{
  "id": 12385627,
  "title": "One phrase I learned while living in Japan for a year has helped me become a more flexible, laid-back person",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/one-phrase-i-learned-while-living-in-japan-for-a-year-has-helped-me",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-06T13:25:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/phrase-learned-living-in-japan-made-me-relaxed-laidback-shoganai-2026-10"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "After experiencing numerous situations where things didn't go as planned, I began to embrace the Japanese concept of \"shōganai,\" which means accepting that some things are out of our control. My husband and I use this phrase to brush off daily frustrations such as late buses, bad weather, and unexpected closures. As an overthinker who loves having a plan, the concept of shōganai helps me become more flexible and let things go. One evening in Kumamoto city, while hanging out with a Canadian friend, we met two Japanese guys who introduced us to the term \"shōganai.\" It essentially means \"it can't be helped\" or \"it is what it is.\" When we encounter situations beyond our control, such as missing a bus or dealing with bad weather, we accept the situation and choose to move on. This change in mindset has helped me become more flexible, willing to go with the flow and less stressed about things not going as planned.",
  "summary": "During my time living in Japan, I learned a useful phrase/concept: \"shōganai.\" It's helped me stress less and be more laid-back when things go wrong.",
  "key_points": [
    "Japanese concept of \"shōganai\" means accepting uncontrollable situations",
    "Overthinker uses \"shōganai\" to become more flexible and let things go",
    "Adopting \"shōganai\" mindset reduces stress and fosters adaptability"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}