#studentsart

This is the very first drawing received in the Omotenashi Schools Project in celebration of Tokyo 2020, now to become Tokyo 2021. 

We would like students to research and explore the culture of Omotenashi. 

Then please draw in art form their understanding of this way of life as it may be seen or expressed in their world, while being creative and thinking outside the box. 

If students wish to take part the project, guidelines can be found at this link :

https://omotenashischools.home.blog/project-guidelines/

A very well done to  Ahmet Naif Kaya, age 16 and Ruken Kaya, age 13 who created this drawing together.

“Omotenashi is not just a term it is a lifestyle”

Omotenashi:

A word of many wonders, meaning a unique approach to hospitality by a simple definition. Although it may vary and show differences between many ethos, the goal is to subjugate self in service to a guest, without being servile. In other words Omotenashi is to put yourself in another individual’s shoes and see how you would like to be treated. Taking pride in, anticipating and fulfilling people’s needs in advance, the influence of omotenashi should be everywhere, because in today’s world omotenashi is a little known word which should be brought to people’s attention.

Indeed, omotenashi is Japanese hospitality. “Omote” means public face – an image you wish to present to outsiders. “Nashi” means nothing. Combining them means every service is from the bottom of the heart and honest (no hiding, no pretending). The true meaning of omotenashi goes a lot deeper than just proving outstanding hospitality. Instead, the omotenashi meaning is about entertaining guests wholeheartedly.

It can be hard to describe in English, because it is something you have to experience in Japan for yourself. The concept goes beyond ‘the customer is always right’, instead it is more an understanding that there are no menial tasks if the result ensures a great experience for a guest.

About The Picture:

At first glance it might look like a simple painting but the meaning goes a little bit deeper. The first thing a person would notice is the flowers and the pineapple. The Anthurium, long lasting and a beautiful plant (a.k.a. Laceleaf) and pineapple is known to symbolize hospitality whereas red carnations beautifully described as Gentle, Graceful and Glorious, represent admiration, adoration, love and affection.

But however the most important part of the drawing is the simplest part (the sky and the sea). It is teaching us to be as accepting as the sea. No matter what the colour of the sky or the conditions of itself is sea will always affiliate sky’s colours and reflect it. No matter what the race, colour or religion of a person is we should always accept them as who they are and be hospitable. Even if the person is vicious (the sky is stormy) we (the sea) “should not” differentiate and act indifferent.

Country: Iran/Turkey

School:Tehran International School

Ahmet Naif Kaya

Age: 16

Grade: 11th

Ruken Kaya

Age: 13

Grade: 8th

Project guidelines maybe found at the following link