How Japanese Philosophy Can Transform Your PhD Journey

The Japanese Keys to Surviving (and Thriving) in Your PhD

I love Japan.

I’m not Japanese, but sometimes I wish I had been born there. Or maybe not. Maybe I’m glad I grew up in a Western culture and only later, after 30 years, realized just how different and fascinating Japanese culture is. If I had been immersed in it from the start, perhaps I wouldn’t have fully grasped the impact it could have on my life.

Because, yes, Japanese philosophy has profoundly influenced both my personal life and my work as a PhD student. If you love Japan, you probably understand what I mean. If you’re unfamiliar with it, I’m thrilled to introduce you to some powerful concepts that can help you navigate the ups and downs of a PhD.

Japan is a country of contrasts—where tradition and modernity, silence and chaos, simplicity and sophistication exist in perfect harmony. Its culture is deeply rooted in wa (和)—the pursuit of social harmony—and gi (義), a strong sense of duty and integrity. These values shape every aspect of life, from the meticulous attention to detail in craftsmanship to the way people interact with quiet respect and discipline.

This alone would be enough to explain why Japanese philosophy can be a lifeline during a PhD. But there’s more. Some core Japanese principles, when embraced, can lead not just to productivity and resilience, but to genuine fulfillment. Let’s explore them.

Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺, lit. 'Temple of the Golden Pavilion'), Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. Credits: My husband

Ikigai (生き甲斐) – Finding Purpose in Your PhD

Ikigai is one of those words that resists direct translation. It’s often described as your reason for being—the deeper purpose that makes you excited to wake up in the morning. In Western culture, ikigai has been reframed as the intersection of four things:

✔️ What you love
✔️ What you’re good at
✔️ What the world needs
✔️ What you can be paid for

Applying this to academia, the PhD experience is challenging—demanding countless skills, pushing your mental limits, and often testing your patience. But despite all of this, I know that research is my ikigai. I know that contributing, even in a small way, to understanding a devastating neurodegenerative disease is what drives me.

But what if you don’t feel that same spark?

Don’t panic. Your ikigai might not be clear yet. Maybe you need more time, new experiences, or different perspectives. The person you are at the start of your PhD is not the same person you will be at the end. I guarantee it.

Or perhaps academia isn’t your true path—and that’s okay, too. Everything is experience. We’ll talk more about finding ikigai outside academia in the future. But for now, try asking yourself:

• What truly motivates me? Is it curiosity? The desire to make a difference? The thrill of discovery?

• How do I balance passion and academic career? If you find yourself mulling over your experiments even when you’re exhausted—if, despite the failures, you’re still driven by curiosity—then you might have found your ikigai.

• How do I stay motivated when things get tough? Reminding yourself of your ikigai can be a powerful anchor.

Kaizen (改善) – The Power of Continuous Improvement

The concept of kaizen is simple yet transformative: small, consistent improvements over time lead to extraordinary results. Instead of chasing immediate perfection, kaizen teaches us to embrace steady progress.

In a PhD, this means:

✔️ Breaking big tasks into micro-goals—writing a little each day, reading regularly, improving your organization.
✔️ Developing a growth mindset—seeing feedback and setbacks not as failures but as opportunities to improve.
✔️ Optimizing your workflow—finding smarter ways to manage your time and energy (which I talked about in my first post on time management —> Time Management in a PhD).

The PhD is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. Adopting kaizen helps you pace yourself and appreciate the process, rather than just the end goal.

Zen garden in Kyoto, Japan. Credits: Still my husband

Kodawari (こだわり) – The Art of Dedication to Detail

Kodawari is the relentless pursuit of quality—an almost obsessive attention to detail and craftsmanship. In academia, this translates into:

✔️ Producing high-quality research and scientific writing.
✔️ Refining presentations, posters, and publications with a “scientific craftsmanship” mindset.
✔️ Striving for excellence without letting perfectionism become a roadblock.

Because here’s the challenge: when does kodawari enhance your work, and when does it hold you back?

Perfectionism can be paralyzing. At some point, you have to submit the paper, finish the presentation, or move on from an experiment that just isn’t working. The key is finding a balance—pursuing excellence without losing sight of progress.

Wabi-sabi (侘寂) – Embracing Imperfection in Research

Perhaps the most liberating of all Japanese philosophies, wabi-sabi is the art of finding beauty in imperfection and impermanence. It teaches us to accept things as they are, rather than endlessly chasing an unattainable ideal.

PhD students, take note:

✔️ Imperfection is part of growth. A failed experiment, a rejected paper, or a “less-than-perfect” presentation isn’t failure—it’s part of the process.
✔️ Research is messy, and that’s okay. Progress isn’t linear, and sometimes the most valuable discoveries happen in the chaos.
✔️ Every step of the journey has its own beauty. Even when things feel overwhelming, you’re learning, evolving, and getting closer to your goal.

How can you apply wabi-sabi in your PhD?

• Let go of toxic perfectionism. Not everything has to be flawless to be meaningful.

• Recognize and celebrate your progress. Look back and appreciate how much you’ve grown.

• Accept the natural rhythms of research. Productivity fluctuates—some days are breakthroughs, some are slow, and that’s normal.

There is no such thing as a perfect PhD. You could spend an eternity refining your work, but at some point, you have to accept its imperfections and move forward. Because, at the end of the day, giving your best in that moment is enough.

Final Thoughts: What Speaks to You?

Japanese philosophy offers a powerful lens through which to view the PhD experience. Whether it’s ikigai helping you find purpose, kaizen encouraging steady progress, kodawari refining your craft, or wabi-sabi reminding you to embrace the imperfect journey—each concept has something valuable to offer.

🌱 Which of these ideas resonates with you the most? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment and let’s discuss!

Best,
LoA