# 🇯🇵・言葉・仕事・スポーツ **Source:** https://taksanart.com/en/🇯🇵・言葉・仕事・スポーツ **Language:** English --- #### "Kiai!" The risk of clinging to vague words... For example, "Kiai": In Japan, there have always been such words in both work and sports, and those in charge or leaders have often used them. There are even sports anime and dramas about it, and everyone gets excited by the dramatic emotional highs and lows. Raising morale, an individual steeling themselves – I don't think it's a bad word at all. However, on the other hand, there's a sense of irresponsibility or discomfort remaining about how this word, which relies on "atmosphere," can sway many people involved. #### Intransitive and Transitive Verbs Speaking of "kiai," I think the true meaning of this word is not something that can be taught by others in the first place. It might be a word that one seeks out for oneself, serving as a benchmark when self-admonishing or self-motivating. If someone suddenly tells me, "Hey! It's all about spirit!"... I don't feel motivated. If I were to feel motivated by such a statement, it might be because I'm just reacting to the threat or pressure of the words, leaving room for a lack of autonomy and negative factors. #### Difference in self-training time Using judo as an example, how many years can people generally continue the sport? From kindergarteners to the elderly, the range of participants and demographics is vast, and the path of training seems very long. In terms of long-term training, perhaps the world of artisans is similar. It makes sense to think of it as something to be sought, found, and nurtured through long training. In that sense, words might have an unseen value, which is very appealing. Judo team match: "Our spirit is not just this!" Perhaps, by looking at each other's faces, sharing their hearts, and feeling the common denominator they've cultivated, it could lead to an increased probability of victory. Something like that might happen. #### What about short-term battles, then? Surfing has a long lifespan, doesn't it? Even people around 60 years old can participate in competitions, can't they? However, in most team sports, I don't see many sports with long player careers. They are short-term battles, aren't they? Especially in student team sports, the members change every year, and a unit of time as fleeting as one year exists. In a short delivery period, can a team unite and achieve its goals with a subjective slogan like "It's spirit!"? Maybe, maybe not... I'm left with some room for doubt as to whether it's the right choice of words to increase the probability of achieving goals or winning. In companies, with high personnel turnover, people tend to move around, and there are increasing situations that are short-term battles to prove performance. In terms of achieving goals in a short period, the situations are similar. #### Word choice and range of interpretation "Fighting Spirit!" Even if others don't see someone as having fighting spirit, I believe there are definitely cases where they think, "No, I'm full of fighting spirit!" It's a matter of personal subjectivity. This is because it's a word whose degree can change. Even if you say, "I had fighting spirit all year round!", the level varies. (Similarly, words like "do your best," "go all out," "be greedy," etc., have a wide range of interpretation. But the choice of words itself isn't bad.) #### So, what should we do... I've advised on setting slogans and goals for various organizations and countries. What I always suggest is to clarify our own definitions of words. (Of course, there are many times when we create words that can be creatively and pinpointly interpreted according to the organization's situation.) In any case, the process of defining and explaining = building objectivity is a must. I tell people not to rely on words, matter how good they are. #### The Importance of Individual Translation and Commitment For example, "Fighting Spirit." Fighting spirit again (lol) However, if I can "translate" (or digest) what "fighting spirit" means in terms of action for myself, I always suggest that we can face our daily actions and the sense of urgency. Translate it into a form that everyone can easily understand and commit to: "My fighting spirit is to achieve XX% of XX by XX month in XX way." If everyone can do this, that vague sense of hope will disappear. We will face the tension of daily achievements and succeed in having consensus and commitment with our colleagues. Perhaps colleagues will point out, "Isn't that the form of fighting spirit we intended?" If we can maximize the greatest common divisor that everyone understands and agrees upon, it will lead to an increase in the probability of achieving goals and winning. #### Regarding the Boss's Explanation and Evaluation When a boss says, "You guys, it's fighting spirit!", I would definitely ask, "Then what is your definition of fighting spirit? Please tell me specifically." (I often asked this at American companies and always confirmed definitions and intentions, because otherwise the boss would change their intentions arbitrarily later on (lol), and there would be a possibility of not receiving fair evaluation.) If you don't delve into words with a wide range of nuances, the cases where you are not evaluated will surely increase later on. The more clearly the person in charge defines words in advance, the more the staff and athletes will show actions and understanding towards achieving that goal, understanding the equation for receiving a "fair" evaluation. You should not impose words you cannot explain on others. I believe it starts with clearly explaining words and taking responsibility. ---------- Any word is inorganic and an empty lunchbox. Whether it's a high-quality lacquerware or cheap plastic. It is up to us to give any word meaning (as the best cuisine). ---------- If you have any questions about corporate communication, please feel free to contact us! (The photo below is unrelated to the text) ![ef83445c 708e 4a51 8617 c7a4936c8036](https://taksanart.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ef83445c-708e-4a51-8617-c7a4936c8036.jpeg "🇯🇵・言葉・仕事・スポーツ") ### Share this: - Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook - Share on X (Opens in new window) X - Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp ### Like this: Like Loading… ### Leave a Comment Cancel Reply