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. […]
Mindfulness originally stems from Buddhist meditative practice.Yet in modern society, it has been reconstructed as a psychological technique, stripped of religious context. People are encouraged to “pause in the present moment,”purchasing experiences and consuming services as a means of stabilizing the self. Self-regulation, performance optimization, internalization of dissatisfaction, and personal responsibility for isolation—All of these trends shift our orientation from “changing society” to “accepting oneself.” This is not enlightenment.It is a stress management tool.Not salvation, but maintenance. And ironically, the more one becomes aware of this structure,the harder it becomes to actually feel anything. ⸻ Why Do We Feel the Need to Feel? Why do people obsessively cling to the […]
There are two cats living in my home. On May 25, 2025—perhaps due to the weather—both had shown reduced appetite lately,but on that day, the female seemed especially lethargic. Upon closer inspection, I noticed a red swelling near the underside of her tail,and she appeared to be in some pain when walking. I decided to take her to a nearby animal clinic that evening. She received an antibiotic injection.According to the vet, there was a mild inflammation.Fortunately, as of the 28th, she has made a full recovery and is doing well. — On the way back from the clinic. Although it was evening, a faint light still lingered in the […]
Most Japanese people misunderstand shrines as “power spots.” Many also believe that divine blessings are a rightful reward for their prayers or offerings—as if shopping for favors, like feudal lords making lavish purchases. But a shrine is not a place to fulfill one’s desires.It is a space set aside where the kami are said to reside. To uphold and carry forward that setting,we must cleanse ourselves of personal distortions—like rinsing them away. Then, with a clean body, we step before the divine and simply do what must be done. Emotion is not needed in the role of a shinshoku (shrine attendant).Because emotion can become noise—interference driven by ego. In order […]
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.Simple as it sounds, counting to ten is said to offer various clinical benefits.For instance, it can act as a switch: “3, 2, 1” to begin, or to mentally reset. It’s a matter of subjective experience.Still, when AI tells me that “counting 1 to 10 helps calm the mind,” I find myself inclined to believe it. In the end, you have to test it yourself.When I’m irritated and remember to count honestly, I often feel a bit foolish.Sometimes the irritation wins and I give up halfway.Other times, I simply continue. I recite simple norito (Shinto prayers) and sutras every day.The words […]
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 […]