Ichi-go ichi-e facts for kids
Ichi-go ichi-e (Japanese: 一期一会, pronounced [it͡ɕi.ɡo it͡ɕi.e], lit. "one time, one meeting") is a Japanese saying. It describes a special idea about how we should value each moment. The term means "for this time only" or "once in a lifetime."
It reminds us to cherish every gathering we are part of. This is because no moment in life can ever be exactly repeated. Even if the same people meet again, that specific gathering will be different. So, every moment is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. This idea is often linked to Japanese tea ceremonies. It is especially connected to famous tea masters like Sen no Rikyū and Ii Naosuke.
History
The idea of Ichi-go ichi-e began in the 16th century. A famous tea master named Sen no Rikyū used a similar phrase. He spoke of "one chance in a lifetime" (一期に一度 (ichigo ni ichido)).
Rikyū's student, Yamanoue Sōji, wrote about this idea. He said to treat your host with respect. It should be "as though it were a meeting that could occur only once in the lifetime" (一期に一度の会のように (ichigo ni ichido no e no yō ni)). The word Ichigo (一期) is a Buddhist term. It means "from one's birth to death," or one's entire lifetime.
Later, in the mid-1800s, Ii Naosuke wrote more about this concept. He was a very important leader in Japan. He explained that great care should be given to a tea gathering. He called it "one time, one meeting" (ichigo, ichie).
Ii Naosuke said that even if people meet often, a gathering can never be exactly the same. Because of this, every meeting is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event. The host should be very sincere and careful with every detail. Guests should also understand this. They should appreciate the host's efforts and take part with true sincerity. This is the deep meaning of "one time, one meeting." This writing helped make ichi-go ichi-e a well-known yojijukugo (four-character idiom).
In popular culture
- The 1994 movie Forrest Gump was released in Japan with a special subtitle. It was called Forrest Gump/Ichi-go Ichi-e. This reflected the many unique events in the movie.
- The term is a favorite saying of the character Hiro Nakamura. He uses it in the NBC TV series Heroes.
- The term is used in an episode of the anime series Azumanga Daioh.
- It is also a song title on the soundtrack of Kareshi Kanojo no Jijo.
- The term is used in the manga Boys Over Flowers. It also appears in its 2005 TV show, Hana Yori Dango. One character, Sojiro Nishikado, learns its true meaning.
- The Kishi Bashi album 151a is named after this term. When read in Japanese, "151a" sounds like "ichi-go-ichi ē."
- The term is the title of an episode in Mozart in the Jungle season 4. The episode is about a tea ceremony.
- Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown season 8 episode 6, "Japan with Masa," also mentions the term.
- Ichigo Ichie is a Japanese restaurant in Cork, Ireland. It has a Michelin star.
- Ichi go Ichi e is the name of a ramen bar in Graz, Austria.
- The name of Ichigo Inc., a Japanese company, comes from Ichi-go ichi-e.
See also
In Spanish: Ichi-go ichi-e para niños
