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Japan has a reputation for hard work and fine craftsmanship. Japanese manufactured goods, such as automobiles and electronics, are well-known for their high quality and reliability. There is a Japanese expression, from ancient times, which helps to explain this excellent level of doing and making things: 切磋琢磨 (SESSA TAKUMA). 切 (Setsu) means cutting horn or bone of animal; 磋 (Sa) means sharpening it; 琢 (Taku) means hitting and breaking a rock, 磨 (Ma) means polishing it. Back in the prehistoric days, fashioning good tools and utensils by hand took a long time, required preciseness, and the tool-makers would gradually improve their skills and techniques. Improved living conditions, and even survival, depended on producing dependable implements and weapons. So, as you can see, SESSA TAKUMA is a way to remind Japanese people of the need to be diligent and always strive to get better.

written by Goodfield