AI Engineer/Japanese Language Educator
2/26/2026
"Why do such irrational things pass in Japan?"
Standing at the podium of a Japanese language school, I am often asked this earnest question by students in advanced classes. They try to fight against the inefficiency of Japanese government offices and the opaque decision-making processes of companies with their weapon of "logic." However, that sword is often blocked by the soft, cotton-like wall of Japanese society, leaving them deeply hurt.
One of the Japanese phrases that many foreign nationals dislike is "Shikata-ga-nai" (it can't be helped). Many perceive this as "passive resignation" or "suspension of thought." However, having observed cross-cultural friction as a Japanese language teacher for over 10 years, I have a slightly different perspective.
Actually, "Shikata-ga-nai" is an extremely active "adaptation strategy" polished to survive in the unique environment of Japan. In this article, I will delve into the Japanese spirituality behind "Shikata-ga-nai" and explain "resignation as wisdom" so that you can live as your authentic self without burning out in Japan.
When something is decided in Japanese society, a dynamic different from Western "logical correctness" is at work. That is the spirit of "Wa" (harmony).
In many cultural spheres, individual rights and logic are prioritized. However, in Japan, not destroying the "atmosphere" (Kuuki) of the place becomes the highest priority social cost.
For example, imagine a crowded train in the morning.
[Scene on a crowded train]
Someone's bag hits you and it hurts.
However, no one complains; everyone just endures it.
There is a tacit agreement: "If I raise my voice here, I will destroy the silence (Wa) of the entire carriage. Shikata-ga-nai."
You could call this "endurance" (Gaman), but essentially, it is a high-level social skill of "letting individual discomfort slide for the greater purpose of maintaining the overall operation."
In Japanese organizations, when a clearly wrong decision is made, it is rare to strictly pursue an individual. This is to avoid crushing that person's face by pinning responsibility on someone specific, which would make repairing relationships within the organization impossible.
Let's look at the comparison table below. You can see how poor the cost-performance is when fighting with "logic" as a shield in Japan.
| Item | Western Style: Logical Solution | Japanese Style: Strategic Acceptance (Shikata-ga-nai) |
|---|---|---|
| Priority | Individual rights and sound arguments | Overall harmony and relationships |
| Reaction to Absurdity | Pursue the cause and demand improvement | Let it slide as "force majeure" |
| Speed of Resolution | Fast depending on negotiation, but high friction | Takes time, but minimal friction |
| Surrounding Evaluation | "Logical and excellent person" | "Mature adult who can read the air" |
Since ancient times, Japan has lived with natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons that are beyond human control. This environment nurtured a sense of impermanence (Mujokan) that "everything is transient." "You cannot go against great nature. Therefore, you have no choice but to accept it and move on." This spirituality is also connected to the tolerance for unreasonable rules and inefficient customs in modern business scenes.
So, why does "resigning (saying Shikata-ga-nai)" lead to protecting your mental health? Let's analyze it from a psychological perspective.
In psychology, there is a concept called "locus of control." The biggest cause of stress is "trying to change things that cannot be changed."
Saying "Shikata-ga-nai" is an act of sending a signal to the brain that "this is out of my control range." The moment you let go of attachment, the brain stops excessive energy consumption for solving the problem and switches to relaxation mode.
Here, I will introduce specific scenes encountered in life in Japan and how to switch your "mental switch" at those times.
For those who feel resistance to using the phrase "Shikata-ga-nai," I will answer common questions.
A: No. Rather, it is a "strategic retreat." Which is wiser: committing all forces to an unwinnable battle and being wiped out, or temporarily retreating to protect valuable resources? "Shikata-ga-nai" is a positive choice to redirect your precious mental energy to more important things (your growth or time with family).
A: The key is "distinction." You don't have to accept all absurdities. You should fight firmly for things involving your dignity or safety. However, actively use the "Shikata-ga-nai" switch for trivial daily inefficiencies or friction caused by cultural differences. This sense of balance is the trick to living happily in Japan for a long time.
A: They are not 100% convinced. Irrational things are stressful for Japanese people too. However, they instinctively know that the "cost of fighting" exceeds the "benefits gained." Behind their "Shikata-ga-nai" often lies a very rational calculation: "I want to end this trouble in the shortest time without making waves."
The phrase "Shikata-ga-nai" is "mature wisdom" acquired by Japanese people over a long history to live in harmony with a world of force majeure.
Stop banging on the wall of Japanese society brandishing logic. The wall won't break, and only your fists will bleed. Instead, try using the "Shikata-ga-nai" switch flexibly like a willow branch.
Proving "correctness" is far less important than you "spending time with a smile and in a good mood." I sincerely cheer for your life in Japan to become freer and filled with peace of mind.
