Scroll down to see all 14 hand-lettered designs Improvement in Japanese is  which is read kaizen. The Japanese word kaizen means "Improvement, Betterment; Incremental and continuous improvement" and is composed of the kanji  (read kai) meaning "change; renew; amend; reformation" and  (read zen) meaning "good; virtuous". This design reminds us that improvement really is a continuous process and Perfection is never achieved. R. H. Blyth in Zen and Zen Classics Volume One  explains a fundamental of Zen Buddhism as "Holding to the One is not Truth." There is no Perfect, there is only the journey. In his book The Japanese Have a Word for It: The Complete Guide to Japanese Thought and Culture Boye Lafayette De Mente uses the translation of kaizen as "Nothing is Ever Good Enough". He writes "Kai zen literally means 'continuous improvement,' and is a concept that has permeated Japanese culture since ancient times. It means, simply, that the Japanese are driven by an innate urge to continuously strive to improve both the form of the things they make as well as the manufacturing technology and process." He went on to write, "The historical factor that gave rise to the kai zen concept was the master-apprentice approach that was applied throughout the arts and crafts, from the making of pottery and bamboo baskets to the painting of wall scrolls. As the centuries passed, acceptable standards became higher and higher until finally even the most mundane article was expected to be a work of art." For more information on how kaizen has been interpreted see the Wikipedia article Kaizen - Continuous Improvement. Translations You Can Trust We want you to be as happy with the Japanese translation as you are with Master Takase's beautiful art. So we have made it easy to confirm the translation for yourself by simply clicking on Improvement (kaizen) which links to the independent Jeffrey's Japanese English Dictionary. Or if you have Japanese fonts see Yahoo's dictionary entry Improvement (kaizen). Further Namiko Abe (from About.com) lists this as a popular kanji at Improvement (Kaizen). Order as Original Art, Graphic Art or as a Tattoo For Tattoos: Immediately get your tattoo design - As soon as you order you will be given a link to get the design. There is no waiting!And we provide you with everything you need for the perfect Japanese tattoo including the line art (also called a stencil) that your tattoo artist will need to correctly ink the design. Just print the design and take it to your favorite tattoo artist. Getting the perfect Japanese Tattoo is now safe and easy! Original Art We are also pleased to offer this design as an original work of art personally created by Master Takase when your order is placed. This beautiful work of art will be completed in about two days and shipped from Takase Studios from the beautiful state of Washington. We have several options for unframed art and one framed option. Each is on handmade Japanese paper which we purchase directly from papermakers in Kochi Japan. This unique paper is perfect for Western-style framing and really brings out the beauty of the brush strokes. If you have any questions please contact us |
