The only Japanese who was not obedient: Jiro Shirasu (Principles of Beauty)

"The only Japanese who is not obedient" - Jiro Shirasu and the "principles of beauty"

Some may feel that the name Shirasu Jiro sounds somewhat like wind. In fact, he was also known as the "Man of Wind." His refined British-trained demeanor and, above all, his life of principle - his appearance is reminiscent of a samurai, yet also of a modern poet.

When tracing his life, the themes of "beauty" and "conviction" run throughout it like a basso continuo. This is an expression of his quiet yet resilient determination to live according to his own aesthetic sense and ethical values, without being swept away by the tides of the times.

From Ashiya to Cambridge - A young man wearing the wind

Born in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture in 1902, Jiro Shirasu grew up in a wealthy businessman's family. He was familiar with Western culture from an early age and moved to England alone at a young age. He studied at Clare College, Cambridge, where he majored in Western history. While he was dedicated to his studies, he also enjoyed the typical "oily boy" lifestyle of his youth, driving Bentleys and Bugattis and spending his weekends racing.

However, his life in Britain was not limited to mere luxury and pleasure. Through his interactions with British aristocrats, he came to understand what it meant to be a gentleman. This was not simply etiquette, but the philosophy of "acting according to one's beliefs," in other words, "living with principles." This spirit, which resonated with the Japanese samurai code, would become a firm guide for him in his life after returning to Japan.

Negotiations with GHQ: A flower of courage that blossomed in turbulent times

After World War II, Japan was placed under the occupation of the Allied forces. Amidst the political turmoil and shift in values, Jiro Shirasu was asked by Shigeru Yoshida to serve as an advisor to the Central Liaison Office for the Termination of the War, negotiating with GHQ.

What made him famous was an anecdote about his exchange with General MacArthur, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers. When the Emperor told him to "leave a gift there," Shirasu immediately shouted, "What are you talking about?" This episode has been passed down as a symbol of his "never pandering to anyone" attitude.

The Americans described him as "the only Japanese who was not submissive" because he consistently acted according to "principles." He was courteous to everyone, but never compromised on his beliefs. As postwar Japan searched for new values, Shirasu stood out as a particularly distinctive figure.

Buaiso, a garden of ideas

After retiring from the political scene, Jiro Shirasu moved to Buaiso, an old house in Machida, on the outskirts of Tokyo. The house he lived in with his wife, Masako Shirasu, was more than just a home; it was a space that embodied his ideas and aesthetic sense.

It is said that Shirasu's "eye for discerning" was present in every stone in the garden and every grain of the wood on the pillars. Stripping away all unnecessary elements and leaving only what was necessary was an approach that was in line with the "beauty of utility" and was also his way of life.

Masako later said, "I was constantly reminded of principles, principles, every day." This was not simply stubbornness, but a testament to his sincerity, and it speaks to his earnest attitude of striving to adhere to his "principles" in his daily life.

Jiro Shirasu's "Principles of Beauty"

Jiro Shirasu's aesthetic sense never relied on flashy decoration or trends. Rather, he valued "simplicity," "discerning the essence," and "selecting with one's own eyes." For him, beauty was not based on external splendor, but was rooted in inner purity and sincerity, and this was consistently reflected in his clothing, speech, home, and even the way he interacted with people.

Shirasu also had a strong sense of pride in the fact that "Japanese people are Japanese." In the midst of the chaos of the post-war period, in response to the trend of uncritically pandering to Western values, he took a step back and continued to ask, "What is Japan?" and "What is beauty?" His attitude continues to inspire us today.

The WABISUKE Perspective: What We Can Learn from Jiro Shirasu

I believe that Jiro Shirasu's way of life will resonate particularly with WABISUKE readers. He was a man who embodied "strength in stillness." He was not swayed by trends or bound by titles, but simply lived according to "the beauty he believed in" and "principles."

His example poses the question for us today: "What should we choose and what should we discard?" In an age where information is overflowing and values ​​are diversifying, the importance of having one's own principles becomes even more apparent.

Like Shirasu, we have an aesthetic sense that is as flexible as the wind, yet as unwavering as its roots. We bring the "principles of beauty" to bear in the most casual choices we make in our daily lives. This is an attitude that resonates deeply with the "tranquility," "space," and "discerning eye" that WABISUKE values.

Jiro Shirasu's way of life is not something of the past. It is also a "hint for the future" for us who live in the present. Like him, we should be able to walk with the wind in our step, yet with our feet firmly on the ground. We too should walk quietly but surely, with our own "principles" in hand.