Do you have any special encounters or moments that have left a lasting impression on your heart?
Today, I’d like to introduce the beautiful Japanese concept of ‘Ichigo Ichie.’
‘Ichigo Ichie’ is a term where ‘Ichigo’ originates from Buddhist teachings and means ‘a lifetime,’ and ‘Ichie’ refers to ‘a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.’
In other words, it expresses the mindset of cherishing each unique encounter and moment as something to be treasured.
Here are some example sentences incorporating “Ichigo Ichie”:
- 旅での一期一会の出会いを大切にする。
Cherish the “Ichigo Ichie” encounters you have while traveling.
- 人生は一期一会、この瞬間は二度と戻ってこない。
Life is “Ichigo Ichie”; this moment will never come again.
- 一期一会だと思っておもてなしする。
Offer hospitality with the spirit of “Ichigo Ichie,” as if it’s a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
The origin of “Ichigo Ichie” can be traced back to a passage in “Shanjo Soji Ki,” written by a disciple of the famous tea master Sen no Rikyū during the Sengoku period. It states, “Even at a usual tea gathering, consider it as a once-in-a-lifetime occasion and dedicate yourself sincerely.” This means that even if you meet the same person multiple times at tea ceremonies, each gathering is unique and occurs only once in a lifetime. That moment will never return, so it emphasizes the importance of putting your heart into every encounter.
In other words, even if you see your family, friends, or colleagues every day, each encounter at that particular time is unique and will only happen once in a lifetime. The same day or opportunity will never come again. This teaching of “Ichigo Ichie” reminds us to cherish each fleeting moment in our daily lives.
I love traveling and have had unforgettable “Ichigo Ichie” encounters. One that stands out in my memory is from my very first solo trip abroad to Laos. Since I didn’t understand much English or Lao, I found myself in a restaurant unsure of how to order. Just then, a kind local woman helped me. That night, we enjoyed dinner together, and the next day, she took me on the back of her motorbike to visit various local spots.
When I left for another town early the following morning, she brought me a packed lunch and saw me off at the bus stop. Her kindness filled my heart with gratitude. I remember missing her on the bus and crying as I ate the bento she made for me. Meeting her was truly an “Ichigo Ichie” experience.
I also experienced the importance of “Ichigo Ichie” in my daily life. Near my home on Sado Island lived an 88-year-old woman. During my walks, I would stop by her house for sweets and warm conversations. She was an excellent cook and often shared her homemade food with me. Before I left for New Zealand last year, I said my final goodbye to her, promising to visit again when I returned. Having spent nearly every day with her, I now realize how precious our time together was.
“Ichigo Ichie” teaches us that even with those we see often, each day and moment will never come around in the same way again. It reminds us to cherish each encounter with gratitude. I learned the importance of living each moment mindfully, appreciating what may seem ordinary in our daily lives.
“Ichigo Ichie” is a term that reflects the aesthetic sensibility and spirituality of Japanese culture. It is deeply rooted not only in the tea ceremony but also in the daily lives and mindsets of the Japanese people. By understanding and practicing this concept, I believe we can enrich our lives even further.
I also want to cherish the spirit of “Ichigo Ichie” in every lesson, putting my heart into each session. Last year, one of my students visited Sado Island, and it turned out to be a wonderful “Ichigo Ichie” encounter and experience. Here is a photo from that time.
These are my family and students. The character in the center is “Ichigo Ichie” (一期一会).
