Toku wo Tsumu: The Japanese Art of Accumulating Virtue
When travelers visit Japan, they are often struck by the pervasive sense of harmony, the cleanliness of the streets, and the extraordinary helpfulness of strangers. While many attribute this to strict social rules or politeness, there is a deeper spiritual concept at play: Toku wo Tsumu (徳を積む), or “accumulating virtue.”
As a travel and culture blogger who has spent years exploring the spiritual undercurrents of Japan, I have found that understanding this concept unlocks the true heart of Japanese hospitality. It is the belief that doing good—especially when no one is watching—is a form of spiritual investment that shapes one’s destiny.
Introduction: The Bank Account of the Soul
In Japanese, Toku (徳) means virtue or benevolence, and Tsumu (積む) means to pile up or accumulate. The phrase literally translates to “piling up virtue.” Imagine a spiritual bank account where every act of kindness, every moment of patience, and every selfless deed makes a deposit. Conversely, selfish or malicious acts serve as withdrawals.
The ultimate goal of accumulating virtue isn’t necessarily to receive immediate praise. In fact, the highest form of this practice is In-toku (陰徳), or “hidden virtue”—doing good deeds secretly without expecting recognition. It is believed that these hidden acts carry the most weight in the cosmos, influencing one’s luck (un) and fate.
Origins: A Syncretic Blend of Beliefs
The concept of Toku wo Tsumu is not derived from a single religion but is a beautiful tapestry woven from Shinto, Buddhism, and Confucianism.
From a Buddhist perspective, the concept is closely tied to Karma (cause and effect). However, unlike the sometimes fatalistic view of Karma, Toku emphasizes active participation. It suggests that you can change the trajectory of your life right now by performing positive actions.
Confucianism contributes the moral obligation to society and the importance of benevolence (Ren). It frames virtue not just as a spiritual act, but as a civic duty to maintain social harmony.
Shinto, Japan’s indigenous spirituality, adds the layer of purity. Accumulating virtue is seen as a way to cleanse oneself of Kegare (spiritual pollution/impurity). By acting virtuously, one aligns themselves with the Kami (gods) and the natural order of the universe.
Legend: The Story of Kasajizo
No story illustrates the accumulation of virtue better than the beloved folktale of Kasajizo (The Hats for the Jizo). It is a story told to children across Japan, often around New Year’s Eve.
The legend tells of an impoverished elderly couple who have no money to buy rice cakes for the New Year. The old man goes to town to sell straw hats but fails to sell a single one. On his way home, a heavy snowstorm begins. He passes six stone statues of Jizo (the guardian deity of travelers and children) standing exposed in the freezing snow.
Overcome with compassion, the old man brushes the snow off the statues and places his unsold straw hats on their heads to keep them warm. Being one hat short, he gives his own headscarf to the final statue. He returns home empty-handed but with a light heart, having performed an act of selfless kindness.
That night, the couple hears a heavy thud outside their door. When they open it, they find a mountain of food, rice cakes, and gold. Looking into the distance, they see the six Jizo statues walking away, dragging sleds of gifts. The old man’s Toku—accumulated through a selfless act of compassion despite his own poverty—was returned to him a thousandfold.
Modern Culture: From Baseball to Business
You might think these ancient beliefs have faded in the high-tech neon landscape of modern Tokyo, but Toku wo Tsumu remains a guiding principle in contemporary life.
A famous modern example is Shohei Ohtani, the superstar baseball player. In high school, Ohtani created a “Mandala Chart” to map out his goals. One of the central pillars of his success plan was “Luck” (Un). To improve his luck, he listed specific actions: cleaning the clubhouse, picking up trash, and being polite to referees. Ohtani views picking up trash not as a chore, but as “picking up luck” that others have dropped. This is Toku wo Tsumu in action.
This philosophy also explains why Japanese sports fans famously clean up stadiums after World Cup matches. They are not just being polite; they are collectively accumulating virtue for their team and their nation.
Traveler’s Tips: How to Accumulate Virtue in Japan
As a traveler, engaging with this philosophy can transform your trip from a sightseeing tour into a culturally immersive experience. Here is how you can practice Toku wo Tsumu:
- Practice In-toku (Hidden Virtue): If you see litter on a hiking trail or a temple ground, pick it up, even if it isn’t yours. Do it discreetly.
- Respect Public Spaces: Align your shoes neatly when entering a ryokan or temple hall. Keep your voice down on trains. These small acts contribute to the collective harmony.
- The Saisen Box: When visiting a shrine, toss a coin into the Saisen box. This isn’t a fee for a wish; it is an offering to show your gratitude and sincerity, a physical act of letting go of material attachment.
- Express Gratitude: Use the phrase “Arigato gozaimasu” (Thank you) liberally. Acknowledge the staff, bus drivers, and shopkeepers. Recognizing the labor of others is a form of accumulating virtue.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in the historical and spiritual foundations of virtue and the Kami, the following texts provide essential context:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): For an understanding of the Shinto worldview and the nature of the Kami.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Alongside the Kojiki, this text establishes the mythological lineage and moral structures of early Japan.
- The Dhammapada: While an Indian text, its teachings on Karma are foundational to the Japanese Buddhist understanding of virtue.
By walking the path of Toku, you leave Japan not just with souvenirs, but with a lighter spirit and a richer heart.