Introduction “Honne and Tatemae.”These words are often cited as symbolic of Japanese society,yet frequently misunderstood. They are sometimes criticized as hypocrisy, duality, or vagueness.But I see them differently—as a sophisticated peace technology. The Structure of Honne and Tatemae These are not in conflict.Rather, they function as layered structures for coexistence. Kyoto as a Case Study In Kyoto, people often detect the other’s Tatemae,but instead of breaking it, they support it with elegance. For example, if someone arrives late to a meeting,one might say: “That’s a fine watch you’re wearing.” It’s not mere sarcasm.It’s a quiet pressure of grace,guiding the person’s Tatemae toward sincerity—without exposing the lie, but elevating the tone. […]
The reason I decided to write “The Gravity of Inari” yesterday was simply because I had resolved in my heart, “I’ll go tomorrow.” And so, at 5:00 a.m. this morning, I found myself walking on Mt. Inari. I go early because the crowds during the day make it impossible to enter. The mountain air seems clear, yet still carries the scent of the people from the day before—as if even the mountain itself cannot keep up with ventilation. When I visit a shrine, I don’t think much. I simply proceed with the traditional sequence: a slight bow → two deep bows → two claps → one deep bow → another […]
— A Quiet Accumulation of Prayer Once a month, before dawn breaks, I climb Mount Inari.While it is known as the sacred mountain of the famous tourist destination Fushimi Inari Taisha, the mountain itself is not a sightseeing spot. That said, the shrine’s main grounds are flooded daily with crowds of tourists—almost like rush hour.There’s a popular belief that offering a 5-yen coin (for its phonetic link to “good fate”) is best, but I’d suggest offering more if possible, to help preserve this cultural heritage. In truth, most Japanese people have little understanding of what Inari deities actually are.Myself included. Even local Shinto priests often don’t know exactly what they […]
I am afraid of death.Yet, no matter how much I study death, I realize it’s something I cannot truly understand until I face it myself.That’s why I’ve come to believe that living as rightly as I can—so I’m ready for death at any time—brings me peace of mind. One of the most beautiful things I can do now is quietly visit shrines and temples passed down through generations.While many of these places are treated as tourist attractions today, few people now engage with them in true faith.In fact, some of the staff themselves view them purely as tourism resources. Rather than distant mysteries or the words of fiction writers, I […]