Harmony as a Guiding Principle — The Japanese Spirit of Wa

Episode 4: Harmony as a Guiding Principle — The Japanese Spirit of Wa

The phrase “Wa wo motte toutoshi to nasu” — “Harmony is to be valued” — is well-known in Japan as a saying attributed to Prince Shōtoku. Though ancient, this principle still deeply influences Japanese culture and human relationships today.

Harmony Means More Than Avoiding Conflict

In Japanese society, wa doesn’t simply mean avoiding arguments. It means aligning hearts and minds, cooperating, and moving forward together.

The Meaning Behind “The Nail That Sticks Out Gets Hammered”

In Japan, actions or speech that disrupt group harmony are often avoided. As a result, people who assert themselves too strongly may be met with caution — the classic phrase is: “The nail that sticks out gets hammered.”

This doesn’t mean people ignore individual opinions. Rather, it reflects a cultural value that places importance on the harmony of the whole.

Reading the Air and the Culture of Harmony

The popular phrase “reading the air” is also deeply tied to the culture of wa.

In group discussions, people may choose not to voice a dissenting opinion — not out of fear, but out of consideration for the atmosphere and the feelings of others.

Clashing Values: When Cultures Meet

In many Western cultures, speaking one’s mind is seen as a sign of respect for the individual. In contrast, Japanese culture often emphasizes maintaining harmony and reading the room before speaking.

Foreign visitors may find this contrast confusing or even frustrating if they’re unfamiliar with the cultural context.

The Future of Harmony: Balanced Coexistence

In the future, balancing the heart of harmony with the courage to speak one’s mind will become increasingly important.

Harmony is not conformity — it is empathy. If this idea spreads, perhaps we can build a society where diversity is embraced, yet harmony is still preserved.

※External link:
For more on “reading the air,” see Tofugu: “Kuuki wo Yomu” – Reading the Air in Japan.

Learn about Japanese high-context communication: Japan Foundation – High Context vs. Low Context Communication.