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China has reproduced similar versions of many things "Made In Japan". To name a few: karaoke, anime, manga, video games, mobile phones, the Bullet Train, robotics, vending machines, and so on.
It could even be said that China has adopted and enhanced the art of replication from Japan, since many things now considered "Japanese" had been adopted from China. Again, to name a few: kanji script, religion, martial arts, medicine, the calendar, and of course, Rokuyo and Yin Yang.
Here, we're not talking about plagiarism, counterfeiting, piracy, etc. We're talking about things which have been reproduced and adopted by each country in collaboration with the other country, and usually for mutual benefit.
This complementary dynamic is analogous to the concept of Yin Yang.
In both Chinese and Japanese, Yin and Yang are represented by 陰陽, where 陰 corresponds to Yin and 陽 corresponds to Yang.
The pronunciation of 陰陽 in Chinese is, unsurprisingly, Yīnyáng.
In Japanese, 陰陽 has three reading variations, each with different nuances:
We're using the Onmyō reading for this page. It is a foundational concept for two further words:
(It's unknown what Abe's spirit would think about his legacy portrayed in today's manga, anime and video games.)
Back in the Heian Period, Onmyōji used the calendar and astrology to determine auspicious days and provide guidance. And it's that where we see the connection with Rokuyo.
Yin and Yang is a concept from Chinese philosophy that describes the interdependent and complementary nature of opposite forces or elements in the universe. This idea is central to Daoism but has also influenced various aspects of Chinese culture, including medicine, martial arts, and cosmology.
Here's a breakdown of the concept:
Yin represents qualities such as darkness, femininity, passivity, cold, night, receptivity, and inwardness.
Yang represents qualities such as light, masculinity, activity, heat, day, assertiveness, and outwardness.
Yin and Yang are not opposing forces, rather they are complementary ones. They exist together and cannot be fully understood in isolation. Each force contains the seed of the other. For example, there's always a bit of Yin within Yang and vice versa.
This balance is often symbolized by the taijitu symbol, a circle divided into black and white swirls with a dot of the opposite colour in each half. This represents how each force is necessary and gives rise to the other.
The relationship between Yin and Yang is not static but dynamic. It’s a continuous process of change and flow. For example, day turns to night, and winter transitions into spring. Life and death, activity and rest, are constantly shifting between Yin and Yang states.
In the broader context, the philosophy of Yin and Yang suggests that the universe functions best when there's harmony and balance between opposites. Extreme imbalance in either direction can lead to chaos or disharmony, but when Yin and Yang are balanced, life flows more smoothly.
In summary, Yin and Yang reflect the natural balance and cyclical patterns found in the natural world. Understanding this concept encourages finding balance in life by acknowledging and accepting opposing forces as interconnected and interdependent.
The Japanese Yin and Yang uses the same Chinese characters, 陰陽, and is called Onmyō, where On is 陰 and myō is 陽.
While Onmyō draws heavily from Chinese Daoism, it has evolved uniquely in Japan, particularly in its spiritual, cultural, and religious practices. The core concept remains similar, but it is integrated into Japanese philosophy and daily life in a way that blends with Japan's indigenous Shinto beliefs, Buddhism, and other local traditions. Here are some distinctive aspects of the Japanese interpretation:
Onmyōdō is a traditional Japanese esoteric cosmology system that integrates elements of the Chinese Yin and Yang, along with the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), Chinese astrology, and divination.
Historically, Onmyō was practiced by Onmyōji. as introduced earlier on this page.
Just like in Chinese thought, Onmyō in Japanese culture represents complementary forces of nature and existence. However, in Japan, the focus is often on the natural world and the shifting balance between opposing elements.
In Japanese gardens, the balance of light and shade, the interplay of flowing water and stillness, and the cycles of the seasons are all expressions of Onmyō.
The Japanese Onmyō symbol and the Chinese Yīnyáng symbol are the same, but have different names. The Chinese name is Taijitu, while the Japanese name is Taikyoku-zu. Both refer to the same symbol of the Chinese martial art Tai Chi, and the related Daoist philosophy Taiji.
Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion, integrates principles of Onmyō, especially in its focus on balance with nature. While Shinto doesn't directly use the term "Onmyō" (or "Yin-Yang"), the concepts align with Shinto beliefs about the harmony between the spiritual and physical worlds.
Kami (spiritual beings or deities) in Shinto are often associated with natural forces, and their interactions can reflect the dynamic balance of Onmyō, manifesting in rituals, festivals, and sacred practices.
In Japanese aesthetics - particularly in traditional art, architecture, gardens and tea ceremonies - the idea of balance between opposites plays a central role. For example, in ikebana (Japanese flower arranging), the placement of flowers often reflects a balance of On (Yin: empty space, quiet) and nmyō (Yang: vibrant colour, growth).
In traditional Japanese medicine, the concepts of Onmyō are applied to the understanding of health and disease. Imbalances between these forces are believed to cause illness, and treatments aim to restore harmony within the body. This includes practices such as acupuncture, moxibustion and herbal medicine.
In Japanese literature, especially in poetry (such as haiku) and storytelling (such as in Noh theatre), themes of balance between light and dark, life and death, and the transient nature of beauty often reflect the broader influence of Onmyō.
The Japanese aesthetic embraces the balance between beauty and imperfection, often exploring the passage of time, which can be seen as the transition between stillness and action.
In Japanese philosophy, Onmyō and Rokuyo are distinct concepts, but they are closely related. Both draw from Chinese cosmology, particularly the system of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, and have been integrated into traditional Japanese beliefs and practices.
refers to a traditional Japanese system of six-day cycles that determine the most auspicious and inauspicious days for various activities, such as weddings, travel, or moving house.
Each day in the cycle is associated with specific qualities and corresponding Onmyōenergies, which are believed to influence people's fortunes.
The six days of the Rokuyo cycle are:
Each of the six days in the Rokuyo cycle is thought to be influenced by the principles of Onmyō, with days alternating between positive myō energy (representing action, success, and vitality) and negative or more passive On energy (representing rest, caution, or misfortune).
Days such as Taian are associated with a predominance of myō energy, making them ideal for major life events like weddings or starting new ventures. Conversely, Butsumetsu days, dominated by On energy, are considered unlucky, especially for new beginnings.
Thus, Rokuyo can be seen as a practical application of Onmyō philosophy to daily life, guiding people in their decisions based on the energetic balance of the day.
The Rokuyo system was derived from Chinese cosmology, particularly the Yin-Yang and Five Elements framework. It arrived in Japan through Chinese astrology and was further developed to fit Japanese cultural practices.
The Rokuyo cycle is influenced by ancient Chinese calendar systems, but became more popular in Japan through its association with Onmyōdō, an esoteric practice that integrates Onmyō and astrology to guide daily life and events.
In Japan, people often consult the Rokuyo calendar to determine the best days for activities such as weddings, business openings, or moving house. It is especially common to avoid Butsumetsu days for important events due to their negative connotations, while Taian is considered a perfect day for celebration or new beginnings.
While Onmyō provides the philosophical foundation for Rokuyo, the latter has been seamlessly integrated into Japanese cultural practices and rituals. It helps guide a person to choose days that align with the flow of mystical "cosmic energy", ensuring that their actions harmonize with the natural forces of the universe.
