My favorite Japanese

I first encountered the word "Kintsugi" in a Japanese language class. My teacher showed us a photo of a ceramic piece mended with golden lines. The once-broken vessel glowed gently, as if it had been given new life. Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese technique for repairing broken or chipped pottery by joining the pieces with lacquer and then dusting the seams with gold or silver powder. Instead of hiding the damage, it intentionally highlights it, transforming the flaws into beauty. This philosophy deeply moved me.

Kintsugi is said to have originated in the tea ceremony culture of the Muromachi period. In the Way of Tea, the nicks and chips in a vessel are valued as "scenery." This reflects a uniquely Japanese gentle perspective that says, "It's okay not to be perfect," and "There is beauty in imperfection." Kintsugi gently conveys this spirit of wabi-sabi.

In modern times, Kintsugi is being re-evaluated not just as a repair technique, but as a symbol of a way of life that values things. It goes against the tide of mass production and mass consumption, dedicating time and effort to a single piece. This process offers an experience that sharpens the five senses: the scent of lacquer, the smooth feel of the brush, the ephemeral dance of gold dust. As I continue the work, my own mind seems to calm, and the everyday hustle and bustle fade into the distance.

I strongly wish to participate in a Kintsugi workshop someday. Even just seeing photos and videos moves my heart, so the thought of actually repairing a broken vessel with my own hands makes my chest pound with excitement. At first, I'm sure my hands will tremble with nervousness, and I might not do it well, but I feel that as I quietly face the vessel and continue the work, my hands will gradually become accustomed, and my heart will become more serene. The vessel, mended with gold powder, will surely feel even more beautiful than before it broke, and those golden lines will seem to breathe new life into it, as if gently caressing its wounds. If I could have such an experience, that vessel would become a unique and special treasure in the world, and at the same time, a quiet change would surely arise within my own heart.

Kintsugi doesn't just repair objects. As we tend to the broken places and gently mend them, our hearts too are healed. It's about accepting flaws and slowly transforming into a new form. This mirrors life and human relationships, I feel. Even after failures and tears, we can find light. Kintsugi seems to quietly embed such warm messages within objects.

Among all the Japanese words I've learned, "Kintsugi" is my favorite. I feel it embodies beauty, gentleness, and a quiet wish for how to live. I want to continue to hold a Kintsugi-like heart and respectfully engage with both objects and people.

And someday, I hope to set a vessel I've repaired with my own hands on a dining table surrounded by family and friends, and enjoy the conversations and smiles that arise there. In that moment, I will truly realize that Kintsugi transcends physical repair, connecting people and weaving stories that span time.