Ninety Centimeters or you Die

Blog #8 Hedataru to Najimu, Shudan Ishiki, Do Spirit, Haragei

     Hedataru relates almost directly to uchi and soto; an inside and an out. Hedataru is basically a separation from two separate entities or things, also being translated to relationships between two people. Hedataru seems to have a vibe of alienation to it while as the opposite, Najimu, means to become attached to one person. By doing this, friendships and also relationships are strengthened.

     Hedataru can be traced back to the ancient ages of the samurai where one would sit at a distance to not only show respect to his lord, but as a security measure for the safety of the lord. A saying "Sanjyaku sagatte shi no kage wo fumazu." can be translated to "Keep about ninety centimeters from one's master in order not to step on his shadow. It is a sign of respect in most. Women, on the other hand, have to walk behind their husband in order to show submissiveness and obedience. As time passes, the distance is eventually closed as trust is earned.

One thing I don't understand though is the act of gift giving through hedataru. If there is a separation, why is gift giving okay?

As most Japanese tend to work together in an aura of ambiguity, the consciousness of a group is extremely important. Through the use of social codes such as uchi and soto, chinmoku, and focusing on a certain harmony, group consciousness can be achieved. "If people carelessly and directly express what they really think, there is the probability of hurting the feelings of others, disrupting the group ambiance, or destroying harmonious relations". Japanese, I believe, have a distinct method of recognizing insiders and outsiders based on styles of communication, acceptance into a group, or distance. "Japanese are said to be poor at getting along with those who are soto.".

The Do Spirit is fairly difficult to understand due to it being more of a spiritual way of life rather than a literally defined act. Originating as an offspring from the Chinese Taoism beliefs, the "do" is the "way", or the actual way to be followed. This "way" is a behavioral code and meant to be pursued internally. Going back to Zen Buddhism, the Tao is present in all things and that it is unteachable due to it's otherworldly and conceptually complex content. However, this set of rules and codes can be a negative thing as it instills itself in people so thoroughly that they never change.

When someone has a "gut feeling" about something, it usually implies a certain sense that almost makes it seem like one can read the mind. Haragei is basically that feeling; the guessing of what other's are thinking and the ability to "read" one other's mind. But because of this constant need to guess and not ask, feelings are often hidden permanently, waiting to be guessed. "...haragei is used in business and politics as a deceitful means of communication in which people hide their real motives in order to gain power and advantage."

In regards to the discussion, I tend to think that Kane is showing giri by obeying what Magoza asks of her. He has taken care of her for sixteen years and must feel some sort of obligation to do what he asks. In regards the most recent readings, hedataru is likely seen. The separation of rooms, the giving of gifts (kimono), and Kane's infatuation with Magoza.