Different Ways to Read Kanji

Happiness—a concept that each of us understands differently, yet one that we all seek. In Chinese script (Japanese kanji, Korean hanja), happiness is written with the character 幸 (read in Japanese as kō or sachi). It is surprising how much knowledge about what happiness is and how to find it in life is encoded in this seemingly simple character. This ancient symbol, composed of several meaningful radicals (bushu), has a unique feature—it looks exactly the same even when flipped upside down. Is this a coincidence, or perhaps a hidden clue that true happiness retains its meaning regardless of perspective?

The history of this character is just as fascinating as its structure. It originates from a hieroglyph depicting a hand shackled in chains—in today's article, we will explore how a symbol of captivity and punishment could also signify happiness in the Chinese cultural sphere. We will also look at contemporary interpretations of the character 幸, which go far beyond its original meaning, referring to the balance between what is visible and material and what is invisible and spiritual. In this harmony lies the key to understanding why happiness in Japanese philosophy is something entirely different from fleeting joy—perhaps it can even sometimes be mistaken for pain?

The character 幸 contains encoded instructions on how to seek… oneself instead of happiness. In Japanese philosophy, there is often talk of balance between the ego (自我) and the true self (真我); here, happiness emerges only when these two forces are in harmony. The radicals that make up this kanji (干, 十, 土) and their relative arrangement also offer many insights into how to seek happiness in life. The character "幸" may seem simple, but much can be "read" from it—shall we try?

Examining the Kanji 幸

Structure and Radicals

The character 幸 is simple in form, yet its structure holds many symbolic references. It consists of three key elements:

• The upper horizontal line (一): Symbolizes "heaven" or something higher, which in Japanese philosophy often refers to spirituality, harmony, or a higher order. It represents the foundation that shows the power of invisible forces in our lives.

• The middle part (口): Resembles an opening or void, symbolizing the space between the visible and invisible world. In Buddhist interpretation, it may refer to the concept of emptiness (空, kū), which is simultaneously the source of all things.

• The lower part (十): A cross, symbolizing the earth, matter, and what is visible. It serves as the foundation upon which our daily life and relationships with the surrounding world rest.

The proportions of these elements are crucial—the upper line and lower cross are longer, which may indicate balance between the spiritual and material, while the middle part (口) serves as a "transition" between these two realms.

Readings and Meanings

The kanji 幸 has two main readings that reflect its diverse applications:

• On’yomi (Sino-Japanese reading): kō – generally means happiness, good fortune, or prosperity. Used in more formal or compound words, such as 幸運 (kōun – luck, good fortune) or 幸福 (kōfuku – prosperity, happiness).

• Kun’yomi (native Japanese reading): sachi – a more personal and everyday meaning of happiness, associated with positive feelings or good fortune. Sachi often appears in poetic and literary texts.

A second kun’yomi reading is "shiawase", used in the context of "being happy" or a "state of happiness" (e.g., 幸せな気持ち – "a feeling of happiness").

The character 幸 appears in many names and place names, indicating its positive connotations in Japanese culture, such as the name Sachiko (幸子 – "happy child").

Symbolism

The kanji 幸 is filled with philosophical significance. Its structure reflects the harmony between what is visible and material (earth) and what is spiritual and invisible (heaven). The middle part, which divides the character into two equal parts, represents the boundary between worlds but also the place where these two dimensions meet.

In philosophical interpretations, the character 幸 is often compared to yin and yang—symbolizing the balance of opposites. It is also linked to the Heart Sutra, which speaks of the unity of emptiness (kū) and form.

One of the most intriguing features of the character 幸, as noted by Kitarō Nishida in An Inquiry into the Good, is that it looks identical when flipped upside down. This unique symmetry can be interpreted as a symbol of the constancy of happiness regardless of perspective. Whether our life is "up" or "down," the character 幸 suggests that happiness is always within reach, though sometimes it requires a shift in perception.

This fact can also be interpreted as a reminder that happiness is universal and independent of external conditions—it can be found even in situations that initially seem contrary to its nature.

The Evolution of the Character 幸

Hieroglyphic Origins

The character 幸 originates from Chinese pictographic writing and originally had a surprisingly pragmatic meaning. Its earliest form depicted a hand shackled in chains—an image that, at first glance, seems difficult to associate with happiness. However, in ancient societies, where life was filled with dangers and harsh punishments, the restriction of movement (such as handcuffing) was considered a more humane and less cruel alternative to other forms of punishment, such as death or torture.

In this context, the character symbolized a form of "fortunate misfortune"—a limitation that simultaneously ensured survival. This reflects ancient values, where simplicity of life and the avoidance of extreme misfortunes were seen as a state of relative harmony and happiness. This concept reveals deep cultural differences—what one society considers suffering, another might see as a form of protection.

Historical Context

In ancient China, where the kanji 幸 originated, the concept of happiness was closely related to social order and harmony with nature. The restraint symbolized by shackled hands could be interpreted as a form of control, preventing chaos at both the individual and societal levels. Simplicity of life, modesty, and acceptance of one's fate were key virtues.

With the adoption of Chinese writing by Japan in the 5th–6th century CE, the character 幸 began to acquire new meanings and was reinterpreted within the context of Japanese culture, which integrated diverse influences: Shintō, Buddhism, and Confucianism.

Transformation of Meaning Over the Centuries

The original symbolism of 幸, associated with restriction and survival, gradually evolved into more abstract and philosophical interpretations. As Buddhist philosophy gained influence in Japan, the character was reinterpreted as a symbol of balance and harmony between different aspects of life—the material and the spiritual, the visible and the invisible.

In Buddhist thought, happiness is often associated with liberation from suffering through acceptance and inner balance. In this context, 幸 began to be seen as a reminder of the necessity of harmony between the ego (自我) and the true self (真我)—a perspective often highlighted by scholars of kanji symbolism.

In Shintō, happiness is tied to harmony with nature and the kami (gods/spirits). The symbolism of earth (土) and the balance between the visible (material world) and the invisible (spiritual world) began to be associated with the character 幸.

Contemporary Interpretations

Today, 幸 has a more universal meaning as a symbol of happiness, good fortune, and balance. Its significance has been enriched by Japanese aesthetic and philosophical values, such as wabi-sabi (the acceptance of imperfection) and minimalism. This is particularly evident in calligraphic works featuring this character by artists such as Shōdō Harada and Kōji Kakinuma, who often explore the deep meanings of traditional kanji, merging classical forms with modern expression.

Additionally, the kanji 幸 appears in protective charms (omamori) and on ema (wooden prayer plaques in shrines), preserving its original function of warding off misfortune and maintaining harmony in life.

Clues Encoded in the Character 幸

Philosopher Kitarō Nishida, founder of the Kyoto School of Philosophy, in his 1911 work An Inquiry into the Good, argues that the happiness embodied in this character is a state independent of external conditions, derived instead from the harmony between the physical and spiritual aspects of human life—in other words, one’s internal attitude.

The character 幸, in this context, can be seen as a hidden reminder of the balance between what we perceive with our senses (earth: the lower radical 十) and what remains beyond our vision (heaven: the upper line 一). The middle part (口) of the character can be interpreted as the boundary between these worlds, a space where materiality and spirituality intersect.

What exists between earth and heaven, both in Japanese and European culture? Humans. And intriguingly, at the center of 幸, where a human could metaphorically be placed, there is "口"—a void.

In East Asian philosophy, emptiness (空, kū) carries a very different meaning than in Western thought. Rather than being an absence, emptiness represents boundless potential, a dynamic and creative space. In this way, the human element in 幸 is a space of possibility, suspended between heaven and earth, spirituality and corporeality—where both are equally important and necessary for attaining happiness.

This is one of the great lessons from 幸—that happiness is found in creativity and openness, in living in harmony between body and spirit.

(For more on the concept of emptiness, see our article: Japanese Karesansui Garden is a Mirror in Which You Can See Yourself)

The Character 幸 in Calligraphy

Shōdō Harada: Simplicity and Zen Spirit in 幸

Shōdō Harada, a Zen master and renowned calligrapher, is known for creating works that combine deep philosophy with minimalist form. His interpretations of the character 幸 express the fundamental values of Zen philosophy—simplicity, mindfulness of the present moment, and harmony between humans and the surrounding world.

In his calligraphy, Harada often uses 幸 as a central element. Many of his works, along with his commentary, can be found in Moon by the Window: The Calligraphy and Zen Insights of Shodo Harada. Harada explicitly states in his writings and artistic expressions that 幸 in Zen calligraphy symbolizes not only happiness but also spiritual tranquility, which can be found through acceptance of imperfection and living in accordance with nature.

Kōji Kakinuma: Energy and Dynamism in 幸

Kōji Kakinuma, considered one of the most innovative contemporary calligraphers, approaches 幸 with a completely different perspective. His style is characterized by expressiveness and a bold willingness to experiment with traditional calligraphy.

Kakinuma frequently depicts 幸 on a large scale, using broad, energetic brushstrokes. In one of his works, where 幸 is the central motif, he applies dynamic lines and multiple layers of ink, conveying the energy and transient nature of happiness. His interpretation suggests that happiness is a force, something alive, changeable, and fleeting.

Interestingly, Kakinuma often creates his works in front of live audiences during performances. His depictions of 幸, produced in this setting, are not only works of art but also a form of performance, in which the artist channels his emotions and reflections onto paper. Kakinuma sees 幸 as a reminder that happiness requires action and engagement—it is not something given permanently but rather a result of continuous movement and the energy we invest in life.

Kazuaki Tanahashi: Color and Innovation in the Interpretation of 幸

Kazuaki Tanahashi is an artist, calligrapher, and translator known for introducing color into traditional black-and-white calligraphy. His approach to calligraphy, including his renditions of 幸, is characterized by the use of vibrant hues and experimental forms, giving his works an entirely new dynamic.

In one of his pieces, Tanahashi depicts 幸 in shades of blue and green, with fluid, almost abstract lines. This interpretation can symbolize happiness as a fluid and ever-changing phenomenon, emphasizing both harmony between humans and nature as well as the elusive and transient nature of happiness itself. Here, happiness is not a fixed state but rather a fleeting moment—if we recognize it, we experience it as happiness; however, if we fail to perceive it in that moment, it slips away. This is an intriguing and somewhat unconventional perspective on how 幸 can be understood in our lives.

In this way, Tanahashi, much like Harada and Kakinuma, showcases the diversity of interpretations of 幸 in contemporary Japanese calligraphy, blending traditional techniques with personal expression and philosophical depth.

The Structure of 幸 and the Secret to Happiness Encoded Within It

Happiness is a multidimensional concept—sometimes ephemeral and fleeting, sometimes stable and deeply rooted in one’s attitude toward life. In Japanese, it is represented by the character 幸 (kō, sachi), which at first glance appears simple. However, the elements composing it—known as radicals (bushu)—carry an unexpectedly rich message about the nature of happiness. Let's examine the structure of this kanji—perhaps we can learn something from it?

Action and Effort: 干 as the Key to Active Happiness

One of the fundamental components of 幸 is the radical 干 (kan, "dry," "act," "cut across"). At first glance, its presence in the character for happiness may seem puzzling. However, it conveys an essential message:

○   Happiness is not something that simply comes to us; it is the result of our own actions.

○  It is not determined by external factors but shaped by our effort.

The radical 干 also appears in other kanji, such as:

• 肝 (kan, "liver") – In traditional Chinese medicine, the liver is associated with courage and vitality.
• 汗 (kan, "sweat") – A direct reference to effort and labor.

These connections suggest that happiness is not a passive state—it requires effort, work, and commitment. 幸, therefore, does not merely represent blissful contentment but rather an active process of shaping one's destiny.

Balance and Wholeness: 十 as the Foundation of Happiness

Another crucial component of 幸 is the radical 十 (jū, "ten," "wholeness"). In Chinese and Japanese culture (and arguably in European traditions as well), the number ten symbolizes completeness, totality, and perfection. It represents the full cycle—indicating that something has reached its final and complete form.

Related kanji include:

• 神 (kami, "deity") – Suggesting the spiritual aspect of happiness.
• 南 (minami, "south") – In classical cosmology, the south is associated with warmth, life, and prosperity.

The presence of 十 in 幸 implies that true happiness comes from balance—both internal and external. It is not a fleeting moment of joy or a random stroke of luck but a state in which all aspects of life exist in the right proportion.

This can be interpreted as a reminder that happiness is not achieved through isolated successes but rather through consistent, long-term efforts to build a fulfilling life.

Earth and Stability: The Role of 土 in 幸

The third key radical in 幸 is 土 (do, tsuchi, "earth"). Earth serves as a foundation, supporting everything—it is a symbol of stability, reality, and the physical world. For happiness to be enduring, it too requires a solid base.

Related kanji include:

• 地 (chi, "earth, ground") – Indicating that happiness is not just an abstract idea but something real and tangible.

This suggests that happiness is not purely spiritual or intellectual; it must be grounded in reality. It exists here and now and can be experienced through tangible actions in the physical world.

What Do the Radicals of 幸 Teach Us?

By analyzing the radicals of 幸, we uncover hidden insights about the nature of happiness (or at least, how it was traditionally understood in the Chinese cultural sphere):

► 干 — Happiness requires action. It is not a passive state but something we actively shape through effort.

► 十 — Happiness comes from harmony. We find it when various aspects of our lives remain in balance.

► 土 — Happiness needs a foundation. It cannot be purely intangible; it must have roots in reality.

Thus, 幸 is not merely an abstract symbol of positive emotions. Instead, it encodes a philosophy of life, suggesting that true happiness is not a matter of chance but a conscious pursuit of harmony between different spheres of existence.

It is the art of balance—between work and rest, the material and the spiritual, action and acceptance. 幸, therefore, serves as a lesson on how to find lasting happiness in a world where change is the only constant.

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"Strong Japanese Women"

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    未開    ソビエライ

 An enthusiast of Asian culture with a deep appreciation for the diverse philosophies of the world. By education, a psychologist and philologist specializing in Korean studies. At heart, a programmer (primarily for Android) and a passionate technology enthusiast, as well as a practitioner of Zen and mono no aware. In moments of tranquility, adheres to a disciplined lifestyle, firmly believing that perseverance, continuous personal growth, and dedication to one's passions are the wisest paths in life. Author of the book "Strong Women of Japan" (>>see more)

Personal motto:

"The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest." - Albert Einstein (probably)

  Mike Soray

   (aka Michał Sobieraj)

未開    ソビエライ

 An enthusiast of Asian culture with a deep appreciation for the diverse philosophies of the world. By education, a psychologist and philologist specializing in Korean studies. At heart, a programmer (primarily for Android) and a passionate technology enthusiast, as well as a practitioner of Zen and mono no aware. In moments of tranquility, adheres to a disciplined lifestyle, firmly believing that perseverance, continuous personal growth, and dedication to one's passions are the wisest paths in life. Author of the book "Strong Women of Japan" (>>see more)

Personal motto:

"The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest." - Albert Einstein (probably)

Mike Soray

(aka Michał Sobieraj)

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