Redefinition of Koto-tsukuri and Mono-tsukuri

Abstract

The phrase “Koto-tsukuri”, which is known to be a unique, original expression in Japanese, is supposedly one of the most important keywords in terms of TRAFST’s focus. Nonetheless, the phrase shows considerable ambiguity, and thus, TRAFST is in need of an unequivocal definition of the phrase. In this paper, we inquire how to redefine the phrase by illuminating the conceptual difference between “Mono” and “Koto” in ordinary use. We conclude that the contrast between “Mono” in “Mono-tsukuri” and “Koto” in “Koto-tsukuri” should be characterized in light of the relation between means and event or phenomena it brings about.