Japan Culture Series 20: Gaman and Mottainai

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!