The Shokunin Spirit Of Japan
The word Shokunin is defined in both Japanese and Japanese-American dictionaries as "artisan or craftsman."
This only scratches the surface.
There is a deeper meaning that implies a total immersion in one's work; an unsurpassed dedication to excellence.
According to Taslo Odate, shokunin means "not only having technical skills, but also implies an attitude and social consciousness...the shokunin has a social obligation to work his/her best for the general welfare of the people. This obligation is both spiritual and material, in that no matter what it is, the shokunin's responsibility is to fulfill the requirement."
Shokunin is a way of life, and a total commitment to one's art, for at the level of a shokunin, we are surely speaking of art.
"Jiro Dreams Of Sushi" is the story of the first 3 Michelin Star sushi chef, 85 -year-old Jiro Ono, who runs a small sushi restaurant in a subway station in Tokyo.
Ono is widely considered to be the world's best sushi chef.
Sushi lovers from around the world travel to his 10 seat restaurant and pay a lot of money to eat his meticulously prepared sushi.
The movie is highly recommended as an inspirational masterpiece.
If you can achieve this kind of dedication, you will succeed in your business.
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This approach is very spiritual in the sense that one puts everything into the immediate task at hand...I have a Hindu friend who reminded me one day as I was complaining about washing dishes that if I approached that task as if it were a tribute God,I would find more happiness in the process and in the results...this reminded me of his admonition...thank you, Cos...
Press On!
Arthur
I'm not a big sushi fan either, Irv, but I have tried it. Haven't found my go-to sushi yet!
When I lived in Japan, I was fortunate enough to live near a Japanese shop that made the traditional mortised joint wood beams. Here's video showing the complexity of their craft:
http://www.core77.com/posts/28140/japanese-master-craftsmen-dry-fitting-huge-insanely-complicated-wood-joints-28140
Wow! What craftsmen, Glen. Wish I were that good with wood. My Dad always said, measure twice, cut once, and that's what I do, but I'm not as precise as those guys!
Seems like you've just presented the connotation in addition to denotation of what "shokunin" means, which is working for the general welfare of others and thus providing the best service or products as one can provide for benefit of customers/clients. Multi-ethnic or universal concept really and important for entrepreneurs.
Yes Rick, love the sushi, love the spirit, love the culture, love the dedication, you have just make me miss Japan so much. :)
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Hellow Rick,
As for me,achieving some success in the online bussiness will satisfy me,so I'll let this worthy but extreem way of selfimprovement to the Japanese.Regards