There are 9 basic principles that underpin Japanese art and culture. They are called aesthetics – concepts that answer the question: what is art? There are 9 Japanese aesthetics that we will examine in this article.
These aesthetics and principles are the foundation for Japanese art, fashion, pop culture, music, and Japanese films. They are also present in society, personality, and even in Japanese cuisine.
We also recommend reading:
- 15 Types of Japanese Art and Cultural Techniques
- Meaning of Kawaii – Culture of Cuteness in Japan
- Sakura – All About Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Table of Contents
Wabi-sabi – Imperfection
Imperfection makes life interesting; notice that no character is perfect, everyone has flaws. For example, cherry blossom sakura are more beautiful because they only appear once a year.
Wabi-sabi [侘寂] represents this imperfection in Japanese culture. An aesthetic approach centered on the acceptance of transience, imperfection, and incompleteness.
The aesthetic characteristics of wabi-sabi include some that we will see in this article such as:
- Fukinsei: asymmetry, irregularity;
- Kanso: simplicity;
- Datsuzoku: unlimited by any convention, free;
Seijaku: tranquil, mild; - Koko: minimalism;
- Shizen: unpretentious, natural;
- Yugen: subtly deep beauty, not obvious;
Miyabi – Elegance
The word miyabi [雅] is generally translated as “elegance,” “refinement,” “courtesy,” and sometimes refers to “heartbreaker” or “sorrow.” It is considered one of the oldest traditional ideals of Japan.
The ideal of miyabi culminates in the extermination of everything considered vulgar or absurd aiming to achieve the purest beauty. Miyabi expresses sensitivity to beauty and is linked with “mono-no-aware” [物の哀れ], the awareness of the transience of things.
The famous golden temple Kinkakuji is an example of the Miyabi aesthetic. In the past, the concept of Miyabi referred to boldness and feelings of spiritual elevation. It was seen in the aromas of flowers, woods, and cherry blossoms.
Shibui – Subtlety
Shibui [渋い] means simple, subtle, or discreet. This means that things are more beautiful when they speak for themselves “when they are not stamped on your face” without adornments or extravagance.
Like wabi-sabi and miyabi, shibui can be applied to a wide variety of subjects beyond art or fashion. Shibui objects appear simple but include subtle details, such as textures, that balance simplicity with complexity.
Shibui draws a fine line between contrasting aesthetic concepts, such as elegant and rough or spontaneous and restrained. This balance of simplicity and complexity ensures that one does not tire of an object but constantly finds new meanings and enriched beauty that make its aesthetic value grow.
Iki – Originality
Iki is exclusivity and originality. In many ways, Japanese culture does not celebrate uniqueness. As the Japanese proverb says: The nail that sticks up gets hammered down. Therefore, the best translation of Iki would be “refined singularity.”
It is believed that iki was formed by the merchant class of Edo during the Tokugawa period. Iki is an expression of simplicity, sophistication, spontaneity, and originality.
This term is used to describe aesthetically attractive qualities and can even be an excellent compliment when applied to a person. Iki also carries a connotation of life, can manifest sensuality, and encompasses various characteristics.
Jo-ha-kyu – Slow, Accelerate, and Stop
Jo-ha-kyu [序破急] is a rhythm that can be translated as “Start slowly, accelerate, and stop suddenly.” This aesthetic is used in traditional Japanese arts, such as the tea ceremony. It is also widely used in Japanese martial arts.
In modern usage, it includes films, music, and advertising. It can also be seen in the dramatic structure of traditional theater and in the traditional collaborative forms of verses associated with renga and renku (haikai).
The concept originated in the music of the ancient imperial court called gagaku. Johakyu essentially means that all actions or efforts should start slowly, accelerate, and finish quickly.
Yugen – Mysterious
Yugen [幽玄] states that life is boring when all facts are known. Something must be hidden and full of mystery. There are thousands of films, series, and anime that use yugen. Whenever we watch, there is some mystery that captivates and excites.
Yugen means a deep feeling, found in Chinese philosophical texts, where it means “dark” or “mysterious.” It can refer to a subtly deep and not obvious beauty.
Some Japanese paintings are of landscapes with mist; these paintings lead the observer to make a connection with the space that seems to be beyond our world. This is the aesthetic and mysterious sense of yugen.
Geido – Discipline and Ethics
Geido [芸道] refers to various disciplines that involve ethics and respect. It can be seen in theater, floral arrangement, Japanese calligraphy, the tea ceremony, Japanese ceramics, and especially in martial arts.
Have you noticed that Japanese martial arts and traditional arts are all about discipline? Ethics and discipline make things more attractive. That is why many people are drawn to Japanese culture.
The word Geido [芸道] literally means the way of the arts and can refer directly to performing arts, the realization of art performances, and martial presentations.
Ensou – Void
Ensou [円相] is a zen concept. It is often represented by a circle. It can mean infinity or nothingness. It is a bit difficult to explain. You need to spend a lot of time meditating to understand.
A great example of Ensou can be seen in Japanese gardens that embody zen concepts. In these gardens, meticulous circles are made in the sand or stones that often represent infinity, movement, and fluidity.
The ensou symbolizes absolute enlightenment, strength, elegance, the universe, and mu (from emptiness). It is characterized by a minimalism born from Japanese aesthetics that, unlike Wabi-sabi which represents imperfection, the closed circle represents perfection.
Kawaii – Cute
Kawaii [可愛い] is cute and lovely. Some argue that this is the new Japanese aesthetic. Others say that kawaii has always been part of Japanese culture. Either way, it has become the most popular Japanese aesthetic in recent years.
This word is internationally known thanks to Japanese pop culture and anime. It is used to designate objects, accessories, clothes, animals, and people that are beautiful and attractive, styles like Lolita.
We recommend reading: Do you know what lolita, loli, or lolicon means?
The first traces of this culture emerged during the Edo period (1603-1868), where woodblock prints known as Dijinga depicted beautiful girls. By the end of the Edo period, some artists were already creating illustrations that gave rise to the ideal.
What did you think of the ideals and principles of Japanese art and culture? Did you know these ideals? We appreciate your comments and shares.
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