Have you ever experienced an encounter in your life that felt like more than just a coincidence?
Today, I would like to introduce the word “Goen,” which represents the connections and encounters we have with people.
The word “Goen” is often used in daily life and is a symbol of Japanese culture.
When we meet a wonderful partner or have great job opportunities, we often say things like, “It’s Goen,” or “I’m grateful for this goen.
In Japan, it has long been believed that even things that seem like coincidences are not mere chance, but are guided by some greater force. For example, encounters with friends, romantic partners, business associates, or experiences while traveling are often understood as “goen.
This way of thinking is also influenced by Buddhism.In Buddhism, there is the concept of “engi,” which teaches that all events occur through mutual influence. In other words, connections with people are also thought to arise from a combination of past events and various factors.
For example, imagine you sit next to someone by chance at a café, only to discover that they are an acquaintance of an old friend. This meeting might seem like mere coincidence, but according to the Buddhist concept of “engi,” past events and various factors are interconnected to create that moment. Looking back on my life, I feel that all my decisions and changes have always been guided by encounters and connections with people—truly by “goen.”
Here, I would like to introduce my friend, Keiko, with whom I feel a special “goen.” She is in her 70s, and although there is an age gap, she is a precious friend who always supports me.
I met her during a trip when I was hitchhiking with friends as a university student. Shortly after we started, a car stopped and offered us a ride because it was going in the same direction. Keiko not only gave us a ride but also took us to all the places we wanted to visit for the entire day.
We exchanged contact information and parted ways at that time. A few months later, feeling a desire to see her again, I reached out to her and visited her home. Since then, I have stayed at her house every month, and we have become truly good friends who can talk about anything.
I believe that if I hadn’t hitchhiked at that time and place, I wouldn’t have met her. Even now, I think that our enduring friendship is a result of “goen.”
This is Keiko. She is a pianist.
Another story related to “goen” I’d like to share involves a recent experience. A friend of mine in New Zealand purchased a knife from a Japanese craftsman. The knife came with a five-yen coin. This coin was not just a piece of currency but a symbol of the craftsman’s wish to honor “goen.” The five-yen coin sounds like “goen” and is often used in gifts or special occasions. I believe the craftsman imbued the coin with a wish for a good connection through this encounter.
As a Japanese teacher, I have also been blessed with many wonderful “goen” through my students. I strive not only to teach Japanese but also to build and nurture relationships with my students by sharing our values and cultures.
For me, Japanese lessons are not just classes but opportunities to deepen the “goen” with each individual.
