Ichigo Ichie Meaning
Ichigo Ichie, 11 letters that I resonated with in Japan. The phrase, in rough translation, means to treasure the moment for it may never come again. It is the perfect way to describe the way I believe many people should live there life. When I heard this phrase used by a tea master in Japan, I instantly formed a deeper connection with the country. It wasn’t just a nice-sounding phrase, but one that seemed to represent the Japanese culture.
Ichigo Ichie in a Japanese Tea Ceremony
The best place to see the concept of Ichigo Ichie is at a Japanese tea ceremony. For many of us, tea is just part of our morning routine. In Japan, however, tea is highly cherished and appreciated. The phrase Ichigo Ichie came to fruition during tea ceremonies for Samurai, the night before a big battle. Not knowing if they would ever get the opportunity to enjoy another cup, an emphasis was placed on appreciating their entire experience from start to finish.
During our ceremony, we were told to focus on the smells, sights, and sounds of the tea-making process. The room was quiet as our tea master elegantly poured two spoons of matcha tea into a bowl. She then slowly poured hot water into the cup, creating a peaceful waterfall sound. Lastly, she whisked the tea repetitively and systematically until the water turned a light green color. Once this was done, the tea was complete and ready to be enjoyed. The shiny ceramic cup was brought to the mouth and each sip was enjoyed thoroughly. The final sip required a slurping noise to signify completion and enjoyment. Ichigo Ichie.
Tip: Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya is a great company to do a tea ceremony with
Savoring Food
The Japanese, like no other culture I’ve encountered, seem to understand the power of “now”. It is not just seen in tea ceremonies either. When eating at my favorite Japanese ramen restaurant Ichiran, the restaurant seats you in your own little closed-off booth. This is not to isolate you, but in fact to allow you the best opportunity to focus on your food without distractions. The food was no doubt amazing, but savoring each slurp and bite made it so much more special. Ichigo Ichie.
Read More About Japan!
Appreciating Parks
Japanese parks are another place where you will see an emphasis placed on the present. How often have we gone to a park only to pull out our phones in a matter of minutes? Take a look around a local park and you will likely see many people lost in technology, missing the scenery around them. In Japan, however, you will notice many locals just sitting- Sitting with no purpose other than to enjoy nature and savor the moment.
Imagine a trip to a park on your very last day on this planet, what would the image look like? Would it require Wi-Fi or LTE? Instagram or Snapchat? Your work email? My guess is probably not, and the fact of the matter is you probably would just want to sit and enjoy the sun and trees. If that’s the case, why not live like that all the time? Why not enjoy what’s in front of us as if we are not going to see it again? The thought may sound depressing, but thinking in this mindset will allow you to maximize every experience that you have. The Japanese, in many ways, get this. They understand the power of savoring what’s right in front of them. Ichigo Ichie.
Applying Ichigo Ichie to Our Lives
Too many of us are focused on what’s next and in doing so, we fail to focus on what’s now. We eat meals while working, hang out with family while texting, and sit on the subway thinking about chores. We are constantly distracted by our future life and its problems.
Focusing on the now doesn’t mean letting go of goals or dreams; It simply means finding a way to enjoy whatever is in front of you first and taking life one step at a time. When visiting Japan, try embracing yourself in this culture and focus on the now. It’s not always easy, but doing so will make you feel refreshed and energized.
It’s a known fact that the mind can not multi-task (despite many of our beliefs that we can do so. Anytime we distract ourselves with one thing, we, in turn, ignore another. To truly enjoy something, we must give it our full attention. What better way to do this than to live with the mindset that you may never get to do it again.
If you want to find the secret to happiness, you may not have to read endless self-help books to find the answer. Maybe the answer is right in front of you. Maybe it doesn’t matter what’s in front of you because, with the right mindset, the now can always be cherished. The secret to happiness may just be hidden in 11 letters and 2 Japanese characters. Ichigo Ichie.
Believe in the message? Wear it and live it on a daily basis!
Very thoughtful, philisophical and insightful perspective. Reading your summary made me introspect what i normally di and you are right we don’t enjoy the moment and we are always trying to achieve the next thing. Somewhat similar or related saying in africa “hakuna haraka” meaning there is no hurry…..take things slowly
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