Giri and Ninjyô

Abstract

In Japan, a very important phenomenon in human relations can be observed. This is called “giri” in Japanese. For example, every contact in life seems to incur giri in some way or other. This means taking little accounts of words and acts someone throws others into obligation with no thought of incurring it. The Japanese behave as if they walked carefully in a complicated world.
Though many students have tried to give definition of giri, sometimes one is contrary to the other. There is no clear definition. One of the reasons is whether the phenomenon is specific in Japan or not.
Ruth Benedict said as follows, “There is no possible English equivalent and of all the strange categories of moral obligations which anthropologists find in the culture of the world, it is one of the most curious. It is specifically Japanese”. But, others insist that they have observed similiar phenomena in countries.
Therefore, the writer has tried some tentative analysis of the meanings of giri.
Whether the occasion is birth or death, a rice-transplanting, a housebuilding or social party, the exchange of giri is carefully noted for future repayment. Repayment of giri is thought of as repayment of an exact equivalent. Twice a year every household wraps up something in ceremonious fashion as return on a gift received six months before.
In Japan's history, giri has been a virtue common to all classes. Like all other obligations and disciplines in Japan giri becomes heavier as one goes up the social scale but it is required at all levels of society.
This phenomenon is very important for Japanese, and also for the students on Japan.