"Shiwake-gaku" (The Study of Sorting) — The Japanese word "Shiwake": A way of thinking that divides the world "carefully" [Column] The Science of Thought (No. 84)

🥑 Digest: The Japanese word "Shiwake" — A way of thinking that divides the world "carefully"

One morning, a commercial about a "mother sorting through household chores" came over the radio during my commute. That word suddenly stuck in my mind. "Shiwake" — Is it not just a simple classification, but perhaps an act that is deeper and kinder? This column began with that question.

"Shiwake" is an expression unique to Japanese, and it is similar to, yet different from, the English words "sort" and "categorize". Rather than classification, it is a context-dependent technique of organization that includes "assigning meaning" and "consideration." This word embodies a Japanese way of thinking and aesthetic sense of gently dividing things while being mindful of the other party and the situation.

In this column, I analyzed the structure of "Shiwake" mathematically and proposed a factorization model: "Shiwake = Classification × Context × Consideration". Through this, it becomes clear that "Shiwake" is not static organization, but a accumulation of dynamic and human judgments.

Furthermore, in the modern era where information and values are intermingled due to globalization and the advancement of AI, "Shiwake"-style thinking is becoming increasingly important. It is a sensibility that works globally as a form of wisdom for "carefully dividing and connecting," rather than making assertions or labeling.

Finally, I also introduce tips for cultivating a sense of "Shiwake" in daily life. Organizing emails, the sense of distance in human relationships, how to tidy up... All of these may be manifestations of the "quiet intelligence" within you.

To "Shiwake" is not to cut off by dividing, but a gentle technique for reorganizing meaning and relationships. It is a new form of knowledge for how we engage with the world today.

🎯 The Aim of This Column (3 Points)

• "Shiwake" is a "gentle technique of thinking" unique to Japanese, where classification, context, and consideration are multiplied together.

• The sense of "Shiwake," which cannot be fully translated into English, embodies a cultural intelligence of "dividing carefully" while reading the other party and the situation.

• In a modern society that demands diversity and coexistence, "Shiwake-style thinking" is an effective intellectual tool for reorganizing relationships rather than creating disconnection.

🍆 Introduction | How is "Shiwake" different from classification?

On the morning commute, I was listening to the radio absentmindedly when a conversation from a commercial played.

Immediately after I chuckled a little, I thought.

—I see. "Shiwake" appears in so many different situations.

The fridge, the laundry, separating trash... Even just with things around the house, we live our lives sorting everything. And that "way of dividing" is packed with

situational judgment, action, and consideration, which cannot be settled by mere classification.

For example, "sorting laundry" involves a sense of care to prevent "careless mistakes" while assessing materials and colorfastness, and
"sorting trash" includes consideration for local rules and the environment.

However, if you were to say that in English..."Sort"? "Organize"? "Separate"?
None of them feel quite right.

I felt that the word "Shiwake" containshumanity, practicality, and kindnessall wrapped up together.

In this column, I will delve into the Japanese word "Shiwake" by exploring its etymology, cultural background, comparisons with other languages, mathematical structure, and even its global context, to unravel the

"quiet intelligence"that lies behind the act of "sorting."

"Shiwake"What kind of Japanese wisdom lies dormant deep within this word?
And how does it remain relevant in today's era?
As the beginning of that journey, let us first approach the structure and essence of the word "Shiwake."

🥔Chapter 1 | The Essence of "Shiwake" Seen Through Etymology and Structure

When we look at the word "Shiwake" again, we see two kanji characters lined up.

One is "Shi" (仕) —"to serve," "work"from "Shi." The other is "Wake" (分け) —
"to divide," "to distinguish"from "Wake."

This combination is a bit mysterious in Japanese.
"To divide something like work"?
"To distinguish something like serving a person"?

Dictionaries define it as "dividing things according to type, use, purpose, etc."
But that alone cannot explain thesoftnessandpractical nuancethat this word possesses.

For example, saying "sorted luggage" implies a state where it has been classified and is ready for the next action.
Saying "let's think after sorting" assumes judgment and consideration based on the situation.
Here, there is a"what to do after dividing"implication as aprocessthat is included.

● An act of giving meaning accompanied by "Shi," not just "dividing"

The character "Shi" originally contains the meaning of "a person serving another" or "responding with action."
In other words, "Shiwake" is not just dividing, but

can be rephrased as.

This overlaps with the act of dividing by determining "who," "when," and "in what context" it is needed, rather than just structural classification, such as in"sorting housework"at home or"sorting tasks"at work.

● The structure of "Shiwake = Classification × Context × Consideration"

If we capture the essence of this act of "Shiwake" through mathematical thinking, it can be factored as follows:

$${Shiwake = Classification × Context × Consideration}$$

• $${Classification}$$: What criteria are used to divide what and how (e.g., important vs. unnecessary)

• $${Context}$$: When, where, and for whom it is performed (e.g., at home or at work, in the morning or at night)

• $${Consideration}$$: Compassion for the other party and care for ease of execution (e.g., so that even children can understand, to reduce stress)

Only when all three of these factors are multiplied together does the act of "sorting" finally come into being.

● That is precisely why sorting is a "human-like act"

AI is good at classifying data.
However, "consideration" and "context" are still the exclusive domain of humans.

Sorting is not just a task of applying labels.
How should the labels be applied? At what granularity should things be divided? What is the order?
It is in these "invisible judgments" and "ways of dividing that include feelings" that human-like intelligence resides.

● "Dividing" is not "discarding"

"Business Sorting"

There was a time when this term was popular in society.

Because of this, when you hear "sorting," the image of decluttering or reduction might come to mind first.
But sorting is essentially not about “cutting off” but rather an act of
“giving a place according to meaning” behavior.

It is like a quiet, careful task, as if you were speaking to each piece of stationery on a cluttered desk, saying "you belong here," and deciding its fixed position.

● What is the essence of sorting?

In the next chapter, we will explore how this "sorting" is perceived in other languages and cultures of the world.
The contours of the word "sorting," which is difficult to translate, will emerge even more clearly there.

🥕Chapter 2 | Comparing with the world's languages: The untranslatable "sorting"

Now that we have begun to approach the essence of the word "sorting," a question suddenly arises.
How is this "sorting" translated into English or other languages?

For example, when trying to translate expressions like "sort emails" or "sort luggage" into English, in many cases, words like “sort” and “categorize”, “organize” are used.
At first glance, it seems that these are sufficient to convey the meaning.
However, something is still different.

● The English word "sort" means "reordering," but it does not include "consideration"

"Sort" is an operation that orders or groups things according to a certain standard.
It specializes in organizing the order of data, much like the sorting function in Excel.

However, there is "something" more to sorting than that.
When sorting mail, it is not just about arranging items in delivery order;
it involves "consideration to ensure it is delivered correctly" and "ingenuity to maintain efficiency."

"Sort" lacks a tactile feel.
It rarely harbors a human presence or the atmosphere of a place like "shiwake" does.

● Differences from "categorize" and "classify"

"Categorize" is the act of grouping things based on meaning.
"Classify" implies a more rigorous classification, used in science, libraries, and the like.

These words are very close to "classification." Therefore, it is a prerequisite that the
"axis" or "rules" for classifying are clear.

However, there is more flexibility in "shiwake."
"Unwritten context" and "on-the-spot judgment" change how things are sorted.
In other words, "shiwake" is classification that includes gradation and organization that considers relationships.

● What about in Chinese, German, and French?

• In Chinese, "fēnlèi" (classification) and "zhěnglǐ" (organization) are used as corresponding terms, but they cannot fully express the "dynamic and considerate act" that "shiwake" implies.

• The German "Ordnen" (to arrange) and "Einordnen" (to classify) are also strong in structure and logic, but the sentiment of "sorting with the other person in mind" is thin.

• The French "trier" has the meaning of "to sort out," but it remains primarily an action directed at objects.

All of these are close to "shiwake" in some aspects, but
it is hard to find an expression that encompasses classification, consideration, and execution in a single word.

● Why does the Japanese word "shiwake" work as a single word?

Perhaps the reason the word "shiwake" naturally exists in Japanese is that
Japanese society is a high-context culture.

• Who

• When

• Where

• For what purpose

do they sort?
The ability to read the "atmosphere" is contained within the act of sorting itself.
In other words, "Shiwake" is an act of "sorting everything as a whole," including not just words, but relationships and situations as well.

● Words that cannot be translated are lenses of culture

Culture resides in words.
When a single word is difficult to translate into another language, it hides a philosophy that resists translation and habits of thought.

"Shiwake" is one of them.

It is not merely classification.
It is a "design act of meaning" that includes consideration, judgment, and execution.
That is the word "Shiwake" that the Japanese language has cultivated.

In the next chapter, we will delve deeper into the Japanese values embedded in this kind of sorting—the culture of reading the atmosphere, the structure that allows for ambiguity, and interpersonal consideration.

🌽Chapter 3 | Japanese Values Embedded in "Shiwake"

In the previous chapter, we touched upon the fact that the word "Shiwake" is difficult to replace with a single word in other languages, and the cultural differences behind it.
So why is the word "Shiwake" used so naturally in Japanese?

To find the answer, we need to look at Japanese characteristics rooted in Japanese society—
the culture of reading the atmosphere, the structure that allows for ambiguity, and consideration for interpersonal relationships.

● "Reading the atmosphere" = reading the context = the premise of sorting

In Japan, there are many situations where "sensing" is considered a virtue.
Reading the other person's intentions before they are put into words.
Behaving so as not to break the atmosphere of the place.
This is truly a "social mode of thinking that relies on the power of context."

For example, where to sit at a banquet.
You instantly judge the hierarchy and the status of the guests and "sort" the seating positions.
It seems like there are rules, but it is actually quite situation-dependent.

In other words, "Shiwake" is deeply connected to this culture of reading context.
It is not a fixed, manual-like classification, but a dynamic and improvisational art of organization.

● The wisdom of "not over-organizing" ambiguity

In Western culture, it is important to clearly separate and specify things.
However, the Japanese "Shiwake" has a sense of sorting while maintaining ambiguity.

For example, "sorting children's clothes."
Clothes that can no longer be worn, clothes worn occasionally, clothes to be passed down...
The criteria are ambiguous, and emotions and memories are also involved.

Even so, "sorting" continues.
It has a flexibility that allows for "provisional ways of sorting" without over-labeling, such as "let's just put this in this box for now."

This flexibility also overlaps with the thinking of white space that the Japanese language excels at.
An attitude of not denying the act of not fully sorting or not fully deciding.
That, too, is a part of the Japanese-style "sorting."

● The aesthetic of consideration

"Sorting" contains another characteristic typical of Japanese culture.
That is the aesthetic of "consideration."

For example, sorting tea for guests and tea for family.
At the workplace, separating shared pens into "ones that still write but are getting thin" and "new ones."
This includes thoughtfulness, such as "thinking of someone else" or "so that the other person can use it comfortably."

In this way, "sorting" is not just a practical task, but an act that includes
"a gaze toward others."

It is never spoken of openly.
But that "invisible kindness" is embedded in the word "sorting."

● "Not sorting cleanly" is just right

Unlike classification, "some jumble" is allowed in sorting.
For example, having "things used often" and "things used occasionally" in the same kitchen drawer.
That is not inefficiency, but sorting equipped with rationality within the "dynamic system" of life.

Instead of organizing perfectly, you adjust according to ease of use and the flow of emotions.
This dynamic and harmonious design may be the essence of "sorting"-style thinking.

● Summary: Sorting is a "form of consideration"

In the next chapter, we will delve deeper into the structure of this "sorting" and analyze how the act of sorting is formed through mathematical thinking—"factorization."

🌶️Chapter 4 | Factorizing Sorting — The structure visible mathematically

"Sorting" may look like an intuitive act, but it is actually very logical. However, that logic is not a simple
Yes/No judgment, but is established under multi-layered conditions such as context, consideration, and priority.That is precisely why sorting is active in every aspect of daily life and has become a unique Japanese act that is difficult to translate.

So, what kind of structure emerges when we unravel this intellectual act of "sorting" from a mathematical perspective—the thinking method of factorization?

● Sorting is made of "multiplicative" thinking

First, I want to confirm that "sorting" has a structure of multiplication, not addition.

$${Sorting = Classification × Context × Consideration}$$

Let's look at each factor.

(1) $${Classification}$$: Creating a visible structure

• What are you sorting? (Subject)

• What criteria are you using to sort? (Attributes, purpose of use, importance, etc.)

• What names will you give to the sorted items? (A, B, Pending, Needs Confirmation...)

This falls under the domains of "taxonomy" and "information organization."
However, sorting does not end here.

(2) $${Context}$$: Reading the background and timing

• When and where will it be used?

• Who is sorting, and for whom?

• What is the optimal way to sort in this situation?

For example, sorting "important emails."
Even with the same subject line, the meaning of "important" changes between a weekday morning and a weekend night.
Depending on the context, the very axis of classification shifts.

(3) $${Consideration}$$: Thinking of others and the future

• Does this way of sorting hurt anyone?

• Will it cause confusion when looked back upon later?

• When in doubt, choosing to lean toward the "slightly kinder direction"

Sorting with consideration also means
incorporating a design that is kind to others and your future self so that it is "easy to use," "easy to understand," and "less stressful."

● Why is it "multiplication"? ― If any part is zero, it loses its meaning

The reason this formula is multiplication rather than addition is clear.

• Even if you classify correctly, if you ignore the context, it will be "off-base."

• Even if you read the context, if there is zero consideration, it becomes a “cold” organization.

• Even if consideration comes first, if it is not classified, it becomes a “messy” state.

Multiplication means the balance of multiple factors and the comprehensiveness of thought. Sorting is a way of thinking that is a
trinity of precision, situational judgment, and kindness of thought.

● Designing sorting from a mathematical perspective

If you are trying to sort something right now, you might be able to
perform a “re-evaluation” using the following three steps.

Step Example Question Consider the classification axis What is the standard for dividing this? Be conscious of the context "now, here, and for whom?" Is this sorting for?
Add consideration When in doubt, which one will feel better later?

In this way, even an ambiguous act like "sorting" can be visualized if decomposed as a structure.

● What is "beautiful sorting"?

Ultimately, "sorting" is an act of dividing information or things, and at the same time, it is also
an act of designing relationships with people and future usage.

It is like a room that is not too tidy but comfortable. It is the feeling that necessary things are gently there when you need them.

● Summary: The design of sorting is the design of human intelligence

In the next chapter, we will explore what value this “sorting-like thinking” has in a global society and the AI era. Sorting may not be a culture unique to Japan, but
a way of thinking that is necessary for the world to come.

🥒Chapter 5 | The Global Value of Sorting-like Thinking

So far, we have looked at the structure of the word "sorting," the values unique to the Japanese language, and its factorized thinking. So, is this act or style of thinking called "sorting" just a cultural product unique to Japan? Or is it

wisdom that the world of the future needs?

In conclusion, sorting-like thinking is actually a style of knowledge required precisely in an era of diversity and dialogue.

● Premise of the global era: Everything mixes, and boundaries become blurred

Country and country, culture and culture, way of working and way of living, reality and digital—we live in an era where "borderlessness" is progressing in all areas.

In such an era, the risk of “dividing clearly” with clear boundaries also increases.

• When you label people by race or gender, it creates discrimination and exclusion.

• When you sort political ideologies into binary oppositions, it deepens division.

• When you sort academic ability or talent solely by numbers, you lose sight of the essence.

In short, "just classifying" is not enough to move forward.

● Shiwake-style thinking is a "soft classification"

In contrast, "Shiwake" (sorting) has a dynamic structure based on temporary meaning, context-dependent organization, and consideration for relationships as its premise.

• I might sort it this way in this context now, but it might change elsewhere.

• Adjusting how you sort based on the other person.

• You sort, but you can undo it. You can reconnect it.

This is truly the wisdom of "connecting by dividing."
A way of sorting that allows for ambiguity and is premised on reorganization is a skill required in a global society.

● "Sorting power" as a human strength in the AI era

Due to the information explosion and the evolution of AI, classification and search have become the forte of machines.
However, AI is still immature when it comes to "meaning" and "consideration."

For example,

• "Which information is most comfortable for the other person?"

• "Does this classification hurt anyone?"

• "How do we design soft boundaries that include multiple contexts simultaneously?"

These areas of human judgment are the true essence of "Shiwake."
Shiwake-style thinking becomes the core of human editorial wisdom and meaning-generation ability in an era of coexistence with AI.

● Applications in education, business, and policy

"Shiwake-style thinking" can be applied in every field.

In education:

• Instead of simply classifying each child's characteristics into a "Type XX" category,

• evaluation and guidance that sorts by including context, such as situations, developmental stages, and emotional shifts, are required.

In business:

• Instead of simply dividing customers by age or gender,

• marketing that sorts value provision according to life rhythms and emotional shifts is powerful.

In policy:

• Avoiding uniform labeling such as "the elderly," "the young," or "the vulnerable,"

• support design that includes multi-layered attributes is necessary.

● Perhaps what the world needs is a "careful way of sorting"

The Japanese word "shiwake" does not just mean to classify; it contains a "structure of consideration"
that reaches out to the other party's situation, background, and even their future.

That is,

• as AI classifies,

• the world mixes,

• and boundaries blur,

might this not become a hint for creating new coexistence and harmony in the coming era?

In the next chapter, we will consider how to incorporate this "shiwake-style thinking" into our own daily lives—exploring practice methods for familiar sorting, such as emails, belongings, and human relationships.
We will think about practice methods for familiar sorting, such as emails, belongings, and human relationships.

🥦Chapter 6 | How to cultivate the sense of sorting within you?

So far, we have explored the structure, cultural background, mathematical perspective, and global significance of the word "shiwake" (sorting).
Now, finally, let's think about how each of us can cultivate and utilize this "sorting mindset" in our daily lives.

Sorting is neither a special skill nor advanced knowledge.
It is wisdom that already lives within you amidst your small daily choices and organization.

● Rethinking the "sorting" of emails and To-Do lists

Is your mailbox overflowing?
Is your To-Do list a mountain of "things I have to do"?

In such cases, a sorting mindset is useful.

• Don't just stop at categorization: Sort them in a way that leads to action, such as "urgent," "later," or "pending."

• Add context: Sort by relationship or purpose, such as "requests from this person" or "matters related to this project."

• Include consideration: Instead of "read later," place them in a "place where I can read them when I have time," being kind to your future self.

With just this, simple "folder sorting" turns into "meaningful sorting."

● Tidying and organizing are also excellent forms of sorting

The word "danshari" (decluttering) became popular, but a sorting mindset is more flexible.

• Instead of a binary choice of discard/keep,

• create intermediate gradations such as "temporarily hold," "give to someone else," or "think about it again."

This allows you to let go without guilt and keep things comfortably.
In other words, sorting is not a design for "decision-making," but for "conviction."

● Gentle sorting for human relationships, too

Actually, we unconsciously "sort" our relationships with people as well.

• Work colleagues, family, close friends, acquaintances, connections on social media...

• There is no need to treat everyone with the same criteria.

But what is important is that "sorting" does not mean "cutting off."

• A relationship where you write a letter once a year, even if you meet less frequently.

• A relationship where you are keeping your distance now, but still hold them dear.

Invisible classification, invisible consideration, invisible connection.
This is the etiquette of human relationships through sorting.

● The ability to accept ambiguity is also part of sorting

"I can't sort this well" - there is no need to feel anxious when you feel this way.

• "I can't decide yet"

• "I feel like it applies to both"

• "It's a bit mixed, but that's okay"

Having the capacity to embrace such "in-between states" is itself a high-level sorting ability.
The Japanese word "Shiwake" includes such "the power to allow for an undetermined state" as well.

● Sorting is closer to "sensing" than "choosing"

Sorting may seem like making a decision, but it is actually a technique of perception.

• What feels comfortable?

• Where is there a sense of discomfort?

• What is the "way of sorting" that is just right for me and for the other person?

While sensing that, you gently give it form.
That is the essence of the act of "sorting".

● Summary: "Sorting" is a "quiet design power" within daily life

The arrangement of things, the choice of words, the sense of distance from others.
Your "sense of sorting" breathes within everything.

Next, we will move on to the chapter that summarizes this entire column.
"Carefully sorting the world" - what does this act bring to us?
We will examine the future of our lives and society as seen through the thinking method of sorting.

🧅Summary | The world changes with just one way of sorting

"Shiwake" (sorting) is a very common Japanese word.

However, it contains a surprisingly deep, gentle, and practical way of thinking.

● Sorting is more than just classification: it is "the redesigning of meaning and relationships"

It is not merely classification or organization.

• Giving meaning to things.

• Adjusting relationships with people.

• Reconstructing information to fit one's own understanding.

It is not a rigid line drawn by "it must be this way," but a flexible wisdom that says, "for now, here, let's do it this way."

● The structure revealed by factorization: Classification × Context × Consideration

When expressed as a mathematical formula, sorting looks like this:

If any one of these is missing, sorting will immediately fail to function well.
That is why sorting can be called acomprehensive art of intellect and sensibility.

● "Sorting-style thinking" required by the world

Diversity, AI, a flood of information, and questions without clear answers.

What is needed in such an era is not "black or white," but
the ability to organize meaning while carefully creating gradations.

It is not labeling, but a "way of dividing that nurtures relationships."
It is not disconnection, but "sorting for the sake of connection."

● "A sense for sorting" can be cultivated in daily life

There is no need to overthink it.

• When sorting emails

• When tidying up your desk

• When you choose your words while talking to someone

All of those are "practice in sorting."

● And, by sorting, there are things that become visible

There are relationships you can notice by sorting, and
there are feelings you can cherish by sorting. That is why I think this:
"Sorting" is a form of small kindness.

🫛 Bonus | 10 Tips to Refine Your Sorting Sense

~Cultivating the power to sort carefully and kindly~

1. Confirm the "purpose of sorting" first

→ What are you sorting for? The axis of sorting changes between "to discard" and "to utilize."

2. Try having multiple "classification criteria" instead of just one

→ For example, if it's clothes, sorting by "season" x "frequency of use" x "mood" will increase your sense of satisfaction.

3. Try putting yourself in the shoes of "the you who will look back later"

→ If you sort while asking, "Will my future self be confused?", consideration is naturally added.

4. Create an "ambiguous zone" for "exceptions" or "pending items"

→ By not sorting too strictly, flexibility and a sense of security are born.

5. While sorting, also imagine the "other person's perspective"

→ If you sort so that family members or team members can use things easily, sorting becomes "kindness."

6. Tell yourself, "It's okay not to sort perfectly"

→ A sense for sorting is cultivated through repeated failures and fine-tuning. Be pragmatic rather than perfectionist.

7. Try to "bring awareness" to small, everyday sorting

→ The contents of your bag, folders on your smartphone, SNS notification settings... everything is a practice ground.

8. "Leaving things unsorted" is also a form of sorting

→ For things or relationships you cannot fully judge, the option to “set them aside” is also important.

9. Think of the "actions after sorting" as a set

→ Don't just stop at sorting; consider the process to include "how you will use or communicate it afterward."

10. When you have sorted well, praise yourself

→ Sorting is a technique for adjusting thoughts and emotions. Acknowledging yourself for doing it well leads to better intuition next time.

Profile | Kazuomi Matsunaga

🧭Thinking Navigator

Biography:Graduated from Kyushu University, Faculty of Engineering (Materials Engineering) ⇒ Engineer at a metal materials manufacturer in the Chukyo region (Production Technology) ⇒ Advertising sales for a local free paper in Nagasaki Prefecture ⇒ Educational institution staff (← Currently here). A person in their 50s living in Nagasaki Prefecture. Both children have left the nest as university students, and I am currently living with my wife. A writer who lets thoughts play daily at the intersection of "questions" and "curiosity." Recently, I have been writing about my own unique perspectives on themes such as education, stories, psychology, AI, and design, centered on the serial column "The Science of Thought" series. I am exploring "free design of knowledge" that goes beyond existing frameworks. My motto is "Imagination opens up the world."
In my professional life, while involved in university and education-related work, I value carefully observing "the moment when someone comes to 'like' something" and "scenes where questions sprout."
🧭 I would be happy if I could deliver articles that help a "new perspective" sprout within you after reading.
📮 Impressions and messages of support are always welcome!