“Wa” − The Relationship between Naikan Therapy and Traditional Japanese Culture

Abstract

Objective　To explore the relationship between Naikan Therapy and Japanese traditonal culture, to investigate the localization of Naikan Therapy in China.

Methods　Using methods of cultural anthropology to explain the birth and development of “Wa” thought in Japan, to analyse the influence of “Wa” thought on Japanese society and Japanese personality, and to clarify the relationship between Naikan Therapy and “Wa” thought. Using methods of cross-cultural psychology to explore the different between Japanese and Chinese culture.

Results　Naikan Therapy was inventioned on the basis of “Wa” thought in Japanese traditional culture. Naikan Therapy is the ture embodiment of “Wa” thought which is the core of Japanese traditional culture. Naikan Therapy is the focus and strengthen of “Wa” thought in Japanese daily life.

Conclusion　Naikan Therapy is not only a psychotherapy, but also a philosophy of life and health. Naikan Therapy is a kind of humanism therapy which had a strong sense of Japanese traditional culture. Chinese patients may have more resistance to Naikan Therapy because of self-centered characteristic. To improve Naikan Therapy in order to make it adapt to Chinese culture is a key problem to consider.