8 simple Japanese habits that will make your life so much better!!

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares 8 small but powerful Japanese habits that can enhance daily life. These habits include cleaning the toilet for success and humility, organizing shoes for a sense of order, improving posture, and practicing gratitude through phrases like 'Itadakimasu' before meals. Other habits include returning chairs after use, embracing contentment with 'Ware tada taruwo shiru,' using the phrase 'Okagesama' to express thanks, and adopting the practice of going to bed early and waking up with the sun. These habits promote positivity, self-discipline, and an overall sense of well-being.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cleaning the toilet regularly can improve your luck, bring success, and help you stay humble. Notable achievers like Konosuke Matsushita and Soichiro Honda practiced this habit.
• 😀 Keeping your shoes organized fosters a sense of accomplishment and helps create a tidy living space, positively impacting your mood.
• 😀 Improving your posture has a direct connection to mental clarity and physical health. Wearing a kimono, for example, helps promote better posture.
• 😀 Saying 'Itadakimasu' before eating is a way of expressing gratitude for the meal and appreciating the life force of the ingredients.
• 😀 Putting your chair back after use is a small but thoughtful gesture that helps others and promotes a considerate mindset.
• 😀 'Ware tada taruwo shiru' is a Zen philosophy that encourages contentment with what you already have, promoting peace and happiness.
• 😀 'Okagesama' expresses deep gratitude, not only to those around you but also to everyone who supports and connects with you in life.
• 😀 Going to bed early and waking up early is a traditional Japanese habit that helps set a positive tone for the day and connects you to nature's rhythm.
• 😀 Small daily habits, like cleaning the toilet or organizing your shoes, can contribute to a greater sense of well-being and success in life.
• 😀 The power of small habits lies in their consistency. Starting with small steps each day will eventually lead to significant changes in your mindset and lifestyle.

Q & A

Why is cleaning the toilet considered an important habit in Japan?

Cleaning the toilet is believed to bring good luck, especially in terms of money. It also helps people humble themselves and creates a sense of awareness for cleanliness, which can extend to other areas of life, like organizing the room.

How does cleaning the toilet relate to success in Japan?

Prominent figures like Konosuke Matsushita, Takeshi Kitano, and Soichiro Honda claimed that cleaning the toilet contributed to their success by purifying the mind and fostering a humble attitude.

What is the relationship between a clean toilet and household income, according to a survey?

A study by Lion Corporation found that households with clean toilets had an annual income that was $7000 higher than those with dirty toilets. This suggests a link between cleanliness and success in life.

How does cleaning the toilet make someone humble?

Shuzaburo Kagiyama, the founder of Yellow Hat, observed that people who clean toilets regularly become humble, and this humility positively affects their work relationships.

Why do Japanese people organize their shoes neatly?

Organizing shoes is linked to self-affirmation and makes people feel better. A well-organized space reflects a sense of order and personal accomplishment.

How does improving posture relate to Japanese culture?

In traditional Japanese thinking, maintaining good posture is believed to reflect mental clarity. Wearing a kimono, for example, naturally helps improve posture, as the obi belt encourages standing upright.

What is the meaning of the phrase 'Itadakimasu'?

'Itadakimasu' expresses gratitude for the meal, acknowledging the efforts of those who prepared the food and recognizing the life force in the ingredients, both plant and animal.

Why is putting the chair back after using it considered important in Japanese culture?

Putting the chair back neatly is seen as a simple yet considerate act that shows respect for others and helps with cleanliness. It is a small gesture that reflects the Japanese value of being mindful of others' feelings.

What does the Zen phrase 'Ware tada taruwo shiru' mean?

The phrase translates to 'Knowing that you are content will bring peace to your heart.' It encourages focusing on what one already has, rather than feeling dissatisfied with what is lacking.

What is the significance of the phrase 'Okagesama' in Japanese culture?

'Okagesama' is a phrase used to express gratitude not only to the person directly involved but also to everyone who has supported you. It embodies humility and an appreciation for the interconnectedness of people.