illustration : copyright (c) Hiroshi takatsuki

In spite of feudalistic rule that continued until the end of the Edo period, it is believed that citizens of the time enjoyed a considerable degree of liberty in learning and spirituality. With the emergence of a great number of geniuses in painting, kabuki, bunraku (a form of traditional Japanese puppet theater), novels, haiku and waka (a genre of classical Japanese verse and one of the major genres of Japanese literature), many citizens took to the appreciation of fine arts as a favorite pastime. Taking a cue from these examples, we may need to consider cultures that offer plenty of opportunities for fun and joy as an integral element in our efforts to build a sustainable society.

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Liberal exchange of opinions to promote ingenious production
Even the latest piece of equipment is a product of human ideas. This is showcased by NEC Access Technica, Ltd., a manufacturer of various IT devices that applies original and ingenious ideas tapped from its employees in its product design and manufacturing processes. Their unconventional ideas include the construction of a “flow shelf” that exploits the gravitational forces for efficient product management and application of a compression pump to minimize energy consumption. Amazingly, most of these ideas were devised by employees working at the site. This example illustrates how the Japanese wisdom that supports product manufacture has given rise to the unfettered spirit for practical exchange of opinions among all employees, including those working at the site.

Is this another illustration of “wisdom?”

• Bureiko (unrestricted, “anything-goes” drinking occasions)
• Development of robots such as ASIMO and AIBO
• Japan’s subculture represented by anime that has generated a global community of fans

Key words that describe this wisdom

• Karakuri, elaborate machine mechanisms and techniques for toys and gadgets developed during the Edo period
• Bunraku puppet theater performances
• Wazan (Japanese system of mathematics)

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