When walking into a room, do you forget why you went in? Or struggle with recalling someone’s name? Our world is hyper-stimulated, making memory lapses more common than ever. But here’s a secret: Japanese memory techniques for a sharper mind!
Although each culture or country might have their own version to boost memory but we picked Japan because it cherishes tradition and has a disciplined culture. By combining the two features, they have developed memory hacks that are both fun and effective.
Let’s dive into 7 Japanese memory techniques that can seriously level up your recall, focus, and mental clarity.
These 7 Japanese Memory Techniques To Supercharge Brainpower
1. Shiritori (しりとり) – The Word Chain Game
Shiritori, a Japanese word game that kids (and adults) love, and for good reason.
One person says a word, and the next person must say a word that begins with the last syllable of the previous word. For example: sakura (さくら) → ramen (らーめん) → neko (ねこ) → koi (こい).
- It forces your brain to quickly scan your mental vocabulary.
- It strengthens associative memory – connecting words, meanings, and sounds.
- It’s a brilliant way to practice languages, especially if you’re learning Japanese or any language with phonetic structure.
Try playing Shiritori with a friend, or even alone – use categories like food, animals, or emotions. Bonus points if you write them down to engage visual memory, too.
Read More Here: Jin Shin Jyutsu: Ancient Japanese Technique For Stress Relief
2. Shisa Kanko (指差喚呼) – Point and Call
This one might look strange at first glance, but it’s used by Japanese train conductors and factory workers – and it works wonders for memory and focus.
What is it?
Shisa Kanko involves physically pointing at an object or task while verbally confirming it. For example: pointing at a button and saying “green light on.”
Why it’s powerful:
- It combines visual, auditory, and physical actions – engaging multiple areas of the brain.
- It reduces human error and solidifies procedural memory.
- It’s been shown to increase focus and task accuracy by up to 85% in industrial settings.
When checking your to-do list, say tasks out loud and gesture. Example: “Locked the door – check.” It might feel silly, but your memory will thank you.
3. Kakeibo (家計簿) – The Mindful Money Diary
Okay, Kakeibo is technically a budgeting technique. But here’s the twist: it’s phenomenal to boost memory.
Kakeibo is a Japanese method of tracking expenses by writing them down in a notebook with intention and reflection. It asks you to consider:
- What are you spending on?
- Why are you spending?
- Can you live without it?
How this boosts memory:
- Writing things down by hand activates deeper encoding of information.
- Reflecting on purchases helps reinforce cause-effect thinking.
- Daily journaling increases recall and pattern recognition.
If you’re looking for a notebook that can do it all, you might consider using a kakeibo as they can also serve as journals for everyday life. In addition to tracking your expenses, they can be used to record daily activities, ideas, even dreams.
4. Kanji Practice (漢字練習) – Writing for Retention
Kanji, the complex logographic characters used in Japanese, are memorization challenges on their own. But that’s also what makes practicing them such a fantastic brain workout.
How it helps:
- Rewriting kanji reinforces visual-spatial memory.
- The stroke order and structure demand concentration and pattern recognition.
- It creates muscle memory through repetition.
Even if you’re not learning Japanese, you can use the principle. Practice writing meaningful words or symbols daily. The act of writing improves memory far more than typing.
5. Chisen (地線) – Traditional Japanese Mapping
Before the invention of GPS, travelers in Japan used a form of mental mapping called Chisen to remember temple routes and terrains. Monks and other travelers often practiced this method to help them navigate.
Memory benefit:
- Mental mapping improves spatial memory, linked to navigation and organization skills.
- Drawing maps from memory exercises recall and visualization – two key elements of memory.
- It enhances your ability to mentally organize information.
Practice tip: Sketch out your neighborhood from memory, or map your favorite park or route to work. Try recalling landmarks, turns, and distances.
6. Naikan Therapy (内観) – Structured Self-Reflection
Naikan, which means “inner looking,” is a form of structured introspection developed in Japan. It involves reflecting on your relationships and actions through three simple questions:
- What have I received from ______?
- What have I given to ______?
- What troubles or difficulties have I caused ______?
How this boosts memory:
- It develops episodic memory – your ability to recall specific life events.
- It enhances emotional connection to memories, which improves long-term retention.
- It promotes mindfulness, which is known to improve memory and cognition.
If you try doing Naikan journaling once a week, you’ll not only remember more, but gain deeper insight into your life and relationships.
7. Zazen (座禅) – Seated Meditation
It’s not one of the traditional memory hacks but Zazen is considered the heart of Japanese Zen Buddhist practice. The aim of this technique is to just sit, suspend all judgemental thinking and let words, ideas, images and thoughts pass by.
Why it works:
- Meditation increases gray matter in the hippocampus – the part of the brain tied to memory.
- It reduces stress, which is one of the biggest memory blockers.
- It enhances attention, which is crucial for encoding new memories.
Focusing on your breath, posture, and surroundings without getting involved in your thoughts. If you do it for just 5-10 minutes a day can help you concentrate better and remember more.
Read More Here: Kaizen: A Japanese Technique for Overcoming Laziness
Boost Memory The Japanese Way!
These Japanese techniques might seem basic, but they’re based on centuries of knowledge. It’s the perfect combination of mindfulness, repetition, and structure, and that’s why they’re so great for remembering things.
This week, try just one of these methods: Shiritori, Kakeibo journaling, or the pointing/naming technique to complete your next couple of tasks. You might be surprised how much faster your memory sharpens up.
Which of the 7 Japanese memory techniques will you try first?
Leave a Comment