“Jita Kyoei - 自他共栄 (mutual prosperity)” is a principle established by Kano Jigoro (1860 -1938), the founder of Kodokan Judo, alongside “Seiryoku Zenyo (maximum efficiency with minimum effort)”. The idea behind Jita Kyoei is that by trusting and helping each other, both individuals and society can prosper together. This principle is cultivated through Judo, aiming to create a world where mutual prosperity is realized.
Kano believed that this spirit would benefit humanity. As an educator, he initiated international exchange programs, such as welcoming foreign students to Japan for the first time.
During the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Kano spoke about Jita Kyoei, noting that the Olympics at the time emphasized nationalism over the enhancement of individuals and cultures. He expressed that it was not desirable for Judo to be part of such a movement. Kano’s concerns highlight the potential for the Olympics to deviate from its ideals and become entangled with nationalism and commercialism, overshadowing the true spirit of sportsmanship and unity. Kano died in 1938 and Judo eventually became an olympic sport in 1964.
What Kano envisioned through Judo and sports was the improvement of the human spirit, free from the influences of politics, nations, and races. As we approach the Paris Olympics, let’s see if the spirit of “Jita Kyoei” is still alive or not. :-)
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