The Wisdom of Ancient Japan: Timeless Lessons to Live By
By Okada Saori
Michael O'Mara (2025)
ISBN-13: 978-1789298246
Review by Joulanar Maayouchi
Okada Saori is a Japanese wellness author and UKIHCA-registered health coach. She founded Mogami Wellness, a London-based wellness brand that defines itself on its website as "focused on empowering individuals' well-being by helping them discover, learn, and integrate the art of Japanese well-being into their everyday lives."
Her second book, The Wisdom of Ancient Japan: Timeless Lessons to Live By, fully embodies this goal. It takes us on a quiet journey of reflection, with each of its sixty lessons and proverbs inviting us to walk down a path we might have neglected or overlooked, and which might well lead to greener, more peaceful pastures…just a few steps away.
Each proverb delves into the wisdom of Japanese culture, building on ancient beliefs that remain strikingly relevant in modern times. Offering readers a chance to explore the essence of purpose, gratitude, hope and resilience, the writing of this book remarkably accomplishes the tour de force of teaching adults without pressure, judgement, or grand preaching.
Rather, the author's style, combined with the rightfully described timeless lessons she shares, comes across as gentle suggestions and life advice one would receive from a caring parent. The book invites us to cultivate gratitude and embrace living in the present moment, two feats often left behind in the frenzy of the 21st-century world. Yet, these lessons softly remind us to look beyond the walls we build around ourselves, introducing concepts such as the famous ikigai, which helps in finding one's purpose, or the less-known go-en for nurturing gratitude, sho-ga-nai for accepting the unchangeable aspects of life, and chiri mo tsureba yama to naru, which teaches us that small, repeated actions can lead to the most impactful changes.
Additionally, it explores the seven principles of the bushido warrior code, providing timeless philosophies that can be applied to modern living in finding resilience, using strength to help others, or finding pride in choosing the right option rather than taking the easy way.
Besides the invaluable teachings this book contains, each lesson is paired with exquisite traditional artworks deeply rooted in Japan’s heritage. These stunning illustrations include some of Japan’s most revered ukiyo-e woodblocks, complementing the life lessons and making it a visually captivating experience alongside a profound spiritual exercise.
The Wisdom of Ancient Japan offers a range of philosophies that cater to both everyday lessons and life's bigger picture, from komorebi (slow down and appreciate life's fleeting moments) to daijoubu (everything will be okay), making it a special collection that everyone can take something from.
For those interested in Japanese culture, language, and wisdom, this book is a gem that not only holds a wealth of information but also beautiful illustrations and woodblocks. It is perfect for those learning the language, wanting to learn more about the country, or for etymology and philosophy aficionados. It also makes for a wonderful gift that one will find themselves returning to in times of need, or when life becomes overwhelming, for guidance and reflection, or simply for a reminder to appreciate what we have, nurture gratitude, and find the strength in the face of adversity.