japanese philosophy

Indian tourists find so many things amazing in Japan. Some we can and should bring back too. Here are six Japanese micro-philosophies, which we can learn, and really improve our life

From smashing planters to restoring them, BT Life.Styled Club’s Kintsugi workshop turned broken fragments into meaningful works of art

Yáng Shuāng-zǐ's "Taiwan Travelogue" has won the 2026 International Booker Prize, marking the first Mandarin Chinese novel to receive the award. The book, a fictional travel memoir set in 1930s Taiwan, explores a complex romance and postcolonial themes. Author Yáng Shuāng-zǐ and translator Lin King are the first Taiwanese and Taiwanese-American winners of the prestigious prize.

Rei Kawakubo, the avant-garde designer behind Comme des Garçons, consistently resists trends, yet remains remarkably attuned to the cultural moment. Her philosophy of imperfection and resistance, evident since her 1981 Paris debut with a torn jumper, now feels like a necessary language for a world grappling with instability and identity.

Restaurants meticulously craft dining experiences, with lighting, music, and even cutlery playing crucial roles. Experts reveal how thoughtful design, from earthy tableware to comfortable seating, subtly influences guest perception, encouraging longer stays and repeat visits. The environment speaks volumes, shaping how diners experience taste and quality before the first bite.

Palantir CEO Alex Karp has published a manifesto urging Silicon Valley to build artificial intelligence weapons. He believes this technology is inevitable and that the tech sector has a moral duty to support national defense. Karp argues that adversaries will not wait for ethical debates. He states that the atomic age is ending and AI will define future military power.

Break it, then make it whole again — but this time, with a golden scar. This is the essence of Kintsugi, a japanese philosophy that teaches that perfection is overrated. By joining ceramic shards with gold-toned resins, hobbyists in Hyderabad are discovering that a repaired piece is often more resilient and beautiful than the original.

The bathroom, often overlooked, significantly impacts sleep hygiene. Experts highlight how cold, bright, and noisy bathrooms disrupt rest. By integrating German engineering and Japanese hospitality, smart toilets now offer features like heated seats and soft lighting, transforming the bathroom into a sleep-supportive sanctuary. This approach aims to create a "sensory neutral" environment, preserving rest during nighttime interruptions.

In a captivating evening at the Japan Embassy in Delhi, the Urasenke Foundation presented an elegant tea ceremony that transported attendees into the heart of Japan's tea culture. Led by Deputy tea master Soko Shimura, the event illustrated the profound values of harmony and precision inherent in the art of matcha preparation

It’s not easy for a full-time politician to find time for leisure time activities, especially in the run-up to the assembly election. But here is what some of TN’s changemakers are up to when they’re not in the public eye

Sony's TV division is now majority-owned by Chinese firm TCL, forming a new entity, Bravia Inc. TCL will hold 51% for $473 million, with operations starting April 2027. The joint venture encompasses Sony's entire home entertainment range, including TVs, projectors, and audio. While both brands will persist, TCL's preference for LED over OLED raises questions about Sony's premium display future.

Kaizen offers a stress-free path to self-improvement. It focuses on small, daily changes. Instead of drastic overhauls, aim for 1% improvement each day. This method builds momentum without relying on fleeting motivation. Start with simple habits like drinking water or stretching. These tiny actions compound over time. Kaizen helps in achieving lasting progress.

The japanese philosophy 'shikata ga nai', meaning 'it cannot be helped', teaches acceptance of life's uncontrollable events. Embracing this mindset reduces stress and anxiety, helping individuals focus on solutions rather than frustrations. By letting go of what cannot be controlled, 'shikata ga nai' fosters inner peace and resilience during challenging situations.

japanese philosophy provides practical tools for navigating modern life with clarity and purpose. Concepts like 'Shikata ga nai' promote acceptance, while 'Wabi-sabi' encourages embracing imperfection. 'Kaizen' champions continuous improvement through small steps, and 'Mottainai' fosters mindful resource management. Discovering one's 'Ikigai' helps align passion with livelihood, and 'Zanshin' cultivates sustained awareness, offering young professionals a path to resilience and balance.

Usually, we are taught to hide flaws and aim for perfection, in all spheres of life. However, Wabi-Sabi finds beauty in everything - be it a cracked cup, weathered wood, or wrinkles in old age. These “imperfections” are not problems to be fixed, but stories to be celebrated. When we accept our own flaws and those of others, we feel more at peace and less pressured to be perfect

In Japan, 'Shukan' emphasizes steady practice for growth, influencing personal development, education, and work. This philosophy, supported by studies like the JLSCP, highlights the benefits of routines for children's academic performance and emotional well-being. By starting small, being consistent, and gradually improving, individuals can integrate Shukan into their lives, fostering resilience and long-term success.