Hi, I’m Kazu.
By the way, do you know the phrase that is often said to symbolize one of the finest virtues of the Japanese people?
Japan has long been a country prone to natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes. Yet, even in the aftermath of devastating catastrophes, it is rare to see people looting convenience stores or taking advantage of the chaos to steal goods.
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Instead, when drinking water or emergency supplies are distributed, the lines often form in a remarkable way: the elderly and young children are allowed to go first, followed by women, while adult men quietly wait at the back. Curiously, this scene is rarely highlighted by Japan’s domestic media, but it is often reported by overseas news outlets. Perhaps it’s just my impression, but it certainly seems that way.
Japan has already been eliminated from the World Cup after losing to Brazil. However, one thing that continues to earn worldwide admiration is the behavior of Japanese supporters. Whether their team wins or loses, they stay behind after the match to clean the stadium, leaving it even cleaner than when they arrived.
The players themselves do the same, carefully cleaning the locker rooms they used before leaving. These acts have been widely reported around the world, and in recent tournaments, supporters from several other countries have even joined Japanese fans in helping clean the stadium, inspired by their example.
Another memorable moment from this World Cup came after Japan’s defeat to Brazil. Samurai Blue head coach Hajime Moriyasu bowed deeply toward the pitch before leaving the field. That single gesture beautifully symbolized what many people call the Japanese samurai spirit.
Another example can be found in judo, Japan’s national sport and one of the official events of the Olympic Games. Judo begins with a bow and ends with a bow, reflecting the importance of respect. Before stepping onto the tatami, athletes bow to the competition area. They then bow to their opponent before the match begins. Whether they win or lose, they bow once again to their opponent, and before stepping off the tatami, they offer another deep bow in gratitude and respect.
Traditionally, judo also teaches competitors not to display excessive emotion on the mat, regardless of victory or defeat. This emphasis on humility, self-control, and respect is one of the qualities that makes Japan’s national sport so distinctive and admired around the world.
We’ll wrap up this week’s blog here. Next Thursday, we’ll be back with another story showcasing the spirit of the Samurai, so if you’re interested, we hope you’ll join us again.
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Thank you very much for reading all the way to the end, and we look forward to seeing you next time👋👋
