Have you ever thought seriously about being "serious"? - The evolving virtues of Japan

If words had lifespans, the word "majime" (serious/earnest) would undoubtedly be a resident of a country of longevity.

However, its face changes with the times, much like an actor with a thousand faces.
I have decided to explore the ecology of this word "majime"—something somewhat elusive, yet deeply rooted in our daily lives—while incorporating a slightly cynical perspective.

Where and when did Mr. "Majime" come from, anyway?

One theory suggests that the word "majime" originates from "matomo" (straight/proper).
To be "matomo" means to face something head-on. In other words, it refers to an attitude of not deceiving or looking away.

It seems it was used in the form of "majime" during the Muromachi period.
Perhaps, even back then, Mr. "Majime" was preparing to be embedded into the Japanese DNA.

And it seems that this "majime" began to be written with the kanji "真面目" (true face) after entering the Edo period.
By writing it as "true face," the meaning of representing a genuine face without lies or falsehoods was likely emphasized.
If a merchant in the town of Edo said, "That person does serious work," it must have been the highest compliment.
Conversely, one could say that the shadow of "fujime" (not serious) was always lurking behind it.

Now, this word "majime," even though we say it in one breath, contains a truly wide variety of meanings.
If you look it up in a dictionary, you will find definitions like "without lies or falsehoods, being sincere," "being in earnest," and "not joking," but there are deeper nuances hidden in how it is actually used.

For example, if someone says, "He is too serious and lacks flexibility," you might be momentarily confused about whether you are being praised or criticized.
This is a typical example where the positive aspects of "majime"—such as "steadfastness" and "sincerity"—and the negative aspect of "lack of flexibility" appear at the same time.
It has a complex expression, like a transfer student who is an honor student but just doesn't quite read the room.

Also, as a surprising usage, there is the opening phrase, "This is a serious story, but..."
This is used when talking about something serious, without any jokes. In other words, it plays the role of a warning: "What I am about to say is not a joke; it is serious information!"
In this case, "majime" might be like an "inro" (a seal case) that guarantees the reliability of the information.

And when someone says, "Do it seriously!" it contains the meaning of a reprimand and encouragement to "do it properly!"
It conveys a passionate message, as if a physical education teacher were firing up an unmotivated student. This "majime" is a mixture of passion, expectation, and a little bit of irritation.

So, what kind of person does a "serious person" refer to?
The image has changed significantly over time.

When you hear "serious person" from the Showa era, who comes to mind?
Perhaps someone who goes to the company at the same time every day, works diligently, rarely complains, and faithfully follows the boss's instructions.
Isn't that a figure like the "pillar of Japan"?
They found virtue in fulfilling their assigned roles, and serving the company or organization was considered "majime."
It is like a thick tree, standing motionless, just continuing to grow with all its might.

However, the era is now Reiwa. The image of a "serious person" has diversified significantly.
For example, people who work seriously on the SDGs. People who participate seriously in volunteer activities. People who face their hobbies seriously. There are more and more people who demonstrate "majime" not just for the sake of an organization, but for their own beliefs and interests.
Like colorful flowers, they are blooming in their own "majime" in their own places.

In the modern era where social media is widespread, a new type of "Mr. Majime" has appeared, such as being "serious about supporting one's favorite idol."
They spare no time or money for their favorite artists or characters, and they act seriously and earnestly.
"Majime" is no longer limited to the realm of "duty" such as work or study, but has expanded to the realm of "joy" and "passion."

With "majime" being so protean, what will the "majime" of the future look like?
Let's spread our wings of imagination and take a peek into the future.

In the future world, AI might be supporting every aspect of our lives. It is possible that the very concept of "majime" will be redefined by AI.

For example, if an AI gives an instruction like, "This task needs to be processed seriously," it will mean, "Execute it perfectly, optimally, and efficiently without errors." A pure "majime as a function," with human emotions and ambiguity excluded, might be born.

On the other hand, won't the "majime" unique to humans increase in value even more?
A "majime" based on empathy that AI cannot reproduce.
A "majime" that serves others seriously, without calculating profit or loss.
Or a "majime" that continues to work persistently and honestly on challenges that everyone else has given up on.
These will be cherished as the "essence of majime" that only humans possess, which AI cannot imitate.

The "Mr. Majime" of the future might be in a virtual space, in the form of an avatar, seriously saving the game world, or perhaps they might be a cyborg working seriously on a Mars colonization project.
However, in whatever form, the core meanings of "sincerity" and "earnestness" that the word "majime" holds should continue to live within us humans forever.

The word "majime" shows us various expressions, much like the four seasons of Japan.
Sometimes strict, sometimes gentle, and sometimes it makes us chuckle. Its depth cannot be told in a single word.

As long as we continue to use the word "serious," the "serious person" will continue to live by our side, quietly but surely, while changing their form.
And beyond that change, we should be able to find a richer way of being "serious."

Now, what exactly does "seriousness" look like to you?

Why not take a moment to face your own "seriousness"... "seriously"?
There is surely a special story of "seriousness" hidden there, just for you.