The traditional moral character of both Japanese society and Japanese individuals is built upon four key elements, which can best be compared to the Western concept of Virtues: On, Gimu, Giri and Ninjō. All four of these orbit and touch upon the Japanese concept of Honor, which combines elements of reputation, self-respect and personal moral/ethical code. Understanding these concepts can often help clarify the motivations and drives of Anime characters, and can sometimes explain the differences between what Westerners and the Japanese consider funny, tragic and/or dramatic.
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| - Pillars of Moral Character
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| - The traditional moral character of both Japanese society and Japanese individuals is built upon four key elements, which can best be compared to the Western concept of Virtues: On, Gimu, Giri and Ninjō. All four of these orbit and touch upon the Japanese concept of Honor, which combines elements of reputation, self-respect and personal moral/ethical code. Understanding these concepts can often help clarify the motivations and drives of Anime characters, and can sometimes explain the differences between what Westerners and the Japanese consider funny, tragic and/or dramatic.
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| abstract
| - The traditional moral character of both Japanese society and Japanese individuals is built upon four key elements, which can best be compared to the Western concept of Virtues: On, Gimu, Giri and Ninjō. All four of these orbit and touch upon the Japanese concept of Honor, which combines elements of reputation, self-respect and personal moral/ethical code. Understanding these concepts can often help clarify the motivations and drives of Anime characters, and can sometimes explain the differences between what Westerners and the Japanese consider funny, tragic and/or dramatic. On (恩) The best translation for this term would be "Reciprocity". On is a virtue that requires the individual to acknowledge and repay debts he owes, including debts of honor. A source of I Owe You My Life situations. Gimu (義務) Can be interpreted as "Piety". If one owes a debt (including a debt of honor) but cannot repay it, Gimu encourages the debtor to show allegience to the debt-holder in lieu of true payment. Giri (義理) "Duty". Much more complicated than the Western concept of duty, Giri requires the individual to execute and balance his obligations as the highest function of an honorable life. Ninjō (人情) Usually translated as "Compassion". Ninjō requires empathy with others, and recognizes that all people are one, beneath the surface differences that karma imposes. This has occasionally been commented on by authors surprised by their series' popularity outside native countries where these attitudes may not be universal. Manga author Rumiko Takahashi admitted surprise that her stories were so popular in the west, as non-Japanese people not indoctrinated with the idea of the Pillars of Moral Character wouldn't find them as funny. This is because the concepts of honor and face are more widespread than they seem. See I Gave My Word, for one thing. For those that reject or live without these pillars, see The Unfettered. Examples of Pillars of Moral Character include:
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