In the 1994 film “Forrest Gump,” the main character lives through incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. He meets President John F. Kennedy at the White House, becomes a ping-pong sensation, and joins John Lennon in an interview that inspires “Imagine.” The people he meets and the things he sees can never be replicated. This is why the subtitle of the movie in Japanese is ichi-go ichi-e (一期一会), meaning “one lifetime, one meeting.”
How do you find ichi-go ichi-e in real life? This guide breaks down the literal meaning of ichi-go ichi-e, where you can see it in Japanese culture, and how learning Japanese can help you fully grasp this philosophical concept.
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What is ichi-go ichi-e?
The two words that make up the idiom ichi-go (一期) and ichi-e (一会) mean “one lifetime” and “one meeting” respectively. Because it’s made up of four separate characters, it falls under the category of Japanese idioms called yoji jukugo (四字熟語), or “four-character idioms.”
The English phrase “once in a lifetime” can be used to describe ichi-go ichi-e, but it has a deeper meaning in Japanese than that. Ichi-go ichi-e specifically explains that every encounter you have with another being can only happen once. Naturally, you can see the same person or the same cat every day, but things change subtly with each meeting to make them unique.
For example, say you go to lunch every Saturday at noon with a particular friend at the same restaurant. Even though this is something you do regularly, it’s not always the same experience. You’re probably wearing different clothes, the weather is different, the server taking your order is new, and so on. Because every time you meet your friend is different, ichi-go ichi-e teaches that it’s important to treasure each moment as it happens.
- Taisetsu na tomodachi to no deai wa ichi go ichi e da.（大切な友だちとの出会いは一期一会だ。）= Meeting my cherished friend was a one-in-a-lifetime encounter.
Where does the ichi-go ichi-e philosophy come from?
The origins of ichi-go ichi-e are deeply tied to the Japanese tea ceremony. The person credited with perfecting the traditional tea ceremony is a sixteenth-century Zen Buddhist monk named Sen no Rikyū. In particular, he’s famous for the wabi-cha (侘茶) style of tea ceremony that focuses on a serene, equalizing atmosphere and incorporates wabi-sabi (詫び寂び) aesthetics.
Sen no Rikyū is also the person said to have introduced the ichi-go ichi-e philosophy, and the idiom reflects its Buddhist origins. Specifically, ichi-go is a Buddhist term to describe the time between the moment someone is born until the moment they pass away. Ichi-e refers to a single meeting (such as at a tea ceremony).
How to embrace ichi-go ichi-e in Japan
If you ever go to Japan, embrace ichi-go ichi-e in everything you do. Especially if you plan on only visiting once, the following tips can help make every moment memorable.
1. Appreciate every moment of the tea ceremony
There’s no better way to experience ichi-go ichi-e than to go back to its roots. Traditional Japanese tea ceremonies are carefully orchestrated and unhurried, focusing on traditionally-prepared tea, modest clothing, and simple and seasonally-appropriate decorations.
The atmosphere is likely to be relaxed and meditative, so take advantage of the time to take a deep breath and absorb the environment around you. Whether it’s the manner of the person preparing the tea or the patience of your fellow guests, appreciate the details of that unique moment in time.
2. Treasure the mundane moments
Many slice-of-life Japanese graphic novels—or manga (漫画)—feature characters meant to be normal people doing normal things. Light genres of this type like nichijō-kei (日常系, everyday type) show the little moments that make up one’s life rather than the major accomplishments. It’s a popular genre that resonates with readers of every age.
Think about all the people you’ll meet or animals you’ll see as you walk around a new city. The people sitting next to you on the subway, the cashier at the convenience store, and your fellow diners at a restaurant are all presumably people you’ll never see again. Taking pictures is one way to preserve the memory, but living in the moment and observing the world around you can be equally precious.
3. Savor unique experiences
Some things in Japan may be familiar to you. For example, public Wi-Fi is readily available and subways function roughly the same way as they do in the United States. However, you’re likely to find experiences that are unique compared to what you’re used to.
Japan values its history and traditional culture, and visitors are encouraged to learn about it. English-language resources are widely available for Japan’s most famous sites like the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and the religious structures of Kyoto. Take advantage of them! You can also go the extra mile and learn some Japanese phrases ahead of time, allowing you to appreciate the places you see and things you do in Japan’s native language.
Similar expressions to ichi-go ichi-e
One characteristic of idioms is that they tend to be highly specific, pointing to a particular set of circumstances. Just like how the once-in-a-lifetime aspect of ichi-go ichi-e is tied to encounters with others, similar expressions have equally unique requirements to use them correctly.
1. Senzai ichigū
Literally meaning “a single chance that appears in a thousand years,” senzai ichigū (千載一遇) refers to an opportunity that only happens once in a lifetime. This might refer to a one-time shot at landing a high-profile client or missing the only chance to see your favorite band’s last concert because you slept in. It’s often used as an adjective in sentences.
- Senzai ichigū no kikai o nigashita.（千載一遇の機会を逃した。）= I lost a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
2. Isse ichidai
Isse ichidai (一世一代) is made of words that express two different ways to say “one lifetime.” It can also be used as “once in a generation.” Regardless of its exact translation, it refers to an important event that only happens once. Historically, it refers to major performances on the stage.
- Kanojo ni totte isse ichidai no hi datta.（彼女にとって一世一代の日だった。）= It was the greatest day of her life.
3. Kaikō
Although it may happen more than once, kaikō (邂逅) describes a completely unexpected meeting. You could call it a “fated meeting” or “chance encounter.” It can be used for situations that are both good and bad, such as running into a beloved childhood friend after they moved halfway around the world, or bumping into your ex on your way to work in a new city. There’s also a four-character idiom version of kaikō—kaikō sōgū (邂逅遭遇)—but it’s uncommon.
- Tomodachi to 20 nen buri ni kaikō shita.（友だちと２０年ぶりに邂逅した。）= I had a chance encounter with a friend after twenty years.
Find ichi-go ichi-e meaning in your life
Calling to mind English expressions like “YOLO” and “Live every day as though it were your last,” ichi-go ichi-e reminds us that every moment is precious. You don’t have to attend a tea ceremony or go to Japan to internalize this concept yourself. You can start today at home, at work, or when you spend time with loved ones.
When you join a Rosetta Stone Live Lesson as you learn Japanese, treat every lesson with care. Listen to the instructor’s guidance and pay attention to the nuances as they speak in their native language. Every lesson covers a new topic, from real-world scenarios to more idioms like ichi-go ichi-e. You’ll never have the exact same experience twice!
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