, uses "Ma." These terms all express not merely physical space, but the invisible connections that exist between people, the atmosphere of a situation, and the delicate sense of appropriate timing—all aspects of "Ma."

Awareness of "Family" and "Ancestors" in the System

Japan's family registration system (Koseki) also clearly demonstrates this emphasis on "relationships". While birth certificates overseas certify an individual's birth, Japan's family registration system recognizes the "family" as the smallest unit and clarifies that the individual exists within the context of that family relationship. This reflects a deep awareness that our lives do not exist alone, but are passed down and utilised within relationships that are linked by blood ties and other connections.

Furthermore, Japanese graves are generally not personal but rather "family" graves, and those who pray daily at the Buddhist altar are often "ancestors" rather than a specific deity. This is a uniquely Japanese sensibility, that the deceased exist together in daily life, and the living and the dead are connected by "invisible relationships." This culture, where invisible and undefined presences are part of daily life, poses a new question to a modern society that prioritizes materialism and tangible things: the value of the unseen and spiritual richness..

Gratitude Contained in "Itadakimasu"

And then there's the phrase "Itadakimasu." This is not simply a signal to eat. It is a word that expresses gratitude for the life that becomes food, and for the nature and producers that nurtured that life, and is imbued with deep respect for the passing of life . In response to the environmental and food issues facing modern society, this spirit of gratitude raises fundamental questions about how we humans should build relationships with other life forms and the Earth as a whole.

Hints for the Future From Japanese Culture

Japanese culture is imbued with an aesthetic of "relationships," a concept sought by modern society, where the limits of individualism and material wealth alone are not enough. The fact that subtly invisible "relationships" play a significant role in the existence of individuals and the formation of society is a prominent characteristic of Japanese culture. This emphasis on "relationships," woven into language, systems, and daily habits, is sure to contain many hints for the kind of symbiotic society and sustainable development the world should strive for in the future. The cultural wisdom cultivated by Japan quietly yet powerfully offers answers to questions the world needs now and in the future.