8 Japanese concepts to use for self reflection + exercises

Get to know the 8 Japanese concepts that can be used as an interesting tool for self reflection.

A reason for being—what gives your life meaning and makes you excited to get up in the morning.

Ikigai is the Japanese idea of a “reason for being”—the thing that gives your life purpose and fulfillment. It’s often visualized as the intersection of four key areas:

What you love (passion)

What you are good at (vocation)

What the world needs (mission)

What you can be paid for (profession)

When these areas align, you experience a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction in life.

Reflection Guide:

Draw a diagram with four overlapping circles labeled:

“What I Love,”

“What I’m Good At,”

“What the World Needs,” and

“What I Can Be Paid For.”

Write down answers in each circle and look for areas where they overlap.

Ask Yourself:

What activities make me lose track of time?

What unique skills or talents do I have?

How can I use these to make a positive impact?

Kaizen is the practice of continuous improvement through small, consistent actions.

Rather than aiming for dramatic overnight changes, Kaizen encourages steady, daily progress.

Originating in Japanese business culture, it’s now widely used for personal growth.

Example: Committing to 1% improvement every day—whether learning a new skill, exercising, or organizing your space.

Identify one small area in your life where you’d like to improve (e.g., fitness, mindfulness, relationships)

Set a tiny, achievable daily goal, like meditating for 5 minutes or drinking one extra glass of water.

Ask Yourself:

What’s one small step I can take today to improve by 1%?

How can I celebrate my progress, no matter how small?

Shoshin is the Japanese concept of approaching life with a beginner’s mind—a mindset that is open, eager, and free from preconceptions.

It emphasizes the importance of staying humble and receptive, regardless of how experienced you become in a particular area.

The idea is to approach each moment with curiosity and a willingness to learn, just like a beginner.

“If your mind is empty... It is open to everything”

Think of a skill or activity you’ve been practicing for a while (yoga, cooking, meditation, etc.).

Now, try to remember how you felt when you first started—what excited you?

What was challenging?

Reflect on whether you’ve started to take your knowledge for granted, and how you might bring a fresh, open perspective to it.

Ask Yourself:

How can I bring a sense of curiosity and excitement back into something I’ve been doing for a while?

What would it be like to approach my daily activities as if I’m learning them for the first time?

Where in my life could I benefit from shedding old assumptions and being more open to new experiences?

Wabi-Sabi is the philosophy of embracing imperfection and impermanence. It celebrates the beauty of things that are incomplete, aged, or flawed.

Think of a weathered wooden chair, a faded photograph, or the imperfect shape of handmade pottery.

This concept teaches us to accept life’s natural cycles and find grace in the imperfect moments.

Find one imperfect thing in your life—

maybe a chipped mug, a scuffed shoe, or even a perceived personal flaw.

Practice gratitude for its uniqueness and the story it tells.

Ask Yourself:

How can I appreciate my imperfections instead of hiding them?

What lessons can I learn from things not going as planned?

Shikata ga nai means “it cannot be helped” and reflects a mindset of acceptance in the face of uncontrollable circumstances.

It’s not about giving up but focusing energy on what can still be influenced.

This philosophy helps build resilience by teaching us to let go of unnecessary stress and move forward with grace.

Write down a situation causing you stress that is out of your control.

Reflect on what you can influence and what you need to release.

Ask Yourself:

What can I do to improve my response to this situation?

How can I channel my energy toward things within my control?

Kintsugi is the art of repairing broken pottery with gold, making the cracks part of its beauty and story. It’s a powerful metaphor for personal healing and growth.

Rather than hiding scars, Kintsugi highlights them, showing that brokenness can lead to something even more beautiful.

It reminds us that life’s challenges and imperfections add to our uniqueness and strength.

Reflect on a difficult experience that has shaped you.

Write down how it contributed to your growth or unique perspective.

If you feel ready, share your story with someone to embrace the beauty of your “cracks.”

Ask Yourself:

What have I learned from my struggles?

How can I embrace my scars as part of my story?

Oubaitori refers to the idea that everyone has their own unique path and timing in life, much like different trees that bloom at different times.

It encourages us to stop comparing ourselves to others and to focus on our own growth and journey.

“Comparison is the thief of joy.”

Reflect on a moment when you compared yourself to someone else.

What emotions did that bring up for you?

Consider your personal journey—what have you learned that is

unique to you?

Ask Yourself:

How can I embrace my unique path without feeling pressured by others’ timelines?

What does my growth look like when I stop comparing myself to others?

Mono no Aware is the awareness of the fleeting nature of life and a deep appreciation for the impermanence of all things.

It’s the bittersweet beauty of something passing—whether a season, a moment, or a relationship.

It encourages us to appreciate the beauty in the present moment, while also acknowledging the transience and impermanence of all things.

Think of a moment or memory that was precious to you, but has now passed.

Reflect on the impermanence of life and how it enhances the value of those moments.

Ask Yourself:

What fleeting moments in my life have shaped me?

How can I cultivate deeper appreciation for the present, knowing it won’t last forever?