E3S Web of Conferences 317, 04014 (2021) https://doi.org/10.

1051/e3sconf /202131704014
ICENIS 2021

Nihonnomizubunka: Harmony Between Water and

Humans in Japan
Reny Wiyatasari *

Japanese Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Humanities, Diponegoro University, Jl Prof
Soedarto (Diponegoro University), Semarang, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia.

Abstract. For the Japanese people who are overflowing with the largest water
in the world, water is not just an absolute necessity. It plays a large role in the
Japanese lifestyle. The variety of activities of Japanese society that involve the
element of water makes Japan a nation with a high level of water culture. This
research will discuss the harmony between humans and water in Japan. The
data was collected through the library method. The harmony between the two is
shown by the important role of water in life for Japanese people, including 1)
As a symbol of purification in Japanese people's beliefs, 2) It is beneficial for
health and healing of various diseases, 3) As one of the important elements to
add to the delicacy of Japanese culinary delights, and 4) As a means of
communication in the social life of Japanese society. Meanwhile, with regard to
water, Japanese people maintain the sustainability and cleanliness of the water
environment by 1) Protecting the forest, 2) Protecting the water environment
from pollution, and 3) Water savings.

1. Introduction

Water is the source of life and key to public health. This can be fulfilled if the
water consumed is of good quality. Therefore, improving water quality means
improving the quality of life for humans and all creatures whose lives depend on
water. For the Japanese people, water has a very important meaning. Japan, in addition
to having warm weather and a lot of rain, is also a country with abundant water and
forests. On a global scale, the proportion of forests is so high that it can be called a
forest state. Thanks to this forest gift, the blessing of water are abundant so that Japan
is a nation with a high level of "water culture"[1]. Many Japanese lifestyles that use
water have survived until now. As an influence of the Shinto religion, this nation also
involves a lot of water in its traditions and culture that have existed since thousands of
years ago [2]
The awareness of the Japanese people to protect the water environment cannot
be separated from this nation's concern for water problems that occur in various parts
of the world, such as water pollution and drought that has hit several countries in the
world, lack of fresh water and a decrease in the quality of fresh water on a global scale,

*
Corresponding author : [email protected]

© The Authors, published by EDP Sciences. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution License 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
E3S Web of Conferences 317, 04014 (2021) https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf /202131704014
ICENIS 2021

and which more serious is water pollution which causes water sources to become more
polluted. These problems, if left unchecked, will have an impact on health problems
and also the sustainability of the next generation [1]. Therefore, even though they are
very advanced in the fields of technology and economy, Japanese people are very
concerned about environmental cleanliness and water cleanliness.
The dependence of the Japanese people on waters and the caring attitude of the
Japanese people towards the sustainability and availability of clean water create
harmony between the two. Therefore, in this study, the authors are interested in
discussing the harmony between water and humans in Japan as seen from how water is
involved as an important component in Japanese culture, as well as the meaning of
water itself for the Japanese people. At the same time, it will also explain the concern
of the Japanese people in maintaining the availability and sustainability of clean water
sources.
Research on the theme of water in Japan has been carried out, including Takeuchi
and Tanaka (2020) entitled: Water reuse and recycling in Japan — History, current
situation, and future perspectives. Takeuchi and Tanaka's (2020) research which is the
Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST) project from 2010 to
2015 to introduces the history, current situation, and future perspectives of water
reclamation and reuse in Japan. The research is carried out in Japan to develops an
energy-efficient water reclamation process by utilizing membrane technology and the
ozonation processes. Another research on waters is a study conducted by Ike Iswary
Lawanda (2008) entitled: Interpenetration between Materasu Oomikami and the
Japanese Environment. In his research, Lawanda explains the relationship between
Amaterasu Oomikami (who religiously believed to be the ancestor of the Japanese
emperor's ancestors) and the environment in Japanese thought. The interpretive
method using a symbolic approach results in the understanding that Amaterasu
Oomikami and the environment are a system of relationships in Japanese culture where
each other linked through a set of values and actions.
If Takeuchi dan Tanaka (2020) research focuses on the history, current situation,
and future perspectives of water reclamation and reuse in Japan, and the research
conducted by Lawanda discusses the Amaterasu Omikami in Japanese culture and the
sacred implications of Amaterasu Omikami in the Japanese environment, this research
focuses on the roles of water in life for Japanese people and Japanese people's efforts
to care for and maintain the water environment as a form of their care and gratitude to
the aquatic environment.

2. Method
This article is written descriptively and analyzed through a qualitative approach.
The steps taken include data collection, data reduction, data presentasion, and
conclusions [5]. Collecting data using the library method by collecting data from
various sources. The data were analyzed using qualitative descriptive methods and
described based on studies of Japanese culture as a nation with a high level of water
culture that always maintains harmony with nature through its discipline of protecting
the environment and its care for nature.

2
E3S Web of Conferences 317, 04014 (2021) https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf /202131704014
ICENIS 2021

3. Results and Discussion

The harmony between water and Japanese society is shown through the important role
of water in life for Japanese people, including the following:

3.1 As a symbol of purification in Japanese people's belief’s

Water has a very important meaning for followers of the Shinto faith in Japan,
namely as a symbol of purification or purification. Shinto belief in the spiritual power
of water is reflected in many rituals. One of the important features of Shinto rituals is
the symbolic purification ritual performed before approaching a Shinto shrine, for
example washing hands and mouth [6]. Religious devotion or pledging one's self to
obey religion in Shintoism also focuses rituals on water through purification
ceremonies that include immersing oneself in a river [2].
The importance of water as another symbol of purification is that the mystical
power of water is believed to be able to transfer one's sins or carelessness to a human-
shaped paper statue (hitogata) which then throws it into the river. In the sacred Aoi
festival, one of the most interesting things happens when women who embrace the
style of Heian period fashion seek purification by rinsing their hands in the pond inside
the grounds of Kamigamo-jinja Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine Tokyo and Kyoto are
examples of two major cities in Japan that are still alive with scenes of ancient customs
that used water effectively. Even Kyoto has used water to maintain thousands of years
of tradition and culture [2].

3.2 It is beneficial for health and healing of various diseases

It is not only the water that flows from the forests in the mountains to the rivers
and into the oceans that gives meaning and plays a role in the culture of the Japanese
people. The blessing of water that comes out of the bowels of the earth as a result of
volcanic activity, namely hot springs (onsen) has contributed a lot to the Japanese
people developing a unique hot spring culture. It is estimated that about 3,000 hot
springs are coming out of the bowels of the earth and there are more than 27,000
Japanese-style hot springs built in various locations [7], especially locations with
beautiful natural scenery backgrounds, such as mountains, beaches, or trees in the
forest.
Soaking in a hot spring bath is a Japanese bathing culture that has existed since
thousands of years ago Japanese people like soaking in hot springs because it is
believed to provide many benefits for body and soul health. Soaking in hot waters not
only warm the body in winter or cool down in the summer, but also is believed to
improve blood circulation, provide a relaxing effect on the body and mind, and can
even make skin beautiful and prevent aging.
Based on research conducted by Mr. Hayakasa, a medical doctor and professor at
Tokyo City University for more than two decades, it is known the benefits obtained by
soaking in hot water, including: improving blood circulation, reducing back pain, stiff
shoulders, rheumatism, pain. joints, reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack, relieve
swelling, increase mental efficiency reduce the likelihood of dementia. The various
benefits above are determined based on the mineral content and different water
temperatures from one onsen to another [8].

3
E3S Web of Conferences 317, 04014 (2021) https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf /202131704014
ICENIS 2021

3.3 As one of the important elements to add to the delicacy of Japanese culinary
delights

The topography of Japan tends to make the water soft, which means that
nutrients, tastes, and smells are easier to release than hard water. Quality water plays a
role in improving the taste. Various traditional Japanese food and beverage
preparations rely on water as the key to the delicious taste. The key to this always good
water quality is that well water in Japan varies very little throughout the year in
temperature and taste, so it can be used for Japanese flagship products, such as saké
and tea [2].
In Japanese culinary culture, such as cha-no-yu, and traditional food and drink,
water plays an important role. Clean water also plays a role in fostering the tea
ceremony (sado). It is said that Japanese food such as buckwheat and tofu is delicious
because of the soft taste of the water. The bitter taste and astringency of Japanese teas
are also easier to expel with soft water. This helps make the difference in taste more
pronounced. It is said that soft water is more effective in extracting the flavor
components.
Quality water will also give culinary delights made from fish. Fish in Japan taste
delicious because they live in clear water that comes from water sources that are kept
clear thanks to the discipline of the Japanese people to plant trees in the forests, as well
as the discipline to protect the water environment from pollution [9].
There is also dashi, which is a broth made by infusing various dry foods in water
to release the flavor. It's hard to imagine Japanese cuisine without dashi because dashi
is the essence of Washoku. The dashi, which is made from soft Japanese water, has a
complex taste but is also light and delicious.
Dashi is made by boiling kombu (seaweed) and shavings of katsuo-bushi (bonito
fish that have been heated to drying) to make a basic cooking ingredient. Combining
kombu and katsuo-bushi gives the broth a denser and richer flavor. Other ingredients
that are often used to make dashi are niboshi (small dry sardines) and dried shiitake
mushrooms. Dashi is also the base ingredient for suimono (clear soup) and misoshiru
(miso soup). After the dashi is made, the ingredients for the broth are added and boiled
in it, then seasoned with soy sauce or salt for suimono, miso for miso soup. A stewed
dish also starts with dashi, with vegetables and perhaps seafood or meat added
afterward, and seasonings are usually added when the simmering process is over [2]

3.4 As a means of communication in the social life of Japanese society

To support the Japanese bathing culture, hot springs are managed in the form of
two facilities, namely sento and onsen. Sento is the term for a traditional Japanese
public bath, while onsen refers to a bath that uses water from hot springs with
temperatures higher than 25 degrees Celsius. A simple chat as a form of local culture
can be awakened from bathing in a sento or an onsen. Going to a sento or an onsen for
some Japanese people is not just for bathing, but is used as an opportunity to establish
communication with people they know or don't know.
There is a term in Japan, namely Hadaka no Tsukiai or naked communication
which refers not only to the bath itself but also to the way people talk to each other in
the onsen. All barriers such as age, nationality, cultural background, in the onsen
atmosphere, can all communicate freely. At the bathing place, people soak together in
the same pool in a relaxed atmosphere so that communication can be well established
[10].

4
E3S Web of Conferences 317, 04014 (2021) https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf /202131704014
ICENIS 2021

Respect for living things makes the Japanese people care about the environment.
Many things have been done, both by the government and residents of Japan, to
maintain the water supply to be maintained, both in terms of quality and availability.
Concern for water is carried out, among others, by:

3.1 Preserving Forest

The need for clean water consumption in cities with large occupied populations,
such as Tokyo, is enormous. Although with the sophistication of technology Japan is
indeed able to provide water supply by building dams, reservoirs, and water reservoirs,
this is still considered insufficient. The need for water in the long term certainly needs
to be supported by efforts to maintain the availability of water sources, one of which is
by preserving forests. On a global scale, the proportion of forests in Japan is indeed
very high, and thanks to these forests, the blessings of water are abundant. Therefore,
protecting large forest areas and their ecosystems is one of the best ways to support the
availability of clean water.
In Japan, love, concern, and empathy for the environment and living things,
including trees, have been instilled from an early age, both in schools and through TV
programs. Since childhood, children are trained and accustomed to like planting trees,
especially in the mountains, so that water sources are maintained and sustainable. The
more trees, the better the water quality. Water from the mountains will flow into rivers
and then empty into the sea. If river water and sea waters are clear, the fish that live in
them will be healthy. If the fish is healthy, it tastes good. So, the more trees planted,
the more delicious the taste of the fish in the rivers and the sea. This also applies to
vegetables. The healthier the water, the fresher and better the quality of the vegetables
[9]

3.2 Keeping the Water Environment from Pollution

To see the quality of the environment, namely waters, and air, one of them is
indicated by the presence or absence of fireflies. These little insects are like the most
reliable messengers to know the clearness of waters and fresh air [9]. Similar to
fireflies, fish is also one of the aquatic animals that can be an indicator of whether an
aquatic ecosystem is healthy or not. [11] writes that in rivers that are crossed by large
bridges in the city of Nagoya, large fish are often kept which are not consumed but are
allowed to live freely to maintain the river water ecosystem. Turtles are also allowed to
live freely under the bridge.
Japan is a developed country that cares about environmental cleanliness. It is
stated that Japan is one of only fifteen or so countries in the world with clean water.
Even tap water in Japan is safe for direct consumption [11]. Therefore, anyone who
visits Japan will be amazed when they see that the water in the ditches and rivers is so
clear that it can be a place to live various types of fish.
River water and sewers in Japan are so clean because of the strict regulations on
garbages disposal. Garbage is disposed of based on its category and according to a set
schedule. If someone discharges garbage according to the category or schedule, a fine
will be imposed. Japan also treats the regulation of dirty and used water (soap) not
being put into sewers. Residents are encouraged to use natural soap, which is low in
pollutants, and they do not wash and dispose of dirt or household waste in the rivers.
Various types of dirty and used water from households will be channelled through
special pipes [11].

5
E3S Web of Conferences 317, 04014 (2021) https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf /202131704014
ICENIS 2021

3.3 Waters Saving

Japan is located in a part of the world where rainfall is generally high, but often
the country also experiences a dry season. Therefore, saving water is a form of wisdom
in maintaining water availability. Even though Japan is rich in water resources, its
people value the existence of water by always using it effectively. Concern for water in
Japan is not just the government's homework. The people also have high awareness
and value water so much by using it wisely without wasting it, and this has helped the
people develop a good life, and their knowledge promotes harmony with water to this
day.
Recently, Japan has been developing advanced water treatment technology to
ensure an adequate supply of drinking water for all its residents. Japan also built many
dams and reservoirs. This step seems necessary given the natural condition of Japan
which consists of many mountains, which causes most of the rainwater to flow directly
into the sea. Efforts to maintain water availability in various ways, one of which is
making infiltration wells to accommodate rainwater. Soil infiltration or underground
columns function as reservoir or regulator column, which regulates water discharge
which can accommodate liters of rainwaters. The result is extraordinary savings in
clean waters.

4. Conclusion
Nature has given a lot, and man owes it to its kindness. So, humans should repay
nature's kindness by always caring and loving the natural environment. Although the
blessings of water are abundant, it does not make Japanese people forget that
protecting and caring for water sources must be done continuously and continuously to
maintain balance and harmony between humans and water.

References

[1] TORIGUE, Hiroyuki. (2012). 水と日本人. Tokyo. Iwanami Shoten, Publisher.

[2] NIPONICA:https://web-japan.org/niponica/niponica15/en/feature/index-3.html.
[3] Haruka Takeuchi, Hiroaki Tanaka. (2020). Water reuse and recycling in Japan —
History, current situation, and future perspectives. Water Cycle 1, 1-12.
www.keaipublishing.com/en/journals/water-cycle/.
[4] Ike Iswary Lawanda. (2008). Interpenetrasi Antara Amaterasu Omikami Dan
Lingkungan Jepang. Makara, Sosial Humaniora, Vol. 12, No. 2 : 56-64.
[5] Sutopo. H.B. (2002). Metodologi Penelitian Kualitatif. Surakarta.Sebelas Maret
University Press
[6] Rex Shelley, at al. (2012). Culture of The World. JAPAN. New York. Marshall
Cavendish Benchmark.
[7] NIPPONIA https://web-japan.org/nipponia/nipponia26/en/travel/travel01.html
[8] https://www.liputan6.com/global/read/4444562/berendam-air-panas-di-onsen-jadi-
rahasia-panjang-umur-dan-sehat-orang-jepang
[9] Soepardjo, Djodjok & Wawan Setiawan. (1999). Budaya Jepang Masa Kini
(Kumpulan Arikel). Surabaya. CV. Bintang. Anggota IKAPI
[10] Harisal. (2019). Potensi Onsen sebagai Representasi Wisata Budaya di Jepang dalam
Menarik Wisatawan. Media Bina Ilmiah. Vol. 15, No 10.
https://ejurnal.binawakya.or.id/index.php/MBI/article/view/257 i.
[11] Ramli, Murni.. (2018). Menjadi Orang Berkarakter dan Berbudaya di Jepang.
Yogyakarta. Manggar Media