Transcript is “mottainai.” - Japanese Language and Culture

もったいない
Mottainai: Japanese Perspectives on nonwasteful Tendencies
Rose Alexandra Buchberg
Advisors: Dr. Shigeko Sekine, Dr.Yoshiko Saito-Abbott
Spring 2013
Outline
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Abstract
Significance of Study
Research Questions
Research Background
Research Method
Research Findings
Conclusion
Discussion
Bibliography
Acknowledgements
Abstract
The term “mottainai” has been present in the Japanese lexicon for
hundreds of years; it is best translated into English as “Don’t Waste.” While
studying abroad in Japan, I came to recognize how Japanese people live with a
sense of respect for life and nature and take care not to waste anything. I
noticed mottainai was used in many different situations, physical or noetic.
This capstone investigates the origins of the term “mottainai” and explores
how its meaning and application has changed over time. Through a survey of
100+ Japanese respondents, it examines how different generations make
decisions based on this idea of “not wasting.” The results show that generation
plays an important role in determining how “mottainai” is used: the post-war
generation pays more attention to not wasting physical things such as food, the
bubble generation feels the same but less strongly, and post-bubble generation
tends to save money and using chances in this era of economic decline.
Significance of Study
• When I was living in Japan I noticed that most Japanese people
have a sense of respect for life and nature.
• My Japanese friend introduced me to the term "mottainai," or
"don't waste" in English, I became interested in the way
“mottainai” influences the way Japanese people think.
• The idea of “mottainai” resonates in my own life.
• This will help me to better understand how Japanese people
interact with each other and the world around them.
Research Questions
1) In what situational context is the word “mottainai” used?
1) How can the idea of “mottainai” influence actions in
everyday life?
3) How is “mottainai” used by different generations?
Research Background Outline
• Etymology of “mottainai”
• Origin of the concept.
• Japanese lifestyle based on “mottainai”.
• Concept of “mottainai” in modern culture.
• Brief history of postwar, bubble and post-bubble
Etymology of “mottainai”
•
”This spirit has come from the worship of the 8 million ‘kami’s (gods) who
live in the forest.
•
‘Mottai’ is the substance existing in nature, and the Japanese people
traditionally worshiped the ‘mottai’ as the gift from the ‘kami’.”
(Iwatskuki, 2008)
• “The spirit of the Japanese people
prior to the entry of Buddhism can be
characterized as a mode of 'natural'
affirmation”
(Matsunaga, 1966)
Origin of The Concept of “Mottainai”
• ‘Nai’ means ‘none’, ‘not’ or ‘absence’.
•
The meaning of ‘mottainai’ became extended and simply
expressed ‘wasteful’.
• Modern Japanese usually say ‘mottainai’ when someone
consumes materials without any purpose, or throws away
materials that are still useful.”
(Iwatsuki, 2008)
Japanese Lifestyle Based on “Mottainai”
• Unique ecosystem that has been maintained through agriculture, forestry
and fisheries and other human activities. (spacealc, 2013)
• Satoyama zone is not found in any place outside Japan.
• [Satoyama is] the result of the general Japanese population, working
throughout its long history in harmonious co-existence with nature....
(Iwatsuki, 2008)
Japanese Lifestyle Based on “Mottainai”
cont’d
• Local governments require trash separation
– Different Categories of Trash/Recycling Cans
• cans
• pet bottles
• glass bottles
• paper products
• plastic
• clothes
• metal
• aerosol bottles
(City of Yokohama)
* Wash all containers, separate materials and
dispose on designated day
Concept of “Mottainai” in Modern Culture
• “My Chopsticks” Movement
- People bring their own chopsticks to restaurants to avoid
using disposable ones (Manger, 2009)
•Toy Hospital in Tokyo:
- Fixes favorite toys of children (Chiba, 2002)
Mottainai in Modern Culture Cont’d
“Mottainai Grandma”
• Book that teaches kids about not wasting supplies and food (NPR,
2007)
Mottainai Obake
• From a series of animated PSAs from the 80s the that taught children
about manners and not wasting food
“Mottainai” as a global word
Wangari Maathai (1940-2011)
•
•
•
•
Discovered the notion of “mottainai” when visiting Japan
Used it to promote sustainability in Africa
Maathai added "R”, "repair” to the three Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Started “Mottainai Campaign” after
2005 Kyoto Protocol, international
agreement linked to the UN
to promote Climate Change
Post-war, Bubble and Modern Times
• (1950s-70s) Immediately after the WWII, life was poor and food
scarce. During the 60s: color TV and A/C became commodities. (Hello
School)
• (1980s-90s) The Bubble Economy
was an era of extravagance and
conspicuous consumption.” e.g.
$500 cups of coffee and tens of
thousands of dollars spent at night
clubs (Johnston, 2009)
• (2000s) Post Bubble Japan: low birthrate, new graduates can’t
easily find work, and everyone is fixated on saving money. (Driscoll,
2007)
Research Method
• Study Participants (112 total)
• Japanese University Students：46
• Japanese Adults (non student) to age 35：45
• Japanese Adults (non student) age 35+：21
• Research Instrument
– Google Docs Online Survey
– Facebook, Line
Survey Results: Background 1
When did you first hear the word “mottainai”?
Kindergarten
71%
Elementary School
17%
Middle School
3%
High School
0%
10%
Other
0
20
40
60
80
100
• The idea of “mottainai” is usually taught in kindergarten or before
Survey Results: Background 2
When is the last time you heard the word “mottainai”?
Today
22%
3 days ago
35%
Within the last week
26%
1 week ago
15%
Other
2%
0
20
40
60
• People frequently hear the word “mottainai.”
80
100
Survey Results: Background 3
How many times a day do you say “mottainai”?
1%
1% 4%
29%
1-3 times
65%

10+
7 ~ 10
4~6
1~3
0
• More than 70% of Japanese people use “mottainai” daily
Research Question 1
• In what situational context is the word
mottainai used?
The following stories were used to give and gauge context
Research Question 1: Story 1
STORY 1: AKIRA KOBAYASHI (40 year old Japanese male)
• Went to Harvard for Study Abroad
• Became fluent and won award
• Went back to Japan, graduated and moved to rural, northern
Japan to become Elderly Aid
• Forgot English
Survey Results Story 1a
It is “mottainai” for Akira to have studied so hard and
forgotten everything.
Strongly Agree
57%
Agree
21%
Neutral
16%
Disagree
5%
Strongly Disagree
1%
0
20
40
60
80
100
• More than 78% of Japanese people thought it was “mottainai”.
Survey Results Story 1b
Akira is happy with his life even though he doesn’t use his
Harvard experience. The time spent at Harvard is “mottainai.”
Strongly Agree
3%
Agree
4%
Neutral
9%
Disagree
21%
Strongly Disagree
63%
0
20
40
60
80
100
• 83% don’t think Akira’s experience is “mottainai” because he is
happy.
Research Question 1: Story 2
STORY 2: Junya and Noriko
• 26 year old Junya is a wealthy, badly dressed and greasy-haired
salary man with a nice personality
•23 year old Noriko is a kind and cute woman who is seen, by
Junya, helping a lost child in Ueno Park
•Junya feels compelled to ask Noriko on a date
•Noriko rejects Junya’s advance.
Survey Results Story 2a
Junya is wealthy, so Noriko turning him down is “mottainai.”
Strongly Agree
7%
Agree
15%
Neutral
21%
Disagree
24%
Strongly Disagree
32%
0
20
40
60
80
100
• More than half believe Noriko shouldn’t date Junya just because
he is wealthy.
Survey Results Story 2b
Beautiful Noriko has a great personality. Noriko being single
is “mottainai.”
Strongly Agree
15%
Agree
26%
Neutral
28%
Disagree
20%
Strongly Disagree
12%
0
20
40
60
80
• More people believe that Noriko’s single status is “mottainai” than those
who do not.
100
Research Question 1: Story 3
STORY 3: The shrine in Shinjuku
•There is a small shrine in a tiny park in Shinjuku, Tokyo
•It is not old nor famous, but it is very beautiful
•The city government wants to demolish the shrine and
build a parking lot
•The neighborhood residents protest the city’s action
Survey Results Story 3a
Although it holds no fame, tearing down something
beautiful is “mottainai.”
Strongly Agree
50%
Agree
37%
Neutral
9%
Disagree
2%
Strongly Disagree
2%
0
20
40
60
80
100
• 87% believe it is “mottainai” to destroy something beautiful.
Survey Results Story 3b
Spending so much time to save such a small thing is
“mottainai.”
Strongly Agree
8%
Agree
5%
Neutral
22%
Disagree
34%
30%
Strongly Disagree
0
20
40
60
80
100
• 64% believe it is not waste of time to save the beautiful shrine.
Summary of Findings 1
• Working hard for knowledge and losing it is “mottainai”
• If the result is personal happiness, prior experience is not
“mottainai”
• Money isn’t everything
• Looks (impressions) matter
• Spending time to preserve beauty is not “mottainai”
Research Question 2
• How can the idea of “mottainai” influence
actions in everyday life?
Survey Results 2a
Physical Matter
I consider “mottainai” when…
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
86%
86%
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
7%
7%
Throwing Away Usable
Object
6%
8%
Leftovers
• 86% of people believe physically wasting items such as usable
objects or food is “mottainai.”
Survey Results 2b
Money (Necessary Items)
I consider “mottainai” when…
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
56%
53%
Agree
Neutral
23%
26%
24%
Grocery Shopping
Disagree
18%
Clothes Shopping
• Over 50% consider “mottainai” when spending money on
necessities like food or clothes.
Survey Results 2c
“Mottainai” in terms of Luxury
I consider “mottainai” when…
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
65%
46%
45%
Neutral
35%
27% 28%
16%
20%
Taxi (Money)
21%
Taxi (Time)
Agree
Disagree
Leisure Travel
• Spending money on a taxi is a waste
•Taking a taxi to save time garners neutral feeling
•However, spending money or time on travel is not “mottainai”.
Survey Result 2d
Noetic Matters
I consider “mottainai” when…
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
88%
67%
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
18%
15%
6%
Don't do your best
5%
Miss a chance
• Respondents overwhelmingly said it was “mottainai” to not
do one’s best or miss a chance
Summary Of Question 2 Findings
• Japanese take care not needlessly throw away objects.
• Even everyday things hold an afterthought.
• Money holds importance and each expenditure is taken into
consideration, except leisure travel
• Time is of greater or equal value to money
• Doing one’s best and utilizing opportunities is important
• Wasting one’s talents or a chance is shameful
Survey Results: Research Question 3
• How is mottainai used by different
generations?
Survey Results 3a
Shopping: Who is likely to utter "mottainai”?
100
80
64%
52%
60
Parents
Grandparents
40
20
Siblings
23%
17%
6% 6%
13%
19%
Friends
0
Grocery Shopping
Clothes Shopping
• Parents are likely to utter “mottainai” when shopping
Survey Results 3b
Objects: Who is likely to utter "mottainai”?
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
54%
46%
Parents
Grandparents
35%
29%
Siblings
20%
5%
Throw away usable
object
3%
9%
Friends
Leftovers
• Parents and grandparents are likely to utter “mottainai” when there
are leftovers or a still usable object is thrown away
Survey Results 3c
Noetic: Who is likely to utter "mottainai”?
100
90
80
70
60
49%
50
40
30
20
46%
42%
39%
36%
Parents
Grandparents
30%
Siblings
16% 18%
10
Friends
5% 6%
5% 6%
Not doing your best
Losing a chance
0
Leisure Travel
• Parents and friends are likely to utter “mottainai” when
indulging in luxury or not taking advantage of opportunities
Survey Results 3d
Top 3 “Mottainais”
1
Students
Non-students
to 35 yrs
Non-students
35+ yrs
Taxi ($)
Throwing
away usable
object
Throwing
away usable
item
Missing a
chance
Missing a
chance/
Leftovers
Not doing
your best/
Leftovers
Taxi ($)/ Not
doing your
best
2
3
Missing a
chance
Throwing
away usable
object/
Leftovers
* All generations chose same top 3
Summary of Findings 3
• Who is most likely to say “mottainai” when dealing with money,
things and noetic situations?
* Grandparents: Things
* Parents: Money, Things, Noetic
* Friends: Money, Noetic
• What does each generation hold important?
* Postwar: Not wasting things
* Bubble: Not wasting things
* Post- Bubble: Not wasting money
• There is no real difference among the generations when it comes to
the top 3 among 10 different situational context that Japanese
people identify as “mottainai”.
Conclusion
• “Mottainai” can be used in different contextual situations e.g. love, looks and
personal achievement, but mostly used for throwing away usable objects,
missing an opportunity and having leftovers
• Each object, no matter how mundane, holds importance and should not be
carelessly wasted.
• When living life, Japanese people think about how to take every opportunity
and use knowledge to the fullest extent.
• However, happiness is ultimately the most important, so every experience
leading up to it is valuable (not “mottainai”) regardless of direct effect
• When all the data is analyzed, each generation pays attention to different
aspects of the concept:
* Postwar: Physical
* Bubble: Physical and Noetic (but weaker)
* Post- Bubble: Noetic
Discussion
Limitations
- Unequal number of respondents per generation
- Mostly polled people who currently live in Tokyo
Future Study
- Compare prefectural differences
- Discuss foreign influences (e.g. half Japanese; those who live(d)
abroad)
- Compare with western countries
My Definition of “mottainai”
- Appreciate yourself and everything you interact with
- Don’t take for granted opportunities in life and love, and don’t
take for granted beauty and simplicity in nature and the world
Bibliography
Anonymous (2005) Environmental white papers highlight 'mottainai' spirit. Mainichi Daily News, 1.
Anonymous. (2008) Japan urges un to abide by principles of 'mottainai'. Mainichi Daily News, 1.
Anonymous, . (2010). Innovation and the environment. OECD Observer, 55.
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Chiba, H. (2002). “Restyling Japan: Revival of Mottainai Spirit”. Look Japan
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Museum of Nature and Human Activities, Hyogo,Japan. http://202.26.230.10/research_collections/no19pdf/19-1.pdf
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Japanese Way. Time International, 171(16), 47.
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The Land of Natural Affirmation. Pre-Buddhist Japan. Monumenta Nipponica , Vol. 21, No. 1/2 (1966), pp. 203-209 Published by: Sophia UniversityArticle Stable
URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2383411
Newcomb, A. (2008). Japan as ground zero for no-waste lifestyle.The Christian Science Monitor, 1.
Pallay, J. (2008). Out to launch: Want not, waste not. DNR, 38(22), 18.
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http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/ek20090408a1.html
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Acknowledgments
• Dr. Shigeko Sekine and Dr. Yoshiko Saito-Abbott, for the teaching me
Japanese and guiding me during this capstone ordeal
• Masaki Iwai, for everything.
• Kanako Kato, for always supporting me and helping to distribute my
survey in Japan.
• My friends at Rocks in Tokyo, for letting me use their names in my
stories and encouraging my Japan studies.
• My parents, for supporting me when I came out as a Japanese major.
みなさん、おつかれっす！