Why Japanese Cuture Embraces Sadness

"Mono no aware" (物の哀れ) is a Japanese term that translates to "the pathos of things" or "an empathy towards things". It describes a deep awareness and sensitivity to the transience and impermanence of all things, often associated with a bittersweet feeling of beauty and sadness. This feeling can be evoked by observing the changing seasons, the beauty of nature, or even the fleeting nature of human relationships.