The Japanese have an outstanding culture of kodawari in much of what they do. A maker of bowls might apply fifty coats of lacquer instead of thirty, simply because he can tell the difference in the resulting shine. A chef may insist only on a vegetable grown on a certain farm at a certain time of year, because no other taste will do. It is no surprise then that Japan has its elaborate tea ceremony; its intricate kimono that can only be worn and tied in a very specific way; and its wonderfully detailed calligraphy. All of those activities are about tiny details that most would miss; the fine rather than the gross. Kodawari is all about the sensitivity to detail, or the intense commitment to the pursuit of perfection. This principle is often found in passionate people who might at times be confused for being obsessed or even to some degree, crazy. Although, we can always argue about semantics. But there is one thing to agree on and it's that Kodawari and individuals who embody this value, have proven to create amazing detailed things, especially in Japan.
Sourced from: http://www.sunwords.com/2012/06/03/appreciate-the-perfectionists-in-your-midst/ ---- Image Created from: Canva
Image is sourced from: Google Images.Mochi is simply a rice cake. But it may be generalizing or simplifying this small delicacy. Mochi is actually a serious piece of art that we may not completely know how much passion and detail goes into this little piece of sweet goodness. Kodawari is most exceptionally found in the individuals behind mochi, and it would be a shame if we didn't talk about it.
Image is sourced from: Google Images.Of course, if we're going to be talking about the value of perfection and the attention to detail, we can't skip the topic of Sushi. I mean, we get it, it's small pieces of rice and fish goodness. But really, like all things, it's an art, amplified even more by the people who make it.