Contribution to Peace: The Japanese Spirit of Wa and Myth
When travelers think of Japanese history, images of samurai and feudal warfare often dominate the imagination. However, beneath the armor and the castles lies a far more enduring cultural pillar: the profound dedication to harmony and the “Contribution to Peace.” In Japanese, this concept is deeply intertwined with Wa (harmony), a value that has shaped the nation from its mythological genesis to its modern constitution. Understanding this spirit offers a unique lens through which to view Japan, transforming a simple vacation into a journey through the evolution of pacifism and societal balance.
Origins: The Roots of Harmony
The concept of contributing to peace in Japan is not merely a modern political stance; it is the bedrock of Japanese civilization. Historically, this can be traced back to the very structure of ancient agrarian society. Rice cultivation, the staple of early Japan, required intensive communal labor and sophisticated irrigation management. Conflict disrupted the harvest, meaning that cooperation and conflict avoidance were strictly necessary for survival.
This social necessity was codified early in Japanese history. One of the most significant historical milestones is the Seventeen-Article Constitution promulgated by Prince Shotoku in 604 AD. The very first article famously states, “Harmony is to be valued, and an avoidance of wanton opposition is to be honored.” This established the contribution to peace not just as a nice ideal, but as a moral duty for the administration and the people. It set a precedent that despite periods of civil war, the ultimate goal of governance was the restoration of stability and Taihei (Great Peace).
Legend: The Great Transfer of the Land
To understand the spiritual dimension of the “Contribution to Peace,” one must look to Japan’s oldest chronicles, the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki. The most poignant myth regarding peace is the Kuniyuzuri, or the “Transfer of the Land.”
According to the legend, the earthly realm (Japan) was originally ruled by Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, a powerful deity associated with agriculture, medicine, and nation-building. The heavenly deities, led by the Sun Goddess Amaterasu, decided that her descendants should rule the land to bring order. Instead of launching a war of annihilation to conquer the land, the heavenly deities sent envoys to negotiate.
While there were displays of strength, the resolution was ultimately diplomatic. Okuninushi agreed to cede his control over the physical world to Amaterasu’s descendants (the Imperial line) on the condition that a magnificent shrine be built for him where he could rule over the spiritual and unseen world. This shrine is the famous Izumo Taisha.
This myth is significant because it frames the foundation of the nation not purely on bloodshed, but on a “peaceful contribution”—a great sacrifice of power by an earthly god to ensure the stability and prosperity of the land under heavenly order. Okuninushi is thus revered not as a defeated foe, but as a benevolent deity who contributed to the peace of the nation by stepping aside.
Modern Culture: From Article 9 to Omotenashi
In contemporary Japan, the “Contribution to Peace” has taken on a global significance. Following the devastation of World War II, Japan adopted a new identity centered on pacifism. This is legally enshrined in Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, in which the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation. This unique legal framework has turned Japan into a distinct contributor to global peace through non-military aid, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.
Culturally, this spirit manifests in the daily life of the Japanese people through Omotenashi (hospitality) and the concept of Meiwaku (causing trouble for others). Japanese society functions smoothly because individuals constantly contribute to the “peace” of the immediate environment—lowering voices on trains, queuing orderly, and respecting shared spaces. It is a collective effort to maintain social equilibrium, echoing Prince Shotoku’s ancient call for harmony.
Traveler’s Tips: Experiencing the Peace
For visitors looking to connect with this aspect of Japanese culture, there are specific destinations and behaviors to keep in mind:
Where to Visit
- Izumo Taisha (Shimane Prefecture): Visit the grand shrine of Okuninushi. Reflect on the legend of the Land Transfer and the deity who chose compromise over destruction.
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Nagasaki Peace Park: These sites are somber but essential. They are dedicated not to assigning blame, but to the future of peace and the elimination of nuclear weapons.
- Horyu-ji Temple (Nara): Walk the grounds associated with Prince Shotoku, the architect of Japanese harmony.
Cultural Etiquette
To participate in the local “peace,” travelers should mimic the local volume. Keep conversations quiet on public transport. When handing over money or cards, use two hands or place them on the tray provided—a small gesture of respect that reduces friction and contributes to a harmonious interaction.
Sources & Further Reading
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): For the full mythology of Okuninushi and the Transfer of the Land.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Provides historical context and alternative versions of the creation myths.
- The Seventeen-Article Constitution (604 AD): For the historical origins of Wa (Harmony) in governance.