5 Japanese tricks for sharp brain and mental boost

Making a meal, completing a task, pursuing hobbies while also managing finances. Each one of us is subsisting on a mental checklist, rushing to tick off one task after another. In the midst of it all, there's an assurance that we'll forget doing one or more of the important ones for sure. How do you remember it all and still remain relaxed? By trying the Japanese way! Japan is one of the healthiest countries in the world, ranked second in the list of 5 countries with the highest global health index by World Population Review. It also consists of one of the five blue zones in the world, in Okinawa where the residents have a life expectancy over the age of 100. Thus, taking some mental tips and tricks from the nation and applying it in your life, might make it better. Here are five Japanese tricks to keep the brain sharp.

It isn't just writing on paper, calligraphy involves creative and mental precision in its strokes and forms. While the art is popular across the globe, the Japanese way, Shodo improves the sharpness of the brain. It involves dipping a brush in the ink and carving the kanji and kana characters. While the use of pens in calligraphy is popular now, Japanese people still do it the old way not only preserving culture but also improving focus and concentration.

Meditation is one mindful practice that has seen a rise in practitioners globally. In Japan, there's a meditation practice called Zazen, where one sits on the floor imitating the posture of the Buddha and focuses on the breath. It is believed to have a profound impact on one's mind. A 2025 study published in SKHID Analytic and Informative Journal, found zazen meditation to improve emotional resilience, reduce stress, and encourage the acceptance of uncertainty and life's natural fluctuations.

If you have ever made flashcards to memorise something in school or at work, then you know how to do Anki. It is a technique which makes the use of flashcards to sharpen memory by reading them repeatedly in intervals to optimize memory and recall ability. A 2023 study published in Medical Science Educator analysed the impact of Anki on academic performance in medica school and found that students who used the technique scored significantly higher in all exams as compared to those who didn't.

If you can draw links between words and number, then you could play Goroawase. It is a mnemonic technique used to improve memory and can be extremely useful for students who need to memorise dates, events and names.

Puzzles stimulate mental logic and understanding like no other game. Sushi puzzles include parts that have to be assembled in order to form the right composition. They can be both mentally stimulating and visually pleasing.

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment and before changing your diet or supplement regimen.