If you want to understand why Japanese society functions the way it does – why politeness is not just style but structure, why harmony is so highly valued, why decisions are often made by consensus – then it helps to look back to the 7th century.
There, a document emerged that still acts as a cultural undercurrent today:
the 17-Article Constitution by Shōtoku Taishi.
This is not a constitution in the modern sense, but a collection of moral and political guiding principles. A culture-shaping manifesto that reads like an early manual for social interaction.
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1. Harmony is sacred
Probably the most famous sentence is:
“Harmony is precious.”
This idea forms the basis of many Japanese behavioral patterns. Harmony means stability, conflict avoidance, and consideration – not as a weakness, but as a social value.
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2. Values above the individual
The text calls for orientation towards moral principles that are greater than one’s own needs. It is about humility and inner reflection. An attitude that is still noticeably present in Japanese culture today.
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3. Loyalty and responsibility
Authority is not understood as oppression, but as a structure that enables joint action. Citizens should support leadership – but in return, leadership must act justly and responsibly.
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4. Politeness as a social foundation
Politeness here is not a superficial ritual, but a functional mechanism. It creates order, predictable behavior, and trust. A form of social infrastructure.
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5. No corruption – integrity as a duty
Bribery and self-interest are clearly condemned. A good official serves the community and not himself. This moral claim still has an effect today.
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6. Protect sincere people – avoid flatterers
Shōtoku Taishi warns against schemers, sycophants, and manipulative people. A healthy community recognizes and promotes courageous, honest people – not those who cover up conflicts or play power games.
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7. Use talents instead of managing titles
Offices should not be assigned by prestige, but by competence. Everyone should work where they can make the greatest contribution.
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8. Sense of duty and reliable work
The text emphasizes diligence, punctuality, and reliability. Not out of compulsion, but as an inner attitude: take responsibility seriously, fulfill tasks conscientiously.
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9. Trust as the basis of all cooperation
No system can function without trust. This idea still explains much in Japanese business and everyday life: trust is more central than formal contracts.
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10. Curb anger, accept fallibility
The article calls for emotional self-control and not to judge hastily. People make mistakes – composure leads further than reflexive punishment.
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11. Acknowledge merits, clearly name mistakes
Rewards and punishments should be fair and comprehensible. Performance is observed, not assumed.
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12. No arbitrariness towards the people
Power is always connected with responsibility. The state should act fairly, officials should not abuse their position.
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13. Responsibility also applies under difficult circumstances
Tasks should not be left undone just because circumstances are challenging. Reliability is a central value – still visible today in Japanese work culture.
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14. No envy – recognition instead of devaluation
Jealousy weakens organizations. Recognizing the strengths of others, on the other hand, strengthens the whole.
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15. Common good before egoism
The individual is important – but the collective deserves priority. Many Japanese decision-making processes are based precisely on this principle.
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16. Living in harmony with nature
The work rhythm should be oriented to natural cycles. A remarkably modern idea that takes ecological and social balance into account.
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17. Consultation before decision
Major decisions should not be made alone. Discussion, weighing, and consensus protect against mistakes and strengthen the result.
A clearly recognizable legacy in the Japanese consensus system (“Nemawashi” and “Ringi”).
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Conclusion:
A 1,400-year-old blueprint – and still tangible today
The 17 articles of Shōtoku Taishi act like an early operating system of Japanese culture. Many everyday behaviors that seem unusual to Europeans suddenly make sense when you know these principles.
Politeness, orientation toward harmony, sense of responsibility, consensus processes – all this is not accidental, but historically grown.
Anyone who visits Japan or wants to understand Japanese society will find surprisingly clear guidance in these 17 articles.
