This is a very intriguing concept and anecdote Vicky. I resonate with the kodawari concept, the uniqueness of doing things in a particular way, and how that authenticity leads to success. But I need help with the "effortless" part of the equation. What makes a sacrifice effortless? The word sacrifice in and of itself implies giving up something that matters in order to obtain something that matters more, so where does the effortlessness come in? In the absence of making a stretch, there's no longer a sacrifice occurring. This has me very curious and I'd love to understand it more thoroughly. Eric Ho would love this conversation since he's always talking about effortless leadership, and I'm also asking him for similar clarification. As someone who is always making things harder than they need to be to justify my existence I really want to apprentice to effortlessness, but I need help.
A valuable addition to my day! I have been feeling it, being a perfectionist myself, but I knew there was something more to the way I operate. And there it is. Kodawari. Thank you Vicky for sharing this! 🙏✨️
I'd love for you to make a series on "romanticizing Japan in the right way". I remember about your masterful way of expressing your journey/relationship with Japan, and found it so insightful. On my end, I do think that after going through the romantic part, I could see things in a more nuanced way, admiring the positive, and also realizing the downsides of the culture. Didn't get to that last level you described as both understanding deeply and accepting the downsides, while still admiring and enjoying the uniqueness of the place.
Anyway, reading this brought so many great memories, as you perfectly convey this unique Japanese vibe with your writing.
As for kodawari, how interesting! I interpret it as sacrificing the good for the great, stemming from a deep believe in some true to yourself (that might not be for others), and that makes it effortless.
Lots to ponder, especially where are those places and beliefs in my life that I should hold on to, no matter what, and mostly with a "methodic, calm and atarimae matter of fact approach".
Feel you on the eye-rolling when it comes to facile takes on Japan. I guess we've all been there to a degree. Damn good branding and soft power. But living here, as you know, is a whole other kettle of fish!
This is a really thought-provoking piece. Thank you for the introduction to kodawari.
Your frustration at Japanophiles echoes my feeling towards English people waxing lyrical about the beauty of Scotland – something I've felt since I was about 10. (I'm an awkward Anglo-Scottish hybrid myself.) Partly I was being childish possessive.
But in adult life my frustration is more towards the international appetite for a commoditised version of Scotland (reminding me of some of the sacrifices you mention). Also the strange kind of possessiveness that the UK – the English in particular – feels towards it. An independent Scotland, no longer part of the UK, would theoretically be economically unviable, so the English argument in favour of the Union seems more emotional than logical. That emotion towards Scotland doesn't feel entirely healthy to me.
What an interesting concept! Could you share an example of what kodawari might look like in your everyday life. The resentment you feel when people comment on the superficial beauty of b Japan is intriguing. I find myself in reverse mode where I find myself annoyed when people complain about potholes or free medical in NZ not being good enough, like they need to get some perspective. It seems to me you also hope they got perspective but in a different way which is curious
This is a very intriguing concept and anecdote Vicky. I resonate with the kodawari concept, the uniqueness of doing things in a particular way, and how that authenticity leads to success. But I need help with the "effortless" part of the equation. What makes a sacrifice effortless? The word sacrifice in and of itself implies giving up something that matters in order to obtain something that matters more, so where does the effortlessness come in? In the absence of making a stretch, there's no longer a sacrifice occurring. This has me very curious and I'd love to understand it more thoroughly. Eric Ho would love this conversation since he's always talking about effortless leadership, and I'm also asking him for similar clarification. As someone who is always making things harder than they need to be to justify my existence I really want to apprentice to effortlessness, but I need help.
A valuable addition to my day! I have been feeling it, being a perfectionist myself, but I knew there was something more to the way I operate. And there it is. Kodawari. Thank you Vicky for sharing this! 🙏✨️
I'd love for you to make a series on "romanticizing Japan in the right way". I remember about your masterful way of expressing your journey/relationship with Japan, and found it so insightful. On my end, I do think that after going through the romantic part, I could see things in a more nuanced way, admiring the positive, and also realizing the downsides of the culture. Didn't get to that last level you described as both understanding deeply and accepting the downsides, while still admiring and enjoying the uniqueness of the place.
Anyway, reading this brought so many great memories, as you perfectly convey this unique Japanese vibe with your writing.
As for kodawari, how interesting! I interpret it as sacrificing the good for the great, stemming from a deep believe in some true to yourself (that might not be for others), and that makes it effortless.
Lots to ponder, especially where are those places and beliefs in my life that I should hold on to, no matter what, and mostly with a "methodic, calm and atarimae matter of fact approach".
Great concept that you've shared!
Vicky! Great to see you back. Loved this piece. The idea of effortless sacrifice just blew my mind. Please keep being so uniquely scarce! Ciao.
Feel you on the eye-rolling when it comes to facile takes on Japan. I guess we've all been there to a degree. Damn good branding and soft power. But living here, as you know, is a whole other kettle of fish!
This is a really thought-provoking piece. Thank you for the introduction to kodawari.
Your frustration at Japanophiles echoes my feeling towards English people waxing lyrical about the beauty of Scotland – something I've felt since I was about 10. (I'm an awkward Anglo-Scottish hybrid myself.) Partly I was being childish possessive.
But in adult life my frustration is more towards the international appetite for a commoditised version of Scotland (reminding me of some of the sacrifices you mention). Also the strange kind of possessiveness that the UK – the English in particular – feels towards it. An independent Scotland, no longer part of the UK, would theoretically be economically unviable, so the English argument in favour of the Union seems more emotional than logical. That emotion towards Scotland doesn't feel entirely healthy to me.
What an interesting concept! Could you share an example of what kodawari might look like in your everyday life. The resentment you feel when people comment on the superficial beauty of b Japan is intriguing. I find myself in reverse mode where I find myself annoyed when people complain about potholes or free medical in NZ not being good enough, like they need to get some perspective. It seems to me you also hope they got perspective but in a different way which is curious
Appreciate you diving into the intricate details of what’s it’s like to live in Japan. I’m actually visiting next month and would love to meet up!
I’m still learning about the culture and am fascinated about the history Japan has. Still so much to learn!
I'm new in your newsletter and love it. Thanks for sharing!
It's so tempting to always scale UP, but we rarely ask ourselves what we can sacrifice to keep our current scale of output.