illustration : copyright (c) Hiroshi takatsuki

Due in part to the geographical constraints of an island country and the policy of national seclusion enacted by the Tokugawa shogunate, the range of new items that found their way into traditional Japanese societies was quite limited. Coupled with centuries-old faith that sees God in all creation, it is believed that these characteristics led to a way of life that places higher value on spiritual wealth than on material objects. As we seek to enrich our lives within a confined space with limited resources on today’s planet, this attitude of treasuring the spirit over things may offer us a key to the wisdom of sustainability in the years ahead.

Traditional wisdom lives on

Local communities energized by Noson Kabuki
Kabuki, the highly stylized classical dance-drama, remains popular to this day as an art form that symbolizes Japan. In the olden days, Noson Kabuki ? literally “farming village kabuki” ? was presented in villages around the country, where ordinary village folks toiling daily on farms worked together to put on kabuki performances at local festivals. In Nagano Prefecture in central Japan, a project is under way to revive the traditional Noson Kabuki, which fell into decline since the nation embarked on the path of rapid economic growth. Collaboration among performers, stagehands and a great number of people involved is essential for a kabuki performance to be successful. For this reason, this project in Nagatani district, Ina City has served to strengthen ties among local residents and energize the entire community, stimulating many areas beyond performing arts.

Is this another illustration of “wisdom?”

• The notion that never mind if you’re dressed in rags, it’s the heart that counts
• Sundry goods brands that feature simple and minimal designs
• Popularity of TV programs that spotlight people struggling to fulfill their dream of living in the countryside

Key words that describe this wisdom

• “What a foolish thing it is to be governed by a desire for fame and profit and to fret away one's whole life without a moment of peace.” (Tsurezuregusa: Essays in Idleness by Yoshida Kenko)
• “If the mind is not at rest, horses and oxen and the Seven Precious Things and Palaces and Pavilions are of no use.” (Hojoki: The Ten Foot Square Hut by Kamono Chomei)
• “Memories, not things” (catch phrase used in an ad for an automobile)

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