Omoiyari: The Japanese Art of Compassion

By Erin Niimi Longhurst

‘Omoiyari is a form of selfless compassion – putting yourself in the shoes of others, and from their perspective anticipating their needs, acting in a way that might make them at ease, happy or comfortable.’

This book will help you embrace omoiyari and bring joy and happiness into your own life and the lives of others.

Care, consideration and empathy underpin all aspects of daily life in Japan and are essential to the social spirit. From Omotenashi (Japanese hospitality), Kirei (cleanliness and organisation) and Mottainai (reducing waste) to Zakka (finding beauty in the mundane) and Senbazuru (the origami art of folding one thousand paper cranes), there are so many different ways that the Japanese emphasise the importance of community and helping others.

With practical and actionable advice throughout, you can learn how to incorporate Japanese culture and the art of compassion into your daily life, because even the smallest of considerate actions can make a world of difference.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins UK
• Release date: Jul 9, 2020
• ISBN: 9780008407636

Book preview

Part 1:

Omoi

思い

If you look in a dictionary to find a direct translation of the word ‘omoi’, you’ll find ‘thought’, ‘feeling’, ‘emotion’ and ‘sentiment’. But it’s knowing and understanding these within ourselves which allows us to be empathetic, bestowing kind actions and thoughts onto others – compassion through the art of omoiyari.

I felt it important to highlight the role that our own thoughts, desires and passions play in this process. It’s not possible to be selfless without understanding the self; it’s impossible to be kind to others if we haven’t had the experience of being kind to ourselves.

In many respects, Japanese culture is hierarchical. This becomes especially apparent in a business context, or in any situation where keigo, or honorific speech, is used. Having said that, it also places significant importance on mutual respect, particularly intergenerationally. Celebration of Respect for the Aged Day, for example, is emblematic of the loyalty and appreciation shown to the elderly, and what can be learned from them, in terms of the experience and wisdom they have gained through the passage of time.

The importance of mutual respect, and conveying it, is not stated explicitly in Japanese culture, but performed through actions. The strict etiquette and cultural customs around body language, greetings, even things as seemingly unimportant as bathing, business cards and writing letters, can reveal so much about the way people interact, and give insight into a larger worldview.

This part of the book, ‘Omoi’, focuses very much on the self – activities and practices to encourage you to see things differently, set new habits and get in touch with your creative side. The aim is to help you find joy, satisfaction and appreciation in your life, whether through changing your mindset about what you use or consume, making your surroundings beautiful or taking a greater level of care in what you