{"id":26116,"date":"2020-03-27T13:52:35","date_gmt":"2020-03-27T13:52:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/?p=26116"},"modified":"2020-04-30T15:15:31","modified_gmt":"2020-04-30T14:15:31","slug":"kizuna-modern-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2020\/03\/27\/kizuna-modern-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"What does the ancient concept of &#8216;kizuna&#8217; look like in modern Japan?"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F26116&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F26116\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F26116&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F26116&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F26116%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F26116\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F26116\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Japanese concept of\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kizuna<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0roughly translates to \u2018the bond that connects us\u2019, referring to a deep, innate empathy we all share. The concept is ancient, while it\u2019s widespread use is relatively new. In Japan in 2020, what exactly does\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kizuna<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0look like?<\/span><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To understand the present, look to the past\u2026<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The word itself (<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u7d46<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">) has been around since at least the year 938CE, when it first appeared in the\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Wamy\u014d\u00a0Ruijush\u014d<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, an early Japanese dictionary. Originally it simply meant physical bonds, or fetters (the suffix &#8211;<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">zuna<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0comes from\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wiktionary.org\/wiki\/%E7%B6%B1#Japanese\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u7db1<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">tsuna<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">, which<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0means rope). At this stage it had negative connotations: to be shackled.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It wasn\u2019t until the twelfth century that the word was used to refer positively to bonds between humans<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">in the epic novel\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Heike\u00a0<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Honogatari<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">(The Tale of the Heike), which is often compared to Homer\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Iliad<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in terms of cultural impact.\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kizuna<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is used in the text as a metaphor for the loving relationship between parents and their children.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">After this, the use of\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kizuna<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in reference to human relationships grew broader, to the point where it reached its modern meaning: mutual support and trust between people, irrespective of background. This use was epitomised in 2011, when\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kizuna<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0was named \u2018kanji of the year\u2019 following the 2011 earthquake and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2020\/03\/09\/fukushima-interview\/\">Fukushima disaster<\/a>. Then-president Naoto Kan made a speech to the nation at the time, evoking the ancient concept and praising both Japan and the international community for their response to the crisis.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">So: what does\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kizuna<\/span><\/i><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0look like in modern Japan?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Much of Japan\u2019s culture revolves around a need to be polite, to share, and to get along. In a landscape where 80% of the land is mountainous, people had to figure out early on how to share the 20% that was liveable. In a working culture where people often stay with one company for their whole lives, it\u2019s crucial you empathise with your colleagues. In an education system where almost every evening of the week is occupied with\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">bukatsu<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u2013 after school team activities \u2013 children learn how to cooperate and work together.\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kizuna<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a little used phrase in daily vernacular, but its effects are everywhere you look.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-26143\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35301230_10155704081648723_585611416350752768_o.jpg\" alt=\"kizuna\" width=\"2040\" height=\"1530\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35301230_10155704081648723_585611416350752768_o.jpg 2040w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35301230_10155704081648723_585611416350752768_o-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35301230_10155704081648723_585611416350752768_o-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35301230_10155704081648723_585611416350752768_o-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35301230_10155704081648723_585611416350752768_o-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35301230_10155704081648723_585611416350752768_o-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35301230_10155704081648723_585611416350752768_o-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35301230_10155704081648723_585611416350752768_o-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35301230_10155704081648723_585611416350752768_o-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35301230_10155704081648723_585611416350752768_o-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35301230_10155704081648723_585611416350752768_o-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35301230_10155704081648723_585611416350752768_o-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35301230_10155704081648723_585611416350752768_o-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2040px) 100vw, 2040px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">B<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">uilding relationships in Japan revolves around agreement, and careful, considered conversation; even if somebody disagrees with a statement, they\u2019ll nod along politely.<\/span> \u00a0Drinking and bonding after work with colleagues is very common, yet whether in the office or the <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">izakaya<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (a cosy Japanese bar), certain topics are avoided: politics, sex, religion \u2013 anything that might cause disagreement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A blurred line: service or relationship?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This can be confusing for foreigners. New acquaintances will often be extremely forthcoming with\u00a0praise, and\u00a0will go well out of their way to make you comfortable and happy. Many Japanese people in business put a lot of thought into meeting new clients, to the point of researching their likes and dislikes, favourite places to eat, and certain topics to avoid. For many westerners &#8211; coming from countries where nothing is free &#8211; there comes a point when we can\u2019t help but ask ourselves: is this a budding relationship, or part of the service?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The answer: why not both<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Relationships and business work differently<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in Japan<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and empathetic actions within the workplace toe the line between true\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kizuna<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and professionalism. For example, employees returning from a holiday will bring omiyage, a gift, for the office (usually food). This gift could either be interpreted as a thoughtful gesture, or as a micro-apology to allay the guilt of swanning off on your jollies and leaving your colleagues behind. Similarly, on Valentine<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2019<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Day, people will often send treats to the whole office as well as their crush, so as not to leave anybody out.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">At the same time, companies such as Toyota will remain loyal to their supplies for years, even if cheaper alternatives emerge. And, after the 2011 earthquake, rival companies aided one another in rebuilding and repairing.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">T<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">he line between good service and friendships\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">often blurred<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0&#8211;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">nd ultimately, if the outcome is a positive atmosphere and bountiful relationships,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">does it even matter<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-26140\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35265122_10155704085348723_4141078102388244480_o.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2040\" height=\"1530\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35265122_10155704085348723_4141078102388244480_o.jpg 2040w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35265122_10155704085348723_4141078102388244480_o-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35265122_10155704085348723_4141078102388244480_o-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35265122_10155704085348723_4141078102388244480_o-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35265122_10155704085348723_4141078102388244480_o-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35265122_10155704085348723_4141078102388244480_o-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35265122_10155704085348723_4141078102388244480_o-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35265122_10155704085348723_4141078102388244480_o-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35265122_10155704085348723_4141078102388244480_o-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35265122_10155704085348723_4141078102388244480_o-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35265122_10155704085348723_4141078102388244480_o-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35265122_10155704085348723_4141078102388244480_o-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/35265122_10155704085348723_4141078102388244480_o-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2040px) 100vw, 2040px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kindness in the street<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Step outside of the office, and you\u2019ll find the same thing: people are prepared to go miles out of their way to help one another \u2013 often quite literally. Many\u00a0InsideJapan\u00a0clients have told us tales of how they\u2019ve been disorientated in a busy train station, only to have a local person amble over, take them under their wing and guide them happily to the correct platform. Nothing is ever expected in return, which can feel jarring at first (and makes you feel a little bit guilty for feeling suspicious initially!)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">I myself experienced this in Japan while attempting to hitchhike from Kobe to Hiroshima in 2018. Standing outside a motorway service station with a cardboard sign scrawled with Google-translated kanji (which I hoped desperately did indeed say \u2018Hiroshima\u2019), I was picked up by an old man. He drove me\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">fifty\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">miles, bought me lunch, and paid for our tickets to explore Himeji Castle. After, he took me to a train station and bought me a ticket for the bullet train the rest of the way to my destination. I\u2019ve never known generosity like it. Where else but Japan?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Is technology changing\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kizuna<\/span><\/i><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in Japan?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A quick Google image search of the word \u2018kizuna\u2019 will gift you with this pointy chinned young lady:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-26134 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/19041210440873-1.jpg\" alt=\"kizuna ai\" width=\"1035\" height=\"987\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/19041210440873-1.jpg 1035w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/19041210440873-1-300x286.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/19041210440873-1-1024x977.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/19041210440873-1-768x732.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/19041210440873-1-564x538.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/19041210440873-1-900x858.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/19041210440873-1-720x687.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/19041210440873-1-390x372.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/19041210440873-1-780x744.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/19041210440873-1-510x486.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1035px) 100vw, 1035px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This is\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kizuna<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0AI; a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Youtube<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0star who has amassed a following of 2.7\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">million\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">followers. As you will have (hopefully) surmised by now, she\u2019s not real.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kizuna<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0AI is a CGI character, scripted, voiced and animated by a team of unknown people. Every hour of every day, people watch her videos \u2013 they watch her sing and dance, play games, and as far as I can tell, vaguely potter around looking quirky.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">People sitting at laptops watching a CGI character\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">play video games<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: isn\u2019t that the\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">polar opposite<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0of\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kizuna<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">? Not necessarily. Fans of the animated starlet bond over their shared\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">enjoyment, and<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0work together to translate the originally Japanese videos into other languages. It\u2019s creating connections alright \u2013 just not ones we\u2019re used to.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bullet trains,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">datings<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0apps, the booming arcades of Akihabara: it can be easy to write off such technological advances as \u2018losing something\u2019. However, arcades are a fun place for friends to blow off steam; dating apps streamline what can be a difficult search for romance; bullet trains whisk friends and relatives across the country to be united with loves ones. What feels fairer is to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">simply\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">call\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">it<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u2018change\u2019.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Asking the locals<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Of course, change is always subjective. In order to properly gauge what\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kizuna<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">means today, we decided to leave the final word with some of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">our\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">travel\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">partners<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in Japan.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cIn our rural community, throughout the year there are community activities &#8211; weeding and cleaning duty, parties and get-togethers &#8211; and we are proactive at participating in these. We also do lots of exchanges of goods, receiving fresh fish and veggies from our neighbours and offering them something in return. We love how we can make exchanges with our neighbours without cash.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8211; Nicolas and Sayaka,\u00a0Furumaya\u00a0House Farm Stay<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:3,&quot;335551620&quot;:3,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cSome say that there was no word for \u2018love\u2019 in Japan before they modernized the country and imported the word. Before then, they simply used\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kizuna<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. In my view, it works as a kind of long-term asset, nurtured from peoples\u2019 relationships since before we were born. It\u2019s been there as a social asset through generations, making the present community safe and peaceful.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8211;<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0S<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">hingo\u00a0Matsuba,\u00a0<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hidaiiyo<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:3,&quot;335551620&quot;:3,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201c<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kizuna<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in Japan makes a very strong team, both for collaboration and to face challenges. In Japan there have been many natural disasters that break our cities and our hearts, and every time there is a need to rebuild together. For this reason, for us Japanese,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">kizuna<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is a very important thing.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8211; Sho Hirano,\u00a0Satoyama\u00a0Experience<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:3,&quot;335551620&quot;:3,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201c<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kizuna<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0is a core of Japanese culture based on harmony and we treasure it, not only with our guests but with every ingredient of our cooking. We live in a farmhouse in a small village and many mornings, our neighbours leave fresh veggies for us quietly outside. When we have much snow, we clear the pathways on behalf of the elderly. The elders teach traditional music and dance to village children, and we celebrate the harvest festival together.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8211; Moe and Chikako, Cooking Studio Kanazawa Salon<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:3,&quot;335551620&quot;:3,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>Special thanks to our travel consultant Babur Moghul for his fantastic insight for this article!<\/em><\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? 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Help us by sharing it! The Japanese concept of\u00a0kizuna\u00a0roughly translates to \u2018the bond that connects us\u2019, referring to a deep, innate empathy we all share. The concept is ancient, while it\u2019s widespread use is relatively new. In Japan in 2020, what exactly does\u00a0kizuna\u00a0look like? Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":171,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1,2367],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-26116","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","category-japanese-culture-and-history"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26116","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/171"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26116"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26116\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26539,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26116\/revisions\/26539"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26116"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26116"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26116"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}