Dear friends,

I’ve been away for few days. Lately I think I need more time for myself so I turn on the hermit mode. Gotta say, the pain of being apart from Yosuke still aches sometimes.

But I come back, surely stronger than the 90s trend.
Let’s talk about the “Moral code” – Jingi 仁義 as the theme of today’s article.

At its core, 仁義 (Jingi) combines two kanji:

– 仁 (Jin): Often translated as “humanity”, “kindness”, or “charity.” It refers to the admirable qualities of a person, particularly their care and empathy for others.

– 義 (Gi): Often translated as “righteousness”, “justice”, “duty” or “honor.” It refers to the correct path, the right way of doing things, and fulfilling one’s obligations.

Therefore, “仁義” in its most fundamental sense represents the principles of humanity and justice, or benevolence and righteousness. These are core tenets of confucianism, which heavily influenced Japanese thought and ethics.

But so far, during the flow of Japanese history, “Jingi” has evolved to encompass more specific meanings, particularly in certain subcultures:

– Formal Greeting/Procedure (“仁義を切る – Jingi o Kiru”):

This phrase means “to cut jingi” and it’s a greeting or gesture to acknowledg someone’s position, or to explain one’s intentions. It’s about showing respect and following proper etiquette before engaging in an activity, especially one that might involve conflict or a delicate negotiation. In this situation, “Jingi” ensures that everyone is on the same page and that established protocols are observed. This can be seen in various contexts, from business to even political spheres, though its origins are often associated with more traditional or underground groups.


– General Moral Code/Duty:

In a broader sense, “仁義” can refer to a general moral code or a sense of duty and obligation one has towards others, especially those they are connected to. It implies acting with integrity and respecting established social norms and relationships.


– Yakuza Code:

This is perhaps the most well-known association of “Jingi”. In the context of the yakuza and other traditional Japanese underworld organizations, “Jingi” refers to their strict code of conduct, loyalty, honor to rules within their own hierarchy. It dictates how members should treat each other, how they should respond to challenges, and their obligations to the boss and the organization. It’s often romanticized in movies and TV dramas and also literature, portraying a sense of “honor among thieves”. The concept here emphasizes absolute loyalty, fulfilling one’s duties, and upholding the group’s reputation, even if it means sacrificing personal gain.

In modern Japan, the practice of “Jingi wo kiru” and the strict adherence to underworld codes may be less visible in daily life. But the underlying principles of “Jingi” is the respect for others, fulfilling one’s obligations, and acting with integrity – remain deeply embedded in the cultural psyche.

“Jingi” continues to be a powerful reminder of Japan’s enduring emphasis on:

– Social harmony: Avoiding direct conflict through proper communication.

– Duty and obligation: Understanding and fulfilling one’s responsibilities.

– Integrity: Acting truthfully and sincerely.

Jingi is not a simple concept to understand with a single definition. It is a complex cultural concept that reflects Japan’s values through history. To truly appreciate Japanese culture, one must understand the silent power and varied interpretations of “Jingi” and the human desire for both justice and connection.