"Let's Try to Live Again Tomorrow": Beyond Self-Responsibility

Title: The Spell of "Individualism" and the Heart of Mutual Aid

Hello. 

In recent years, I feel that I have been hearing the word "individualism" echoing around us more and more frequently.

However, it seems to me that very few people truly understand the real meaning of this word. As those who read this blog probably know, I am primarily involved in the protection and maintenance of a Shinto shrine and a Buddhist temple.

Since I cannot make a living solely by protecting the shrine and temple, I also work as a delivery driver.

The maintenance of shrines and temples can be broadly divided into three categories—you could also call them the "three pillars." The first is the maintenance of worship facilities, such as the Omiya (Inner Sanctuary) and the main hall. The second is the care for the shrine parishioners (Ujiko), temple supporters (Danka), and general visitors. And the third is the preservation of the shrine and temple as a whole.

It is not a matter of which comes first or which is the most important. The priority shifts depending on the time, the place, and the situation. In other words, the protection of a shrine or temple is supported by these three pillars.

And in carrying out this protection, what I pay the most attention to is helping visitors feel a sense of: "Let me try to live another day tomorrow."

Some reading this might think that saying "try to live" sounds rather exaggerated. If I weren't in the position of protecting these sacred spaces, I would probably feel the exact same way.

However, many people visit shrines and temples because they are exhausted by life and find living to be a painful burden. I carry out my duties with the hope that when such people visit, they can feel, even just a little bit, that "I want to try living again tomorrow." While some find energy through the smallest, trivial things, it is heartbreaking to say that there are also those who have lost their lives.

Recently, in particular, the word "individualism" has come to be used casually everywhere. Indeed, the word might seem appealing.

But I sense a very strong, almost magical spell in this word "individualism." The roots of individualism in the world are based on the philosophy of natural rights and the theory of inherent human rights.

This is the idea that every person, no matter who they are, is born with invisible human rights, and that these rights are not something granted by the rulers of the time. Naturally, this forms the very core of the Constitution of Japan as well. This is what we call the "respect for the individual."

But is the "individualism" we utter in our daily lives being used with that same meaning as "respect for the individual"? I cannot help but feel that it is not.

To me, it appears we are confusing "individualism" with "respect for the individual."

Japan, where we live, is a country with a very long history. However, in our long ethnic history, there has never been an era centered on "individualism" or "self-responsibility" (personal accountability). I truly feel that if such an era had ever existed in our past, the Japanese people would have perished.

When individualism goes too far, we begin to use that terrifying phrase "self-responsibility" casually, without feeling any contradiction or aversion. Isn't that exactly the kind of world we are living in now?

We must relearn that the concept of pure "self-responsibility" does not truly exist. If we continue down this path, we are merely waiting to perish. Tomorrow, it could be any of us. No one can say they are absolutely safe anymore.

The numerous problems Japan faces today are all left in a half-baked state. What would happen if we applied individualism and the theory of self-responsibility to each and every one of these issues? Just thinking about it makes me sick.

So, how can we overcome this?

I believe that we can only overcome it through "mutual aid" (Sogo Fujo)—the original, true spirit of the Japanese people.

To live is to be supported, and to support. Let us melt the cold ice of "self-responsibility" With the warm, gentle fire of mutual aid. 

Let us try to live again tomorrow, together.

Gassho (With palms joined in prayer)

Asahi Hanasaki 

From this land of prayer, I, Asahi Hanasaki, am introducing the "Harmony of Wa" to the whole world. 

I am a delivery driver in Japan who also helps protect and maintain a traditional Shinto shrine and Buddhist temple. Balancing these two worlds gives me a unique perspective on modern society. Through my writing, I aim to share the warmth of mutual aid and help readers find the courage to live another day.