"Ichigo Ichie: Cherishing Everyday Encounters, a Japanese Philosophy"

Born from the spirit of the Japanese tea ceremony, the phrase “一期一会  (ichigo ichie)” has been close to my heart throughout my life. With this principle in mind, I have cherished every encounter with people, every object I come across, and each daily experience.

From this blog onwards, I will be introducing, over several posts, some Japanese four-character idioms (yojijukugo) that relate to counselling and ways of living. These are my personal interpretations, so they may not always match the original meanings exactly. Please bear this in mind.

Note: “Yojijukugo” are traditional Japanese idioms consisting of four kanji characters, each carrying a rich meaning. I will provide explanations to make them easier to understand.

In this blog, I share the weight of ichigo ichie as I experienced it as a cabin crew member, and the meaning each encounter can hold.

Ichigo Ichie: Putting Heart into Every Singular Encounter

“Ichigo Ichie”—this phrase has been a treasured part of my life since childhood. When I first learned it, I felt a deep awareness of the preciousness of every encounter. Since then, I have approached every meeting with the mindset that it might be the first and last, and I put my heart into it.

Originally, the phrase comes from the tea ceremony. It embodies the idea that “this gathering may never be repeated,” and both host and guest devote themselves sincerely to make the moment meaningful. It reflects a uniquely Japanese appreciation for the ephemeral nature of atmosphere and interaction, valuing the moment that exists only then. With this awareness, I strive never to lose my sense of gratitude for every encounter.

Ichigo Ichie Extends Beyond People—to Objects and Time

I believe that ichigo ichie applies not only to human encounters but to every event and object in our daily lives.

For instance, a cup of coffee in the morning, a street scene you pass by without noticing, a line from a book you open—each exists only in that precise moment. You may drink the same coffee again, but the combination of your current mood, the scent in the air, the sunlight, and the taste you experience is unique to that instant.

Even the tools and clothes we use daily gain a sense of value when approached with an ichigo ichie mindset. We notice their usefulness when they break, or appreciate their irreplaceable nature once they are gone. I sometimes feel that objects have a soul of their own. Recognising each moment with them as a singular encounter naturally encourages us to handle them with care.

The Miracles of Ichigo Ichie in the Sky

I previously worked as a cabin crew member. Every flight brought me face to face with a different set of passengers, and each trip to a new country was unique. What I felt most strongly was the immeasurable preciousness of sharing the same space and time with others in that exact moment.

There are eight billion people on this planet, yet on a single flight, we happen to share a few hours together. This feels like more than mere coincidence. The fact that a passenger boarded the flight I served, and that I had the opportunity to care for them, felt like a perfect embodiment of ichigo ichie.

Not only passengers, but also the people I met in different countries were encounters that could only happen because of who I am and the choices I made. If I hadn’t been there, we would never have crossed paths. Each of these meetings has brought warmth and learning into my life.

Even those closest to me—family, friends, and partners—might never have been part of my life if I had taken a different path. Considering this, every encounter seems miraculous and far from ordinary.

For that reason, I strive always to treat others with sincerity and respect, and to maintain a sense of gratitude. I wish to treasure every relationship so that I can genuinely say, “thank you.”

Every Encounter Has Meaning

Every encounter is a source of learning and insight. Through relationships with others, I become aware of my own emotions and reactions, gaining a deeper understanding of myself. I believe that even painful experiences contain valuable lessons, which is why I want to hold every meeting as precious.

Of course, not everyone I meet has treated me kindly. Some have been unkind or indifferent. Yet, surprisingly, I have never felt hatred toward them.

That is because I believe they, too, were present to teach me something important. Through interactions with others, I face my own weaknesses and anger, discovering new aspects of myself. Even painful experiences can hold gifts that become clear later.

I also feel that this idea connects to my belief that everything that happens in life has meaning. Joyful, sorrowful, or frustrating experiences all shape me and contribute to my growth. Each event carries a message, and recognising this makes every moment in life feel purposeful.

However, this does not mean accepting everything. Some people may attempt to take advantage of kindness. In such cases, it is equally important to establish clear boundaries and decide, “I will not let you cross this line.”

Kindness and strength are not contradictory. With both compassion for others and the ability to protect oneself, we can relate to people more deeply and calmly.

In Conclusion

Ichigo Ichie is the essence of my life. Every encounter with a person, an object, or an emotion is a unique and irreplaceable moment for me. Each event has meaning and has helped shape who I am today. Therefore, I wish to cherish every moment I spend with others, fully and sincerely.

This philosophy also extends to my work in counselling. Sitting in a safe space, observing thoughts and feelings together, is itself a moment of ichigo ichie. It is often in this shared presence that clients discover possibilities and healing they had not noticed before.

If you feel uncertain about life events or your relationships with others, I invite you to explore their meaning through counselling. I wish to honour each encounter as ichigo ichie while supporting you on your path.

The blog page of Locus of Life is a space where I share my thoughts and insights. By reflecting on everyday moments and the deeper significance of life, it can also serve as a source of insight and learning that connects naturally to counselling.

I hope that your day, too, is touched by quiet and warm moments of 一期一会 (ichigo ichie.)