Finding and Adding Value to Your Life, One Piece at a Time
By far one of my favourite philosophies and actions from Japan, iitokodori (いいとこどり).
What is it?
“iitokodori” (いいとこどり) is a Japanese phrase that can be translated to “picking the best parts” or “taking the good bits”.
It refers to the act of selecting and keeping only the most favourable aspects of something while leaving out the less desirable ones.
It is often used to describe someone who chooses the most advantageous options from various alternatives or situations.
It is a mindset and ability to be open enough to take on identified successful elements.
Japan as a collective has time and time again demonstrated its ability to identify successful things they see, infuse them with their own flavour and build on it for even greater success.
What it is not:
iitokodori is not copying and it’s not emulation. Both of these things are more attuned to simply taking something ‘warts and all’ and replicating it. Perhaps a more apt term would be ‘selective emulation’.
Why has it worked so well for Japan?
The question often asked is why and how has Japan done this so successfully whereas…
