Japanese Culture's 2 Secrets

draft 2023/04/16
rev. 2023/04/16

Japanese Culture's 2 Secrets　

【MITATÉ】

One of the characteristics of Japanese culture is "mitaté".
In English, "mitaté" is similar to "analogy" or "metaphor", but it has a slightly different meaning.

For example, "mitaté" is a technique that links different things through "comparison" or "analogy", and is often used as a moral lesson.
On the other hand, "analogy" and "metaphor" are techniques that compare a situation or thing to something else, and are used to give a concrete image or to express emotions.

An example of an article using "mitaté" is "If you approach your work like a friend, your work will also go well.
" Here, by associating friends with work, it expresses the lesson that it is important to approach work seriously, like a friend.

On the other hand, an example of an article using "analogy" is "She is facing difficulties like a brave soldier storming into the enemy camp."
By expressing a person's behavior as a concrete image, the meaning and value of that behavior can be emphasized.

In addition, an example of an article using "metaphor" is "His anger is like a storm."
Here, by comparing anger to a storm, the intensity and power of anger can be indicated.

In the case of Japanese rakugo, a form of single-performer verbal entertainment, performers often use their folding fans as props to portray chopsticks, swords, and other items.

We can compare Al to a genius con artist. Both can effortlessly lie and weave a mixture of truth and falsehoods in their speech.

This is another example of "mitaté".

【MA】

Another important feature of Japanese culture is "ma".
"ma" is the void, space, timing, pause, etc.

The Japanese word "ma" has a subtle meaning. In stage plays, "ma" refers to the timing or pause between actors' lines or actions.
If their "ma" or timing is bad, they are said to be "daikon" in Japanese or “hammy” in English.

In Japanese calligraphy and painting, "ma" refers to the blank space on a piece of paper where nothing is written or drawn.

I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude and appreciation to AA,  CN, MK and MA for their invaluable contributions towards the completion of this article.

Their insightful perspectives and tireless efforts have made the writing process a truly collaborative and enriching experience.

Additionally, I would like to thank chatGPT for providing an exceptional platform for us to connect and share our ideas.

Without their support, this article would not have been possible.

Once again, thank you AA, CN, MK, MA and chatGPT for your remarkable assistance.