4  Perception of Time

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4.1 Thinking in seasons and generations

📖 Japanese people have a strong sense of the seasons, and they often think in terms of generations. This can lead to a long-term, cyclical view of the world, in which things are seen as part of a larger pattern.

4.1.1 item 0

• belief:
  • Seasons are more than just a change in weather; they are a way of life.
• rationale:
  • Japanese culture is deeply tied to the natural world, and the changing seasons play a significant role in shaping daily life, customs, and traditions.

4.1.2 item 1

• belief:
  • Each season brings its own unique set of beauty and challenges.
• rationale:
  • Japanese people appreciate the beauty of each season and find joy in the activities and experiences that are associated with it.

4.1.3 item 2

• belief:
  • The past, present, and future are all connected.
• rationale:
  • Japanese culture places great importance on history and tradition. Japanese people believe that the past can teach us valuable lessons and that the present is shaped by the decisions made by past generations.

4.1.4 item 3

• belief:
  • We are all part of a larger community.
• rationale:
  • Japanese society is collectivist, and people place great importance on their relationships with others. Japanese people believe that we are all interdependent and that we should work together to create a harmonious society.

4.1.5 item 4

• belief:
  • Change is a natural part of life.
• rationale:
  • Japanese people are accepting of change and see it as an opportunity for growth and renewal.

4.2 Emphasis on the present moment

📖 Japanese people place a great deal of emphasis on the present moment. This can lead to a focus on enjoying life as it is, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

4.2.1 item 0

• belief:
  • “Regret is more bitter than suffering.”
• rationale:
  • Dwelling on the past can lead to negative emotions and prevent us from moving forward.
• explanation:
  • This belief encourages people to focus on the present moment and not dwell on past mistakes or missed opportunities.

4.2.2 item 1

• belief:
  • “Do not sweat the small stuff.”
• rationale:
  • Focusing on minor issues can distract us from the important things in life.
• explanation:
  • This belief encourages people to prioritize their time and energy and not get bogged down by trivial matters.

4.2.3 item 2

• belief:
  • “Enjoy the cherry blossoms while they last.”
• rationale:
  • Life is short and fleeting, so it is important to appreciate the beauty of the present moment.
• explanation:
  • This belief encourages people to live in the moment and not take things for granted.

4.2.4 item 3

• belief:
  • “Do not put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”
• rationale:
  • Procrastination can lead to missed opportunities and regrets.
• explanation:
  • This belief encourages people to take action and not let fear or laziness hold them back.

4.2.5 item 4

• belief:
  • “The present moment is a gift.”
• rationale:
  • We should be grateful for the opportunity to experience life in the here and now.
• explanation:
  • This belief encourages people to appreciate the simple things in life and to live with intention.

4.3 Respect for nature

📖 Japanese people have a deep respect for nature. This can lead to a sense of interconnectedness with the natural world, and a desire to live in harmony with it.

4.3.1 item 0

• belief:
  • The Japanese word for ‘nature’ (自然, shizen) literally means “self-arising” or “self-existent”. This implies a belief that nature is not something separate from humans, but rather an integral part of our lives.
• rationale:
  • Japanese people have a long history of living in close proximity to nature, and this has shaped their culture and values.
• explanation:
  • This belief leads to a sense of respect and reverence for the natural world, which is reflected in many aspects of Japanese life, such as the way they care for their gardens, the way they eat, and the way they celebrate festivals.

4.3.2 item 1

• belief:
  • Japanese people believe that nature is a source of beauty and inspiration.
• rationale:
  • Japanese art and literature is full of references to nature, and many Japanese people find solace and inspiration in the natural world.
• explanation:
  • This belief leads to a desire to protect and preserve nature, which is reflected in the many environmental protection laws and policies that Japan has in place.

4.3.3 item 2

• belief:
  • Japanese people believe that humans are part of nature, and that we have a responsibility to live in harmony with it.
• rationale:
  • This belief is rooted in the Shinto religion, which teaches that all things in the natural world are interconnected.
• explanation:
  • This belief leads to a sense of stewardship and responsibility for the natural world, which is reflected in the way that Japanese people manage their resources and protect their environment.

4.3.4 item 3

• belief:
  • Japanese people believe that nature is a source of wisdom and knowledge.
• rationale:
  • Many Japanese people believe that the natural world can teach us important lessons about life and about ourselves.
• explanation:
  • This belief leads to a desire to learn from nature, which is reflected in the many traditional Japanese practices that are based on observing and imitating the natural world.

4.3.5 item 4

• belief:
  • Japanese people believe that nature is a source of healing and rejuvenation.
• rationale:
  • Many Japanese people believe that spending time in nature can help to heal the body and mind.
• explanation:
  • This belief leads to a desire to spend time in nature, which is reflected in the many popular Japanese pastimes such as hiking, camping, and gardening.

4.4 Importance of tradition

📖 Japanese people place a great deal of importance on tradition. This can lead to a sense of continuity and stability, and a desire to preserve the old ways of doing things.

4.4.1 item 0

• belief:
  • Japanese society places a high value on preserving the past and traditions.
• rationale:
  • This belief is rooted in the country’s long history and rich cultural heritage.
• explanation:
  • Japanese people believe that tradition is a valuable part of their identity and should be preserved for future generations.

4.4.2 item 1

• belief:
  • Japanese people often show respect for tradition by participating in traditional ceremonies and festivals.
• rationale:
  • These events provide an opportunity to connect with the past and celebrate the country’s heritage.
• explanation:
  • Traditional ceremonies and festivals are often seen as a way to honor the ancestors and pass on cultural knowledge to younger generations.

4.4.3 item 2

• belief:
  • Japanese people are often reluctant to change traditional ways of doing things.
• rationale:
  • This reluctance is based on a belief that tradition is valuable and should not be easily discarded.
• explanation:
  • Japanese people believe that changing tradition can lead to a loss of cultural identity and social stability.

4.4.4 item 3

• belief:
  • Japanese people often value harmony and consensus in decision-making.
• rationale:
  • This belief is based on the idea that group decisions are more likely to be wise and fair than individual decisions.
• explanation:
  • Japanese people believe that harmony and consensus are essential for maintaining social order and preventing conflict.

4.4.5 item 4

• belief:
  • Japanese people often place a high value on politeness and respect for others.
• rationale:
  • This belief is based on the idea that politeness and respect are essential for maintaining social harmony.
• explanation:
  • Japanese people believe that politeness and respect are important for showing consideration for others and maintaining a sense of community.

4.5 Emphasis on harmony

📖 Japanese people place a great deal of emphasis on harmony. This can lead to a desire to avoid conflict and to work together for the common good.

4.5.1 item 0

• belief:
  • Wa (和) is the key to a harmonious society.
• rationale:
  • Wa refers to the concept of harmony and balance in Japanese culture. It is believed that by maintaining wa, individuals can live in peace and cooperation with one another.
• explanation:
  • The emphasis on wa leads to a societal norm of avoiding conflict and prioritizing the collective good. This can be seen in Japanese customs such as group decision-making and the avoidance of direct confrontation.

4.5.2 item 1

• belief:
  • Honne (本音) and tatemae (建前) are important for maintaining social harmony.
• rationale:
  • Honne refers to one’s true feelings and thoughts, while tatemae refers to the public face one presents to society. It is believed that by separating honne and tatemae, individuals can maintain social harmony and avoid causing offense.
• explanation:
  • This belief allows individuals to express their true feelings in private while conforming to social expectations in public. It helps to maintain a sense of harmony by preventing disagreements and conflicts.

4.5.3 item 2

• belief:
  • Hierarchy and respect are essential for maintaining social order.
• rationale:
  • Japanese culture places a great deal of importance on hierarchy and respect. Individuals are expected to behave according to their position in society and to show respect to those who are above them.
• explanation:
  • This belief leads to a society where individuals are mindful of their place and behave accordingly. It helps to maintain social order and reduce conflicts.

4.5.4 item 3

• belief:
  • Group harmony is more important than individual achievement.
• rationale:
  • Japanese culture emphasizes the importance of the group over the individual. Individuals are expected to put the needs of the group before their own and to work together for the common good.
• explanation:
  • This belief leads to a society where individuals are more likely to cooperate and work together, rather than compete against each other.

4.5.5 item 4

• belief:
  • Patience and perseverance are key virtues.
• rationale:
  • Patience and perseverance are highly valued in Japanese culture. Individuals are expected to be patient in the face of adversity and to persevere until they achieve their goals.
• explanation:
  • This belief leads to a society where individuals are more likely to work hard and to not give up easily. It helps to create a culture of resilience and determination.