Strength and resilience are highly valued in Japanese culture. Throughout history, certain symbols, words, animals, plants, and even colors have come to represent inner strength and perseverance for the Japanese people.
Keywords
Some of the main keywords and phrases associated with strength in Japan include:
- Ganbaru (頑張る) – to persevere, to do one’s best
- Gaman (我慢) – endurance, tolerance, perseverance
- Shinshu (信頼) – trust, reliance, confidence
- Fudoshin (不動心) – imperturbability, equanimity, calmness of spirit
These concepts emphasize determination in the face of adversity, self-control, patience, and inner calm. Uttering these words is a way to encourage oneself or others to find strength.
Symbols
Certain symbols are associated with inner strength in Japanese iconography:
- The crane – seen as a symbol of longevity and perseverance
- Bamboo – represents flexibility and resilience
- Pine trees – signify strength and steadfastness, even through cold winters
- Cherry blossoms – represent the ephemeral nature of life, and the Buddhist concept of impermanence
- Wisteria flowers – a metaphor for overcoming adversity since they bloom after harsh winters
- Koi fish – known for their determination and struggle against currents, koi symbolize success through adversity
These natural symbols exemplify positive qualities like courage, tenacity, adaptability and transcendence that are respected in Japanese culture.
Animals
Certain animals are also equated with inner strength:
- Tigers – strength, courage and longevity
- Dragons – power, wisdom, and perseverance
- Phoenix – resilience, rebirth, and renewal
- Carp – said to swim upstream against all odds, a metaphor for determination
- Bears – physical strength and fearlessness
These creatures often feature in mythology, folklore, or clan symbols as mascots of strength. For example, samurai often had tigers or dragons on their battle armor to invoke their powerful spirit.
Plants
Certain hardy plants also symbolize strength and resilience:
- Bamboo – flexibility and durability, yet withstands stormy weather
- Pine – stays green even through harsh winters
- Cherry blossom – transience of life, yet blooms resiliently every spring
- Plum blossom – blooms early, enduring cold winter temps
- Chrysanthemum – believed to have longevity benefits
These plants that thrive through difficult conditions demonstrate perseverance in the face of adversity, a trait respected in Japanese culture.
Colors
Colors also have symbolic meaning relating to inner strength:
- Red – passion, vigor, courage
- White – purity, divinity, transcendence
- Blue – calmness, resilience, equilibrium
- Green – harmony, flexibility, renewal
- Orange – happiness, optimism, warmth
For example, the Japanese flag Hinomaru represents the red sun symbolizing the burning passion and energy of Japan. Kamikaze pilots wore hachimaki headbands with the red rising sun when embarking on suicidal missions, believing they would invoke the fiery strength of Japan.
Words and Letters
Certain words and characters are valued for their connection to resilience:
- The Japanese character 久 (hisa) means enduring, longevity
- The name Hisako means “long-lived child”
- The name Kenji/Kenshi includes the character for “strong”
- The name Kazuto contains the character for “harmony”
- Names ending in -ko often signify child, conveying continuity
Names are often chosen to represent desired traits like endurance, strength, harmony, and longevity in the child’s life.
Cultural Concepts
Some philosophical and religious concepts emphasize inner strength:
- Zen Buddhist principles of endurance and spiritual resilience
- Stoic elements in samurai bushido code for self-control and composure
- Laissez-faire attitude of detachment and going with the flow
- Concept of ikigai or finding purpose through adversity
- Cultural emphasis on group harmony over individualism
These concepts ingrain the mentality of enduring hardship, controlling one’s reactions, remaining dedicated to a higher purpose, and submitting personal desires for the collective good of society.
Traditions and Customs
Various traditions represent perseverance and commemorate strength:
- Boys Day (May 5th) – Celebrates boys’ healthy growth and success through flyfish displays
- Girls Day (March 3rd) – Celebrates girls’ happy future with displays of dolls
- Omiyamairi – Baby’s first shrine visit for luck and prosperity
- Shichigosan – Children’s shrine visit at ages 3, 5, 7 for blessings
- Kanreki – 60th birthday commemoration of longevity and perseverance
- Festivals – Matsuri offer prayers for health and abundant harvests
These customs show the importance of persistence and resilience to achieve growth, longevity, prosperity, and blessings in life.
Historic Icons
Famed historical figures also symbolize strength through adversity:
- Miyamoto Musashi – undefeated swordsman, author of Book of Five Rings
- Oda Nobunaga – powerful daimyo who ended Sengoku civil war period
- Toyotomi Hideyoshi – peasant-born general who united feudal Japan
- Tokugawa Ieyasu – 1st Edo shogun, ended wars, ruled for decades
- Matsuo Basho – greatest haiku poet, composed while traveling for years
- Saigo Takamori – leader of rebel forces in Satsuma Rebellion
War heroes, shoguns, authors, and poets showed the capability to overcome odds and exemplify the Japanese spirit of ganbaru (perseverance).
Places
Certain locations also invoke strength or commemorate past resilience:
- Mt. Fuji – iconic volcano, symbolizes spirituality, divinity, perseverance
- Shrines – offer prayers and guidance for overcoming adversity
- Temples – host memorials honoring ancestors’ sacrifice and resilience
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial – commemorates lives lost and vow for strength to end wars
- Kumamoto Castle – iconic stronghold reconstructed after devastating earthquakes
These places provide spiritual guidance and national inspiration to endure any hardship.
Conclusion
In summary, strength and resilience hold an esteemed place in Japanese culture, with various symbols, words, beliefs, traditions, icons, and places exemplifying concepts like perseverance, harmony, longevity, and overcoming adversity. Core values emphasize self-control, patience, adaptability, and persevering with calm purpose in the face of life’s challenges. By upholding these qualities, the Japanese character has shown formidable and quiet inner strength throughout its history.
