Currently in Japan there has been a
wave of potentially dangerous natural events with heavy rains and floods in the west to new heatwaves in the east. These events have led to many emergencies as well as deaths. All around the
world when natural disasters occur death counts usually accompany
them. However, when was the last time you heard of so many dying from
a heat wave? Normally a few elderly are affected by heat waves,
however have you heard of 10,000 going to the hospital concerning
heat in such a short period of time? Perhaps there is another
explanation for this contained within Japanese culture.
Deep within the Japanese sentiment
comes the idea of enduring unbearable difficulties, otherwise known
as “Gaman”. In American culture we have a similar concept in the
saying, “No pain, no gain.” However, in Japan it is proudly taken
a step further in coordination with the overall group culture. It is
expected to endure intense difficulties, rather than bother the
group with your individual “weaknesses”. In the business world
this is seen with enduring poor treatment or long hours as somehow
contributing to the overall strength of the company. In a house for
the sake of the country a person will often “Gaman” by not using the air
conditioning in order to save power. This kind of stoic
self-sacrifice is very much a Buddhist cultural trait akin to the ideal
lifestyle of a monk: “Work harder, eat less, control the self.”
Throughout Japan's history this sentiment has defined the people as
they frequently endured hardships for the sake of achieving
their nation's gradual milestones into becoming a first world
country.
In modern times within the Japanese
sentiment also exists the idea of having no wastefulness, otherwise known as
“Mottainai”. Because of the great sacrifice it takes to produce
things in society there is a strong sense to not waste anything.
Japanese people tend to be a highly frugal people. Coupled with their
sense of identifying with nature they strongly desire to be as frugal
as possible in society at large given that many people live on the small island with limited resources. This is truly "going green". Japanese also tend to strongly
believe that global warming is a reality, and that they must do
something about it. Therefore, the wasting of energy is seen as a
great societal sin. From leaving lights on unnecessarily, to driving
a car too much, to using air conditioning – many Japanese desire
strongly to avoid wasting resources.
Together with Gaman and Mottainai comes
the belief that we can change the planet through our own strength,
and that our individual value is low compared with the greater good.
Perhaps now you can see why when natural disasters occur that people
do not want to trouble others, or when a heat wave happens many
health issues arise when people insist on enduring! Certainly these
are admirable attributes that we can learn from, but
sometimes we must ask ourselves is the stoicism worth it? In a
society with no real concept of grace or forgiveness these attributes
of Gaman and Mottainai are man's alternative. They are noble and
highly admirable in the sight of men, however potentially come at
great human cost. What is the value of a life? As a Christian, the
value of one soul is great as seen in the parable of the lost sheep
found in Luke 15:3-7 . While it is sometimes reasonable to endure hardship as well as to be frugal,
it is not the ultimate truth! Please pray that Japanese people would
be awakened to their need for God reliance!
