Finding and Adding Value to Your Life, One Piece at a Time

By far one of my favourite philosophies and actions from Japan, iitokodori (いいとこどり).

What is it?

“iitokodori” (いいとこどり) is a Japanese phrase that can be translated to “picking the best parts” or “taking the good bits”.

It refers to the act of selecting and keeping only the most favourable aspects of something while leaving out the less desirable ones.

It is often used to describe someone who chooses the most advantageous options from various alternatives or situations.

It is a mindset and ability to be open enough to take on identified successful elements.

Japan as a collective has time and time again demonstrated its ability to identify successful things they see, infuse them with their own flavour and build on it for even greater success.

What it is not:

iitokodori is not copying and it’s not emulation. Both of these things are more attuned to simply taking something ‘warts and all’ and replicating it. Perhaps a more apt term would be ‘selective emulation’.

Why has it worked so well for Japan?

The question often asked is why and how has Japan done this so successfully whereas others have not.

The concept of iitokodori is often applied in various aspects of Japanese culture, such as in business, education, and lifestyle.

In business, for example, companies may adopt a management style that combines the strengths of traditional Japanese culture, such as respect for hierarchy and teamwork, with the efficiency and innovation of Western business practices.

This approach has contributed to Japan’s success in industries such as technology, automotive, and manufacturing.

In education, Japanese schools have been known to blend traditional teaching methods with modern technology and teaching strategies from other countries to create a well-rounded curriculum that prepares students for success in a globalized world.

In lifestyle, the concept of iitokodori can be seen in the way Japanese people balance work and personal life, by taking advantage of the benefits of modern technology while still prioritizing face-to-face communication and relationships.

Overall, the concept of iitokodori reflects the Japanese approach of adapting and innovating while still preserving traditional values and practices. This has contributed to Japan’s success as a nation and has made it a leader in various industries.

Examples of How You Can Adopt This Into Your Life for Success

In cooking: You can experiment with different recipes and cuisines, and select the best elements from each to create your own unique dishes. For example, you could combine the spiciness of Indian curry with the simplicity of Japanese soba noodles, or mix the flavours of Italian pasta with the freshness of Vietnamese herbs.

In personal development: You can draw inspiration from different self-help books, motivational speakers, or spiritual traditions, and extract the most valuable insights to improve your life. For instance, you could learn mindfulness techniques from Buddhism, time-management strategies from business gurus, and positive affirmations from psychology.

In social relationships: You can learn from the strengths and weaknesses of different people you interact with, and integrate the positive qualities into your own personality. For example, you could emulate the kindness of your best friend, the confidence of your mentor, and the humour of your favourite comedian.

In work projects: You can research and analyze different approaches and methodologies to a problem, and synthesize the most effective elements into a tailored solution. For instance, you could combine agile project management with lean manufacturing, or use design thinking to enhance customer experience.

In summary

iitoko-dori appeared early in Japanese history and impacted the way the Japanese think and act.

It’s the process of taking the best/most convenient parts of other systems and incorporating them into their own for betterment.

It’s evident in Japanese companies, individuals, and governments and can easily be applied to individuals.

It’s not copying, it’s not emulation, it’s iitokodori.

So try an iitokodori of your own. Simply find what works, incorporate the best bits, and continue to evolve it into your own.

You might even decide that this article is great, but you don’t agree with everything. Great!

Pick the best bits, and make them yours. That my fellow Mediumians, is the spirit of iitokodori!

Short story #6 from the series ‘7 Secrets of Japanese Success’.