7+ Timeless Japanese Habits to Revolutionize Your Routine
Are you tired of the same old grind that leaves you feeling like a hamster on a wheel? The frustration of routine that happened by accident rather than intention can be demotivating. That nagging feeling that there must be more to it than the monotonous merry-go-round of our daily routines.
It’s not just you; we all share that same itch, that craving for something different, something better. And here’s the good news — you’re in the right place.
You’ll discover the timeless Japanese habits that’ll transform your everyday life. Just pick your favourite and implement it.
Let’s dive in and revolutionize your routine, one habit at a time.
Japanese habits that’ll make your life so much better
1. Clean the toilet
This one might surprise you, but cleaning the toilet is an excellent habit in Japan. It’s deeply rooted in cultural values and societal norms.
In the world of Feng Shui, cleaning the toilet will bring good luck. If you are willing to clean the bathroom often, which people dislike, you’ll clean and purify your mind simultaneously, increasing your fortune.
The toilet god named Ususama Myoo brings you economic success. According to a survey by Lion Corporation among 490 men and women between 20–39 years old, the annual household income difference between a house with a clean toilet and a house with a dirty bathroom is ＄7000! They also found that householders who clean their toilets are generally highly sociable. That may be why they are more likely to be valued at work.
Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene. A clean toilet promotes personal health and reflects positively on the overall cleanliness of the household. Keeping the bathroom clean is fundamental to maintaining a healthy living environment.
In many Japanese households, especially in smaller living spaces, toilets often serve as private and shared spaces. It’s essential to keep shared spaces, even bathrooms, in pristine condition out of respect for others who may use them.
Cleaning the toilet encourages mindfulness and attention to detail, which have high value in Japanese culture. It’s an opportunity to practice mindfulness, focus on the task, and take pride in maintaining a well-kept home.
Japanese society promotes a sense of humility and personal responsibility. Cleaning one’s toilet reinforces the idea that everyone, regardless of social status, should take care of private spaces and contribute to the cleanliness of shared areas.
In Japan, cleaning toilets is not solely relegated to a specific class or gender. It’s a shared responsibility, and many families take turns or involve all members, including children, in toilet cleaning tasks as part of their daily chores.
Japanese aesthetics often celebrate simplicity and minimalism. A clean, well-maintained toilet fits this aesthetic, creating a visually pleasing and harmonious environment.
In Shintoism, a traditional Japanese religion, purity and cleanliness hold significant symbolism. Cleaning the toilet can be seen as a way to purify the space and maintain spiritual harmony.
Cleaning the toilet in Japan goes beyond a mere chore; it is a cultural practice deeply intertwined with values of cleanliness, respect, mindfulness, and personal responsibility. It reflects a holistic approach to maintaining a clean toilet and a clean and harmonious living environment.
Famous toilet cleaners include Konosuke Matsushita (founder of Panasonic), Takeshi Kitano (film director and comedian), Shuzaburo Kagiyama (founder of Yellow), and Hatand Soichiro Honda (founder of Honda). They all said that cleaning toilets was crucial to their success.
“I have seen thousands of people cleaning toilets; without exception, everyone becomes humble when they clean the toilet. And your humbleness is reflected in your work relationships.” — Shuzaburo Kagiyama.
2. Furoshiki (Cloth Wrapping) and Mottainai (No Waste)
These two habits go hand in hand, so I mention them together. Furoshiki uses a cloth to wrap and carry items, reducing the need for disposable packaging. It promotes eco-friendly living and resourcefulness.
Mottainai promotes a deep aversion to waste and encourages resourcefulness. By reducing waste and being mindful of resources, you can lead a more eco-friendly and frugal life.
3. Kokoro (Mindfulness)
Japanese culture values mindfulness and being present in the moment. Using mindfulness practices in your daily routine can help reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
4. Hara Hachi Bu (Eating in Moderation)
This habit encourages eating until you are 80% full, promoting better digestion and preventing overeating. It can contribute to better health and weight management.
Moderate eating can help prevent excessive calorie intake, a common contributor to weight gain and obesity. Not overloading the stomach with excess food can promote better digestion and reduce the discomfort often associated with overeating.
Okinawans, who traditionally follow the Hara Hachi Bu principle, have lower rates of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. As promoted by Hara Hachi Bu, mindful eating encourages individuals to pay attention to the flavours and textures of their food, fostering a greater appreciation for meals. They are encouraged to eat slowly, savour each bite, and pause periodically during their meal to assess their level of fullness. Doing so, they can stop eating when satisfied but not overly full. This concept aligns with broader Japanese cultural values related to balance, moderation, and mindfulness in various aspects of life, including diet and nutrition.
5. Gratitude for life
The Japanese believe meat, fish, vegetables, and fruits have life. So, we are grateful for each ingredient. As for food, no matter what you eat, you must never forget to be thankful for all of it.
Bowing (Ojigi) is a significant gesture in Japan to show respect and gratitude. When someone expresses thanks or acknowledges a kind gesture, they bow as a sign of appreciation.
Saying “Arigatou Gozaimasu” or simply “Arigatou” is the most common way to express gratitude in Japan. It is used in everyday interactions to thank you for small and significant favours or kindnesses.
Giving gifts, or “Omiyage,” is a way to express gratitude. When someone visits another person’s home or receives help, they often bring a small gift as a token of appreciation.
Writing thank-you notes, or “Arigatou no Tegami,” is a thoughtful way to express gratitude, especially for more significant gestures or gifts. These notes are often handwritten and personalized.
In Japanese culture, offering a cup of tea, mainly green tea, is a sign of hospitality and gratitude. It’s a way to show appreciation for someone’s presence and time.
Japanese people often believe in reciprocity as a way of expressing gratitude. If someone has helped you, you may seek an opportunity to return the favour.
Sometimes, Japanese people express gratitude through their actions rather than words. For example, a mother may cook a favourite meal for her family to show appreciation for their support. They call it Silent Appreciation.
Practising Osekkai refers to acts of kindness or consideration. Japanese people often express gratitude through small acts of kindness or thoughtfulness toward others.
6. Put the chair back after using it
Shohei Otani, a Japanese professional baseball pitcher, received a great response to an act he did in a past interview. He had put his chair back neatly. Only some people do it, but many Japanese return their chairs when ready to leave. They are accustomed to thinking about other people’s feelings.
For example, putting the chair back on the bullet train will make it easier for the cleaning staff. The store staff will be thankful if you put the chair under. It’s a small gesture, but you’ll be happier if you think it’s helping someone.
7. Ware tada taruwo shiru (我唯足知)
Ware tada taruwo shiru is an inscription on a stone basin at Ryoanji Temple in Kyoto, built in the 17th century. It translates to I know what ‘just enough’ is.
我 means I, 唯 means simply, 足 means what is enough, and 知 means know.
“Knowing that you are content will bring peace to your heart.” — inscription on a stone basin at Ryoanji Temple in Kyoto.
If you look at what you don’t have, you will feel dissatisfied with your life. But when you look at something you already have, you can appreciate it more.
8. Waking up early
Almost all Japanese learned this from their parents ever since they were little. It is a straightforward habit, but it affects your life tremendously. In today’s busy Japanese society, fewer people may do this habit. However, the Japanese have long valued this habit of going to bed early and getting up early.
Because the Japanese people in the past worshipped the sun every morning, they always started a day by honouring it and saying, “Thank you for always looking over us”.
9. Kintsugi (Embracing Imperfection)
Kintsugi is the traditional art of fixing broken pottery with gold or silver lacquer, highlighting the beauty of imperfections. It encourages acceptance of one’s flaws and life’s challenges, promoting resilience and personal growth.
The custom of Kintsugi reflects the Japanese cultural appreciation of the fleeting nature of life and the idea that nothing lasts forever. Repairing broken pottery with precious metals symbolizes that imperfections and scars can be sources of beauty and strength.
The art of Kintsugi has its roots in the late 15th century during the Muromachi period in Japan. This period was marked by political instability, leading to new cultural and artistic forms that embraced simplicity and a deeper appreciation of the imperfect.
The practice of Kintsugi gained prominence through its association with the Japanese tea ceremony, particularly with the renowned tea master Sen no Rikyu (1522–1591). Rikyu’s emphasis on simplicity, natural beauty, and the use of humble, rustic utensils led to the incorporation of Kintsugi into the tea ceremony to express the Wabi-Sabi aesthetic.
Kintsugi became more than just a method of repair; it became a cultural tradition and a symbol of resilience and renewal. It helped preserve valuable and cherished ceramics, extending their lifespan.
10. Kaizen (Continuous Improvement)
The concept of Kaizen emphasizes making minor, incremental improvements in various aspects of life. It encourages a mindset of constant self-improvement or “change for the better”, which can lead to significant long-term benefits. Kaizen is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and widely adopted in various industries and organizations.
Instead of seeking significant, revolutionary changes, Kaizen encourages the pursuit of continuous, small-scale improvements. These incremental changes are more manageable and sustainable over time. It promotes a constant learning, adaptability, and innovation culture, making it a valuable approach for organizations striving for excellence.
Your Time to Shine
It’s time to awaken the samurai within you, armed with these timeless Japanese habits. They’re not just habits but the keys to unlocking a life filled with purpose, balance, and fulfilment.
Embrace these habits with all your heart, and watch your routine transform into something extraordinary. Let these timeless Japanese habits be an inspiration to you. Take that first step, and change your way into something that lifts you and makes you happier.
Just a tiny bit more every day.
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