Traditional Japan was characterized by a deep respect for
nature, spirituality, community, and perfection in craftsmanship and art.
Key values and attributes are:
Rei (礼) – Respect and Courtesy.
Courtesy and respect towards others were essential, both in language and behavior. This is still reflected today in etiquette and social norms.Wa (和) – Harmony.
Harmony was a fundamental principle, whether in the family, society, or architecture. The ideal was to avoid conflict and maintain balance.Shokunin Kishitsu (職人気質) – Craftsmanship and Perfection
. Craftsmen and artists have always strived for absolute perfection. This is evident in the art of sword making, the tea ceremony, and calligraphy.Bushido (武士道) – The Samurai Code of Honor
. Courage, loyalty, sincerity, and discipline were the virtues of the samurai. This ethos continues to influence Japanese mentality and work ethic to this day.Mono no Aware (物の哀れ) – The transience of things.
An aesthetic sensibility that emphasizes the beauty of the transient, such as in the admiration of the cherry blossom (sakura), which stands for the transience of life.Shinto and Zen Buddhism (神道と禅仏教)
Shinto emphasizes the veneration of nature and ancestors, while Zen Buddhism promotes simplicity, meditation, and inner peace. Both faiths have profoundly influenced art, architecture, and the Japanese way of life.
These values shaped Japanese culture over centuries and are still noticeable today – be it in the precision of Japanese technology or in the modesty of everyday life.