Mr. Kato has released the following interesting comparison between Jomondo and Bushido in his article Jomondo news letter no 49. The followings are its summary incorporating my own interpretation of the theme.

Do:  the pass way, which human beings and the universe ,as a whole, have been followed and maintained.

Jomondo: the value which ancient Japanese ancestors developed from  about  16,500 BC  to  2,660 BC , namely about 14,000  years

Bushido: ,in a narrow sense, the Samurai ethical code and code of conducts, also comprehensively implies the value which Japanese also have been developed for over the past 2600 years.

 

This article would like to demonstrate the similarity and uniqueness of both Jomondo and Bushido in the following points.

 

1 Similarity

Both values are similar in the sense that

  • we Japanese have developed,
  • have influenced our identities,
  • will provide us with some guidance for us to better fit ourselves with uncertain and unpredictable society

2 Differences

Each of them are unique in the following points

  • its history
  • historical stage and background, as well as its position against Yamato(Japan) and universal aspect (World)
  • the contribution to develop Japan’s society.

 

 

 

Let me explain more on the similarity and differences between Jomodo and Bushido. 　How those two Values are different ?

1)　History:

 

Jomondo: 14000 years of history Before Jinmu emperor

Bushido:  2600 years of history After Jinmu emperor

 

 

2 ) Fundamental value

Jomondo: Integration to the nature/ universe, peace oriented, motherhood worship, equality in wealth distribution, on the basis of Japanese ethical system.

 

Bushido:  Harmony and co-existence, mutual prosperity, designated female’s social class

 

3)Position against Yamato (Ancient domain name of Japan)

Jomondo: a sort of craftmanship, unique and fundamental aesthetic value

Bushido:  martial arts (Jyudo, Kendo(fencing), Karate, Aikido, Kyudo(archery), deep compassion ) , other Japanese traditional arts ( tea ceremony, flower arrangement, incense, ceremonial disciplines, dignified attitudes)

 

4)How are they associated with the current Japan and its people?

Jomondo: the origin of the soul of Japan

Bushido: Japanese spiritual core, from which Japanese ethical values have developed

 

5) Future prospects

Jomondo: a sort of reference by which we can develop our own theories and approaches with nature as well as the environment. A sort of benchmark, that indicated us how to deal with SDGs/ ESGs issues in our lives.

Bushido:  a sort of therapy or new tool by which Japanese can encourage our mental maturity  or to be enlightened with philosophical approaches in our VULCA world.

In conclusion, both Jomondo and Bushido have established on long lasting historical streams and have a lot of fundamental values to be shared.  Those two concepts allow non-Japanese to have a good flavor of Japanese philosophy, which may indirectly facilitates for them to promote their business in Japan or with Japanese. On the other hand, such analysis and comparison of those two aspects  enables us Japanese to re-discover our identity and the sense of unity for us to survive future unforeseeable era.

 

Further queries or doubts, please email to ytomizuka@abrilsjp.com

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