I create my images while hoping that I can use AI to express these unique Japanese aesthetic concept, It’s a difficult topic , but I’d like to share my personal thoughts on the Japanese concept of beauty.
I’ll update this from time to time.
侘び寂び(wabisabi)
I’m sure you’ve heard the terms “wabi-sabi.”
Even as a Japanese person, I find it hard to say that I fully understand their exact meaning.
Apparently, the original meaning refers to the sensibility of finding beauty in imperfection, the transience of nature, and the changes that come with the passage of time. While it’s a concept strongly tied to the beauty of nature, it also embodies a certain Japanese ambiguity, so perhaps if you can sense the sadness of things that are decaying, you could call that “wabi-sabi.”
or Even when expressing sorrow in an ironic way, I sometimes sense a taste of wabi-sabi. (ex. A situation that A dad who works hard for his family but is treated coldly by his daughter :P)
秘すれば花（Hidden makes it a flower)
There is a japanese proverb “秘すれば花” .
These are the words of Zeami, the famous master of Noh theater. Here, the ‘flower’ is a metaphor for “something Good” or “something that moves the heart.” Therefore, this phrase expresses the essence of the performing arts: by not revealing everything and keeping some things hidden, one can move the audience with stimulating their imagination
By extension, it has come to represent the Japanese cultural value of modesty and restraint. It is a philosophy that values discretion over showing off.
Furthermore, Likening "flower" to women themselves it is also used to imply a sense of eroticism associated with what is hidden. (It’s quite a departure from the original meaning, but I think that’s just how language works.)
Provided by vibhisana (An image inspired by words of "Hidden makes it a flower". It’s a little direct, but I think it’s really intrigueing.) ....hmmm it's excellent, after all. :D
間 (empty space)
In Japan, there is a strong tendency to place great importance on “ma” (empty space). Just as the presence of something is valued, so too is its absence.
This applies to everything, from painting and music to human relationships.
Within “ma”—which at first glance may seem like an ambiguous, empty space—one can sense beauty, harmony, and even vitality.
Thanks to @uncle_krupi
かわいい(kawaii)
(image Provided by RisingV )
The word “kawaii” seems to have permeated the world more than Japanese people realize. So, what exactly is “kawaii” as an adjective? Since it spread alongside Japanese anime, I think it’s often associated with anime-style cuteness. In English, the closest equivalent would probably be “cute,” right?
However, when it comes to “Kawaii,” that typical Japanese ambiguity really comes into play—it can be applied to just about anything. There are also a mountain of derivative terms. (Yume-kawaii, busu-kawaii, kimo-kawaii, blur blur blur—at this point, you can just tack “kawaii” onto anything and it’ll work. lol)
There’s a word in modern Japanese that sounds similar: “Kawaisou” (可哀想). This is a term used to express sympathy for someone facing hardship or a tragic situation. and while it seems to have a completely different meaning from “kawaii,” they actually share the same etymology.
Both evolved from “kao” (face) and “hayushi” (embarrassed). It’s an archaic term meaning “pitiful” or “unbearable to watch.”
In other words, having same etymoloty with "kawaisou", “kawaii” is a word that expresses the emotional response you feel when you see small children, animals, or those in a vulnerable position—the urge to protect them.
粋・渋い (iki, shibui)
to be continued,
PS. I like to think about the meanings and origins of words and concepts, which is why I write about all sorts of things here, but at the end of the day, I think what matters most is whether you like the each images—regardless of all that things. haha :P
Special Thanks to Aetius91, vibhisana, msk296zkm, RisingV , uncle_krupi