Japanese aesthetics encompass ancient ideals like wabi (transient beauty), sabi (the beauty of natural aging), and yūgen (profound grace), which are seen as an integral part of daily life and cultural norms, rather than merely a philosophy. These aesthetics are deeply rooted in Shinto, with its emphasis on nature's wholeness, and Buddhism, which views all things as impermanent and in a state of flux.

The most widely recognized concept, wabi-sabi, celebrates the beauty of things "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete," appreciating the subtle signs of nature's transience through principles like asymmetry, simplicity, and tranquility. Another significant ideal, Miyabi (elegance and refinement), emerged during the Heian era, focusing on courtly grace and the elimination of vulgarity, often intertwined with a bittersweet awareness of impermanence. Ultimately, Japanese aesthetics highlight an intrinsic connection between dynamic nature, profound beauty, and ethical character, shaping a unique cultural perspective.