5 Japanese Philosophies To Improve Life

Kaizen

Change for the better.

Kai = Change, Zen = Better

This has inspired a lot of the continuous improvement mindset in the corporate and manufacturing world.

Suki Koso Mono No Zyouzu Nare

If you like it, you will do it well.

Suki = Like, Zyozu = Well

If you genuinely like something, you don’t get tired of it, you don’t think of it as work or as a chore. “If you do what you love you'll never work a day in your life”

Nana Korobi Ya Oki

Seven times fallen, eight times standing.

Nana = 7, Korobi = Fallen, Ya = 8 , Oki = Standing

You will fail. Each time you get knocked down, get right back up. Never give up. Life is a journey, not a sprint. As long as you keep getting back up, you’re getting better.

Ich Go Ichi E

This one time only, never again.

Iche = One, Go = Time, Ichi = One, E = Meeting

Some opportunities only come once in a lifetime, never again. Cherish every opportunity. Don’t hesitate, feel shy or nervous. If you miss it, you will never get another shot.

Juu Nin To Iro

Ten people, ten colors.

Juu = Ten, Nin = People, To = Ten, Iro = Colors

Everyone is different, have their own opinions, likes and dislikes. You should be inspired and influenced and learn from those with different opinions than yours. But, you also don’t need to please everyone. Sometimes what you are will never please everyone. You won’t get along with everyone, and that’s okay!

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Credit to Toshiki Yukuwa