Table of Contents
India and Japan are Asia’s two ancient civilisations. Despite their geographical distance and linguistic differences it is believed that India and Japan have shared roots. One can see profound cultural intersections that date back centuries. Let’s look at these commonalities which makes Japan akin to India –
Buddhism: A Common Spiritual Link
Buddhism originated in India around 6th century BCE with Siddhartha Gautama (Also known as Gautam Buddha). The religion found it’s hold in China, Korea and Japan. Both India and Japan celebrate key Buddhist festivals like Vesak (Buddha’s birthday) and follow rituals like meditation, chanting and temple offerings. Indian government is also taking initiatives to preserve, restore and make accessible original Buddhist scriptures in Pali language. In terms of architecture, Indian Stupas and Japanese Pagodas have similar design, symbolising peace and spiritual advancement of the soul.
Shintoism and Hinduism
Shintoism and Hinduism have many similarities. Shintoism, which is Japan’s indigenous faith emphasizes ‘Kami’ which translates to god, deity or spiritual being present in nature like trees, rivers and mountains. Similarly. Hinduism believes rivers to be goddesses like the Ganga and Saraswati. It also considers trees like penpal and animals like cows and elephants sacred. Both the religions believe in ritual cleansing like bathing in Ganga river for Indians and purification with holy water called ‘Misogi’ at Shinto shrines in Japan.
Cultural and Social Values
Both Indian and Japanese cultures stress upon respect for elders and obedience to the parents. Filial duty and hierarchical respect is evident in both the countries. Both the countries use specific honorofics as a part of their language as well. Japanese use terms like ‘San’ and ‘Sama’ while Indians add a ‘Ji’ at the end of the name to show respect. In Japan, ‘Wa’ or social harmony is key to living and behaviour which is similar to India’s collective or joint family living and community well being over individualism.
Discipline and Spirituality
Sadhu’s in India and Yamabushi (Mountain Monks) in Japan, ascetics who have renounced the worldly pleasures in the pursuit if enlightenment are highly revered. Karate, Kendo, Sumo wrestling are integral part of Japanese culture and traditions while in India we have wrestling (Kushti), Kalaripayattu and Silabam to name a few.
Traditional Clothing and Symbolic Colours
In India Sari and Kurta while Kimon and Yukta in Japan represent cultural identity, modesty and elegance. Both cultures use colours with symbolism like white for purity and mourning and red for auspiciousness.
Classical Arts and Performance
Storytelling through dance and drama is common in India and Japan. Japan’s Noh and Kabuki theatres are similar to India’s Kathakali and Bharatnatyam telling mythological stories through dance movements, facial expressions and elaborate costumes.
Calligraphy is of utmost importance in both Indian and Japanese literature. Sanskrit shlokas in India and Kanji in Japan are not just text but visual art. Japan takes calligraphy even more seriously where each shrine has it’s own stamp and calligraphy called Goshuin.
Festivals and Rituals
India’s Baisakhi and Japan’s Cherry Blossom (Hanami) both celebrate the spring season and vibrancy of nature. India’ Pitru Paksha and Japan’s Oban Festival both involve rituals to honour deceased ancestors, symbolising a shared reverence for lineage and after life.
New Year and Harvest
India’s various harvest festivals (Pongal, Baisakhi, Makar Sankranti) and Japan’s Niiname-sai celebrate agricultural harvest and express gratitude to nature and the deities.
Culinary Connections
Both India and Japan have rice as a staple, accompanied by vegetables, pickles, and fermented foods (like miso in Japan and achar in India). Praying before eating, eating with mindfulness, removing footwear before dining in traditional settings, and communal meals are common in both cultures.
Tea Culture
India’s everyday chai and Japan’s ceremonial tea (chanoyu) differ in style but reflect a deeper ritualistic importance—tea as a symbol of hospitality and inner peace.
Architecture and Aesthetics of Space
Japanese Zen gardens and Indian ashrams are both designed to evoke tranquility and spiritual reflection. In Indian temples, top of a Hindu temple is referred to as a Shikhar and that of a Buddhist temple is called Stupa. In Japan, it is called a Pagoda. They are very similar in design with a pointed end reaching towards the sky / heaven. They reflect a shared understanding of cosmic order and symmetry.
While India and Japan are unique in their customs and traditions, their deep-seated philosophies and ways of life reveal similarities and shared legacy. Whether it is Buddhism, reverence for nature, importance of familial bonds, or the pursuit of inner peace through spirituality and discipline, both nations offer timeless wisdom.
