Ninjo relates to the range of human emotions such as sympathy, compassion, love, friendships, etc. Like many things in Japan, ninjo has a much deeper meaning. Ninjo is often compared to giri (debt of gratitude), which is a reciprocation of gratitude given by others. Ninjo is a spontaneous expression of emotions towards another. There is a phrase in Japanese: "being warm in ninjo," which relates to a person that is thoughtful and kind. Being just thoughtful and kind is not enough, one must also keep up with one's sense of moral obligation to be truly accepted in society. Both ninjo and giri are of the utmost importance in Japanese society, and have maintained a sense of harmony in Japan for decades.
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