Human Touch in Things

 

Since ancient times, the Japanese have used personification to make abstract concepts more relatable and easier to understand. By attributing human characteristics to nature, animals, and even inanimate objects, communication becomes smoother and more emotionally engaging. One fascinating modern example of this cultural tendency is the naming of robots in manufacturing factories. These machines are often given human names, which fosters a sense of attachment and even camaraderie among the workers. As a result, many people develop strong emotional ties to these well-maintained machines, treating them almost like colleagues. When it's time to retire them, simply discarding them feels disrespectful. In some cases, companies go so far as to hold memorial services, inviting Shinto priests to conduct ceremonies of gratitude for the service the machines have provided. This spirit of personification extends across many aspects of Japanese culture. Haiku and anime, for example, frequently depict nature and objects with human emotions and traits, reflecting a deep cultural tradition. Underlying this tendency is the ancient belief that all things possess a soul. Even if this belief is no longer overtly expressed, it continues to shape modern practices and attitudes, subtly passed down through generations.

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