Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the concept of Manabi through East Asian philosophy and Japanese history. Manabi is related to the Chinese words Xuexi and Xue, which were used in ancient China by Confucius and Lao Tzu. The book analyses the structure of Manabi from the perspective of Japanese traditional thought and practices: Nothingness, Selflessness, Silencing, Shugyo, and Seken. It discusses traditional methods of Manabi in terms of the relationship between body and mind. The book examines Japanese Manabi and schooling by studying the word Minna and the Japanese conception of the self. Minna means ‘everyone’ and ‘all’ and is a term used by teachers, students, and parents in Japanese schools. The book describes a case study that uses a specialised practice of Manabi in which Japanese teachers and students regard Manabi as being inclusive of others through collaborative and reciprocal situations.