Omotenashi

There are many traditions surrounding Thanksgiving in America. From early morning high school football games, to stuffing ourselves on stuffing, pumpkin pie, cranberries, turkey, watching football and movies with family and friends.  

The movie “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” is always on, allowing us to watch Neal Page (played by ​Steve Martin), a high-strung advertising executive, who is desperately trying to get home to ​Chicago for ​Thanksgiving.

Page experiences what many traveling this week as it’s the busiest travel time in America causing delays and testing our patience. His journey becomes a series of mishaps and delays when he crosses paths with ​Del Griffith (played by ​John Candy), a loud-mouthed, cheerful shower curtain ring salesman. The two travelers find themselves thrown together as they endure a chaotic and hilarious journey across planes, trains, and automobiles in their quest to reach their destination. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles, including missed flights, destroyed cars, and unfortunate incidents, which test their patience and push them to the limits. Despite their initial clashes, Neal and Del form an unlikely friendship as they navigate a series of comedic and heartfelt adventures, ultimately discovering the true meaning of friendship, family and Thanksgiving. 

President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving as a national holiday in 1863, during the Civil War, to promote unity and give thanks for the Union victory at Gettysburg.

And promoting unity is something we all need as we begin Thanksgiving week. The Japanese don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, they celebrate Omotenashi. Omotenashi is a ​Japanese concept that centers around the idea of selfless hospitality and diligent service. It is rooted in the cultural values of Japan, particularly in the realm of customer service yet it extends beyond the work setting. The term "Omotenashi" can be roughly translated as:

"To give wholeheartedly without expecting anything in return."

However, Omotenashi goes beyond the mere act of giving or providing a service. It embodies a genuine desire to anticipate and fulfill the needs and desires of others, creating a memorable and positive experience, not as a service, rather as a way of life. 

Omotenashi lies in the selfless attitude of the giver. The focus is not on reaping rewards or gaining personal benefits but on providing the best possible experience for the recipient. A simple hello to a stranger passing by, allowing someone to step in front of you in line without demonstrating rage, or impatience. Practicing Omotenashi allows us to promote simple acts of kindness embracing this philosophy, givers cultivate a sense of generosity, empathy, and sincerity, which in turn fosters strong relationships and trust. We become much nicer, not weaker. 

Remember the world recognizes and rewards those who practice Omotenashi, with an understanding it’s essential to clarify that the act itself should not be driven by the expectation of receiving something in return. The rewards that come from practicing Omotenashi are often indirect, such as gaining the respect and loyalty of others, building a positive reputation, or creating a harmonious and supportive community.

As we prepare for a busy week of travel, delays, and having our patience extended, we need to remind ourselves to incorporate Omotenashi into our daily behaviors. 

By embodying this concept, givers can create meaningful connections and contribute to a more compassionate and empathetic society—which is what Thanksgiving is all about.