AI Engineer/Japanese Language Educator
2/26/2026
"Why does Japan continue with such inefficient methods?"
After class at the Japanese language school, a brilliant student approached me. He had just arrived in Japan as an IT engineer. He was indignant that at the government office, he was made to rewrite the contents he had already submitted online onto a paper document at the counter.
"I explained it logically. I told them it was redundant and wasteful. But the person in charge just kept repeating, 'It's the rule.' It's really stressful."
I understand his feelings painfully well. Many foreign nationals run into the walls of Japanese organizational culture and "precedent-ism," draining their mental energy. However, having watched many cases as a Japanese teacher for over 10 years, I am convinced that the strongest weapon for living healthily in Japan is not perfect Keigo (honorifics) or logical presentations, but the mindset switch of "Shikata ga nai" (it can't be helped).
In this article, I will redefine "Shikata ga nai" not as mere resignation, but as a "strategic defense art" to protect your heart, and explain specifically how to use it to drastically reduce stress.
Let's begin the journey to regain your "peace of mind."
In many countries, proving correctness leads directly to resolving the situation. However, in traditional Japanese organizations and public institutions, "Precedent" and "Harmony" are often prioritized over "Logic."
When a counter staff says, "It's the rule," they are not saying your opinion is wrong. What they fear is "admitting an exception without precedent and being held responsible later" or "disrupting the routine of the entire organization."
Trying to win with logic here is like trying to stop a train running at 100km/h with one arm. It might stop, but your arm will break.
The phrase "Shikata ga nai" is often perceived negatively. However, this is not "defeat." It is a wise decision not to use your precious resources (time and mental strength) on things that cannot be changed.
Look at the comparison table below and consider which is more beneficial for you.
| Comparison Item | Logical Solution (Fight) | Strategic Acceptance (Shikata ga nai) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Objective | Prove your correctness and change the system | Complete the process with minimum effort and time |
| Mental Cost | Anger, dissatisfaction, long-term stress | A moment of "giving up" and deep breathing only |
| Relationship with others | Labeled as "difficult to handle" | Trusted as "cooperative and well-mannered" |
| Long-term impact | Burnout, hating Japan | Can use remaining energy for hobbies and self-investment |
When faced with an unreasonable situation, ask yourself the following three questions.
If these are "NO," it is the timing to turn on the "Shikata ga nai switch" without hesitation.
Specifically, in what situations should this skill be demonstrated? Let's look at 10 case studies.
[Example 1: Hanko (Seal) Culture] "Electronic signatures are sufficient, but I was told a registered seal is absolutely necessary."
Response: Think "I am participating in traditional Japanese artwork (Hanko Art)," and concentrate on stamping it as beautifully as possible.
[Example 2: Unnecessarily Long Meetings] "The conclusion is already decided, but they take 2 hours to confirm everyone's agreement."
Response: Think "This is a folkloric ritual (ceremony)," nod appropriately, and use the time in your mind to perfectly plan tonight's dinner menu.
[Example 3: Request to send documents via FAX] "It's the 21st century, why FAX instead of email?"
Response: Enjoy it by thinking, "I'm riding a time machine and operating a historical device."
[Example 4: Forced invitation to drinking parties] "I want to cherish my private time, but the atmosphere makes it hard to refuse."
Response: Rather than refusing every time and becoming isolated, decide "Today is fieldwork on Japanese society," participate for just one hour, and leave quickly. Accept it as "Shikata ga nai, this is also part of the work."
[Example 5: Vague Instructions] "I was told to 'do it as you see fit,' but later corrected in detail."
Response: Think "The other person doesn't know what they want either, Shikata ga nai," and turn it into a game where you show about 3 rough drafts from the start and let them choose.
[Example 6: Excessive use of Keigo (Honorifics)] "They could speak more simply, but use many roundabout expressions."
Response: Think "This is a language role-playing game. The higher the difficulty, the more experience points I get."
[Example 7: Overly strict garbage disposal rules] "Just because the knot on the bag was loose, it wasn't collected and was left behind."
Response: Think "This is a game to pass the check of the Guardian (caretaker) who protects the aesthetics of this town," and master the perfect knot.
[Example 8: Silent pressure on train manners] "I feel cold stares from around me just because my luggage is a bit large."
Response: Think "They are desperate to protect their small space, Shikata ga nai," and gently give up space.
[Example 9: New Year's cards and seasonal greetings] "Why write postcards in the digital age?"
Response: Accept it as "A once-a-year survival confirmation system" and process it mechanically using templates.
[Example 10: Excessive "Omotenashi" at restaurants] "I'm in a hurry, but the explanation is too polite and takes time."
Response: Accept that "This person takes pride in their work, Shikata ga nai (wonderful)," and pretend to listen with a smile.
When faced with unreasonable situations, just "enduring" causes stress to accumulate. By performing the following 3 steps as a "ritual," you can detach your emotions and view yourself objectively.
When anger wells up, first inhale through your nose for 3 seconds, and exhale through your mouth for 6 seconds. Then, call the unreasonable situation in front of you this: "Oops, the Japanese traditional performing art 'Zenrei-Mamori (Precedent Protection)' has started."
By applying an objective label, you can distance yourself from being a participant and stand in the perspective of an audience.
Chant in your heart: "This is also part of the Shugyo (training) to forge my mental strength. If I can let this unreasonableness pass with a smile, my level goes up by 1."
Having the composure to "let them win" is the key to protecting your pride.
Decide what to use the energy on that would have been lost if you hadn't avoided the fight. "Alright, I ended that fruitless argument with 'Shikata ga nai,' so I'll buy a delicious cake on the way home with the saved energy / run 10 minutes longer at the gym."
Here, we explain the misuse of "Shikata ga nai" that learners often fall into.
A: Not at all. "Gaman" is suppressing your emotions and enduring, but "Strategic Shikata ga nai" is "voluntarily withdrawing from a useless battle to not spoil your own mood." The initiative is always with you.
A: Exactly. You should not say "Shikata ga nai" for things involving life, human rights violations, or serious harassment. Those are scenes where you should fight. The purpose of this skill is not to let your heart be worn down by "trivial unreasonableness that doesn't matter."
A: Absolutely NG! "Shikata ga nai" is an internal switch to convince yourself. If you say it to the other person, it will be taken as a "throwaway and rude attitude."
[NG Pattern]
Boss: "Sorry, but could you redo this document?"
Subordinate: "Shikata ga nai, I'll do it." (Grumpy attitude)
→ Risk of worsening relationship with the boss and being given more unreasonable work.
[OK Pattern]
Boss: "Sorry, but could you redo this document?"
Subordinate: "Understood. I'll get on it right away." (Smile)
In mind: (Here it is! Meaningless revision! But accepting it with a smile here is 'Strategic Shikata ga nai'. I'll use the saved time to secretly study languages.)
Why not let go of perfectionism and excessive logic for a moment to make life in Japan fun and sustainable?
The phrase "Shikata ga nai" is never a word of giving up. It is a declaration of strong will that "I will not let this level of unreasonableness interfere with my happiness."
I hope your life in Japan becomes a little lighter and full of laughter. The next time you hit an unreasonable wall, grin and mutter in your heart.
"Alright, Shikata ga nai!"
