Japan's kinben spirit inspires new hero narratives in Indian education

Japanese concepts, particularly the spirit of "kinben," or hard work, are gaining attention in India. Mayuko Kataoka, a Japanese publishing executive, emphasizes that kinben is fundamental to Japan's success, contrasting with the popular notion of "ikigai." Kataoka highlights Sontoku Ninomiya, a 19th-century peasant leader, as a key figure in Japanese education. His life story, marked by overcoming adversity through diligence and community spirit, is featured in a manga comic at the Chennai Book Fair. The article suggests that India could benefit from incorporating stories of modern heroes like Sontoku into school curricula. It argues for a broader representation of role models beyond traditional warriors, focusing on figures who contributed to prosperity and community values.