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The original meaning of the Japanese word SHIBUI is "bitter taste" like when you accidentally bite a banana that is not ready to be eaten. Sometimes you may also encounter the word in conversations related to "tightness" with money or business.
When SHIBUI is used in a special context like in art, antique or fashion, it represents a style or design. In English, probably the most similar word is "tasteful".
SHIBUI is an adjective and is one of the feelings that I believe most Japanese possess. If it is used to describe a color, it usually refers to a certain "darkness" or "dryness" in the color. A
SHIBUI color may accompany the word 'old' like 'old rose'.
If it is used for a particular design, it suggests a carefully thought after simplicity
that is not explicit, but leaves you with a strong impression or an impact just like a good acting done by a supporting actor. In fact, you can say, "His way of acting is so SHIBUI" to somebody like Ken Watanabe who starred in 'The Last Samurai' with Tom Cruise.
If you become familiar with this term and its meaning, you will begin to see and appreciate a completely new world of Japanese kimono and antiques, because it represents a large part of the Japanese aesthetics and culture.
So, do you like SHIBUI taste? |
