Saints Pursue the Nature of Happiness in Japan

What does it mean to live a good life - and how have people in Japan pursued happiness throughout history?

Students in the Nature of Happiness Across Japan travel course taught by Tim Cooper, Ph.D., assistant professor of history, explored this crucial question and others during their spring semester of study, then capped it off with a 10-day tour of the Asian nation to see sites that made the concepts they explored come to life.

"We studied the evolving relationship between happiness and nature in the Japanese intellectual tradition," explained Cooper, who regularly teaches classes on Japanese history and culture. "We reflected on how nature is carefully curated in Japan, and how Japanese thinkers and communities have understood the sources of well-being not just as personal pleasure or escape, but as something that is cultivated through interdependence and harmony with the natural world."

The 23 students learned that nature in Japan is not often seen in a "raw" state. Plants, trees, rocks, waterways and even animal habitats are specially tended to maximize not only their beauty but their peaceful appeal.

"Raw nature is seen to be threatening, because behind beauty in Japan exists threat: earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity and other natural dangers. They live with these threats all the time."

Japan is a major bucket list destination for many tourists and when the group made stops in Tokyo, Kyoto and Hakone during their May 10-20 trip they got to experience all the pop culture iconography such as manga, go-karts, anime, eating bento boxes while riding a bullet train, and sumo wrestling. But at the heart of it all was the connection to nature that lies everywhere in Japan: koi ponds, deer parks, tea gardens, and soothing landscapes, with an emphasis on seasonal awareness and the aesthetics of simplicity.

"When we were in a garden in Kyoto, we were shown a tree stump," said Zoey Palubeckis '28. "The tree had been there for a lot longer than the gardeners had anticipated and there were many rings emphasizing its age. Even though it was something simple that may not be noticed at first sight, its beauty was apparent in the fact that it had weathered so many changes throughout its life. Learning that something so old had lived there and been in my presence almost felt like a sacred experience."

Sean Powers '28 is a real outdoors type, while Kyle Carney '27 is, in his words, "more of a go with the flow kind of guy." For their free day, Powers organized a hike that began with a 6:30AM train ride to Mount Otsuki. They submitted that peak and two others, and fortified themselves with a lunch of soba noodles, shrimp tempura, and edamame at a tiny, family-run restaurant.

"It was unbelievable how friendly everyone was," said Powers. "On the hike, people were smiling and saying hi, in the town people said hi, and the restaurant staff was incredibly kind. It was a big culture shock compared to home; people were very welcoming to strangers."

"The friendliness and the kindness we were shown as tourists really impressed us," added Carney, "and the mountains and landscapes were just mesmerizing. It was a great way to see the country."

Another illustration of Japanese beauty and tradition is the kimono. Sierra Libron '26 said donning the attire was her favorite part of the trip.

"I did not realize there were so many under garments that are not seen, but crucial to complete the attire," she said. "The kimono was so beautiful, and it is a memory I will cherish forever."

Tom Nattrass '27 took in a professional baseball game with Carney ("the fans were way more excited than they are here") and has fond memories of visits to the Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo, a Shinto sanctuary dedicated to Emperor Meiji, as well as the Himeji Castle complex, the largest castle in Japan.

"It was the first time I've ever been abroad, and as a history major, I thought it would be great to learn about another culture to understand how it differs from America," he said. "Japan is very organized, very orderly, and the people are so polite, even if they don't speak your language."

Nattrass noted the designs of the gardens throughout the country.

"They are all very intentional. Every garden has a purpose and is designed to get a feeling out of you, whether that is peace or melancholy."

Landscapes, parks, food - Arvin Estrella '27 said he enjoyed everything about Japan.

"Getting to experience Japan culture with my classmates made it even better," he said. "Making memories together is something I will always cherish and be grateful for."