Abstract
Throughout history, the Japanese have confronted and overcome various adversities, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Concerning the spiritual elements needed in adversity, many clues are found within Japanese history. The first is surrender （to sovereignty） and patience. These are rooted in Japanese culture; for example, one can find these instantly and distinctly by researching the way of life of the common folk and sayings of military personnel in the era of the Asia-Pacific War. The second is willpower. Oriental cultures, including the Japanese, often rely upon it. Willpower can raise oneʼs own morale, and the Japanese sometimes say that most things will be done if they do as if they were about to die. The third is courage. This is connected to the resolution and strength of the mind and soul. Historical heroes sophisticatedly exercised their courage. The fourth is positive thinking, such as realistic optimism and the art of “not-doing” by Laozi. Realistic optimistic samurais could fight tenaciously and resiliently, and generally, we can say that the idea of “not-doing” tends to lead to ever-changing strategies. The fifth is ethics and dotoku, polished through education. As samurais always polished their bushido, they could maintain hegemony in Japan over a long period of time. In the Boshin war, some clans who had highly developed their education from the viewpoint of Confucianism could fight well. The last spiritual element is the skill of harnessing supernatural power. Though the religious affiliation of Japanese people is, in general, indefinite, they do observe the Tento thought which is influenced by Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and the indigenous religion, Shinto. Despite not typically holding a concrete religious awareness, they vaguely expect the grace of the gods, the heavens, or something supernatural, and sometimes pray at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. In keeping with historical heroes, the people who are able to resort to something supernatural are considered stronger. In adversity, enemies exist not only outside but also within, and even our own emotions and feelings of anxiety, uneasiness, fear, or terror may descend upon us as enemies. We wish to exercise our spirit dexterously and overcome various adversities.
