In Search of the Source of Happiness: Challenges and Solutions in Contemporary Japanese Society

Introduction

We all live our lives in pursuit of happiness. But what is true happiness? It cannot be fulfilled by external factors alone, such as money, fame, or status. The words of Shinji Miyadai shed light on the importance of inner self-affirmation and deep human bonds as pathways to genuine happiness. This article explores the challenges facing contemporary Japanese society and seeks solutions to overcome them.

The Current State and Challenges of Japanese Society

Miyadai points out that the primary reason for Japan’s economic stagnation is the failure to reform its industrial structure. Policies like corporate tax cuts and consumption tax hikes have created a “colonial economy” dynamic, favoring the wealthy while increasing the burden on citizens. He also criticizes the “anti-social behavior” of companies increasing precarious employment, destabilizing job security for the younger generation.

In the political realm, there are also serious issues. Despite the Liberal Democratic Party garnering only 30–40% of the vote, they occupy an overwhelming majority of seats, which Miyadai attributes to the poor election strategies of opposition parties. He notes that political parties fail to adequately reflect the will of voters on crucial matters like nuclear power.

Furthermore, the Japanese tendency to emphasize self-reliance and abandon others is a significant challenge. According to a survey cited by Miyadai, approximately 40% of Japanese believe it’s acceptable to abandon those who cannot live independently. This figure deviates from the “natural” inclination of societies, regardless of development status, to embrace the vulnerable as a group.

The Source of Happiness

To overcome these challenges, what is essential? Miyadai introduces the concepts of “home base” (the lifeworld) and “battlefield” (the system world). The former is a place where self-realization can be achieved through connections with others, while the latter is a realm of competition where rationality and efficiency are prioritized. We experience happiness in the home base.

At the home base, we receive unconditional love and acceptance: “You are an irreplaceable being,” “I like you for who you are.” It is within such human relationships that we can develop self-affirmation. In the battlefield, however, people are often treated as mere “its,” or tools.

It is challenging to develop self-affirmation in Japan because the home base is tenuous. While local communities once served as home bases, they have largely disappeared in modern society. Additionally, conditional acceptance and a lack of recognition of one’s worth in child-rearing are thought to have a significant impact.

Finding Solutions

So, how can we attain true happiness? Miyadai suggests that “striving for the sake of one’s comrades” leads to happiness. For this, relationships where we treat each other as “you” are indispensable. Specifically, reviving community in local societies and fostering self-affirmation in school education will be crucial endeavors.

Freedom from “anxiety about the future” is also essential. In other countries, policies like free education and livelihood guarantees alleviate citizens’ future anxieties. Similar initiatives are needed in Japan, which could also stimulate consumption and revitalize the economy.

Finally, Miyadai leaves a message: “Protect your right to self-determination.” Rather than being swayed by rationality or efficiency, it is important to cherish your own emotions and ethical values, and to live proactively.

Conclusion

The path to realizing happiness is not a smooth one, but it begins with each individual valuing the home base and deepening bonds with others. Creating a society where everyone can achieve self-realization will lead to true prosperity. May this article serve as an opportunity for you to re-examine your life and happiness.