The start of a new year invites reflection. Not just on what we want to do differently—but on how we want to feel.
Instead of rigid resolutions or long to-do lists, many people are choosing a simpler, more meaningful approach: selecting a Word of the Year. One word to guide decisions, habits, and self-care. One anchor to return to when motivation fades.
In Japan, this practice aligns beautifully with long-standing philosophies that emphasize intention, balance, and lifelong growth. Concepts like Ikigai and Kaizen aren’t trends—they’re ways of living.
This year, we invite you to choose a wellness word rooted in purpose, not pressure.
What Is a “Wellness Word of the Year”?
A Word of the Year is not a goal—it’s a lens.
Rather than saying “I will lose 10 pounds” or “I will work out every day,” a wellness word asks:
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How do I want to show up this year?
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What energy do I want to cultivate?
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What matters most to my health and happiness right now?
Your word becomes a guidepost for:
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Daily habits
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Wellness routines
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Boundaries and rest
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How you nourish your body and mind
This approach is especially powerful because it’s flexible. It evolves with you.
Japanese Concepts That Inspire Meaningful Growth
Japanese culture offers a wealth of philosophies centered on intentional living. Here are a few that resonate deeply with wellness and personal growth.
Ikigai (生き甲斐)
“A reason for being.”
Ikigai sits at the intersection of:
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What you love
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What you’re good at
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What the world needs
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What supports your life
In wellness terms, Ikigai encourages you to care for your health because your life has meaning. Sleep, nourishment, movement, and stress management aren’t chores—they’re acts of respect for the life you’re living.
If Ikigai were your word, your wellness routine might focus on:
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Sustainable habits instead of extremes
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Energy and longevity support
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Creating rituals that bring joy, not guilt
Kaizen (改善)
“Continuous improvement.”
Kaizen is the philosophy of small, steady progress. Rather than radical change, it values tiny improvements made consistently over time.
This concept has long guided Japanese craftsmanship, science, and business—and it’s just as powerful for personal wellness.
If Kaizen were your word, it might look like:
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Adding one nourishing habit at a time
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Improving sleep by 10% instead of aiming for perfection
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Choosing consistency over intensity
Kaizen reminds us that wellness is built quietly, daily.
Shinrin-Yoku (森林浴)
“Forest bathing.”
This practice emphasizes reconnecting with nature to calm the nervous system, reduce inflammation, and restore balance.
Modern research shows that time in nature can:
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Lower cortisol
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Improve sleep quality
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Support immune function
If this were your word, your wellness focus might be:
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Stress reduction
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Nervous system regulation
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Slowing down in a fast world
Wa (和)
“Harmony.”
Wa represents balance—within yourself, with others, and with your environment. In wellness, it’s a reminder that health isn’t about control, but alignment.
A Wa-guided year could emphasize:
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Balancing work and rest
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Gentle movement instead of punishment
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Nourishing food without restriction
Yūgen (幽玄)
“Deep beauty beyond words.”
Yūgen honors subtlety, depth, and the quiet moments that don’t demand attention but enrich life.
In a wellness context, this might mean:
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Listening to your body more closely
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Appreciating progress you don’t see on the surface
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Valuing inner calm over external results
How to Choose Your Wellness Word
You don’t need to overthink it. Try this simple reflection:
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Ask yourself: What do I need more of this year?
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Consider what felt missing—or overwhelming—last year.
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Notice which word brings a sense of relief, not pressure.
Your word should feel like support, not expectation.
Aligning Your Wellness Routine to Your Word
Once you choose your word, let it gently shape your habits.
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If your word is Ikigai, focus on longevity, energy, and routines that feel meaningful.
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If it’s Kaizen, build small, consistent rituals you can sustain.
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If it’s Wa, choose balance over extremes.
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If it’s Shinrin-Yoku, prioritize calm, nature, and stress reduction.
Your supplements, meals, movement, and rest can all align with this intention—without rigidity.
Crane Wellness & Our Word of the Year
At Crane Wellness, our roots in Japanese science and tradition guide everything we do. In the past, we’ve leaned into concepts like Kaizen, honoring the belief that better health is built step by step, not overnight.
As we move into 2026, we’re reflecting on which philosophy best represents where we’re headed—how we want to serve our community, innovate responsibly, and support long-term wellness.
We’ll be sharing that word soon—and inviting you to explore it with us more deeply.
A Gentle Invitation for the Year Ahead
This year doesn’t need to be louder, stricter, or more demanding.
It can be:
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More intentional
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More aligned
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More compassionate
Choose a word that feels like an exhale. Let it guide your wellness—not control it.
And remember: wellness isn’t about becoming someone new.
It’s about supporting who you already are.
