Japanese sports are not simply competitive. They are often serene, urging competitors to self-reflect and search for deeper inner connections.
When I was younger, I didn’t grasp the impact of the samurai spirit until I developed an interest in martial arts, primarily judo. The athletes’ dedication to their training is apparent, as is their reaction to defeat. I recall the Japanese judoka Ota Abe’s response to defeat after she lost for the first time in five years. She cried as if she had lost a child.
How and why is the samurai spirit so important? Consider the historical figure Miyamoto Musashi, a renowned swordsman, martial artist, and philosopher with an indomitable spirit and an undefeated record in battle. He once said, “You can only fight how you practice.” He also expressed, “Truth is not what you want it to be; it is what it is, and you must bend to its power or live a lie.”
I found that quote in his book, The Book of Five Rings, and I believe those words go a long way toward explaining how many Japanese athletes feel about their athletic obligations. The Japanese have a saying, “Fall down seven times, stand up eight,” which epitomizes Japanese athletes’ resilience, perseverance, and diligence.
Moreover, Japanese sports are not simply competitive. They are often serene, urging competitors to self-reflect and search for deeper inner connections. Take Judo, for instance. Despite being a martial art, it eschews violence and poor conduct and embodies a philosophy of self-defense and striving for peace.
The 2018 World Cup featured a memorable match between Japan and Senegal. While both teams displayed excellent skills, one moment stood out. During a free kick awarded to Senegal in the Japanese half, the Japanese defense executed a synchronized move forward, resembling a straight line on a geometric board, setting an impressive offside trap that caught the Senegalese team off-guard. The key to the success of this movement was commitment, something that some young athletes overlook.
In several countries, numerous players are unaware of the true meaning of commitment, which can be attributed to various factors such as the player’s mindset and the influence of their environment.
The Ikigai principle is an effective method for setting priorities and is worth exploring. Ikigai is a Japanese concept composed of two elements: wiki, meaning ‘to life,’ and gai, signifying ‘purpose or ‘reason.’ Together, they form Ikigai, or ‘reason for being.’ Prioritization is crucial, as evidenced by people’s dedication to their responsibilities. Consider, for example, the numerous exceptional talents lost to inadequate planning.
The serenity and comfort derived from Japanese sports are remarkable, and when practiced well, the results are inspiring. For me, this prompts reflection on what all athletes could add to their repertoire to achieve a similar level of commitment—not only to their sport but also to their humanity.
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