Modern and Historical Concepts of Welfare in Japan: A Theoretical Framework for Strengthening Resilience to Socioeconomic Challenges

This theoretical paper introduces a novel, author-developed conceptual framework: the “Integrated Historical-Economic Resilience Model (IHERM)”. This model examines cultural and philosophical messages of well-being transmitted across Japanese history, focusing on how these traditions have historically strengthened socioeconomic resilience and adaptive capacity to economic challenges from the prehistoric Jomon era (14,000–300 BCE) to the Edo period (1603–1868). By analyzing archaeological evidence, historical pilgrimage practices, and cultural traditions through a socioeconomic lens, this research proposes IHERM as an original theoretical model identifying enduring principles of economic stability and resource management that have helped communities navigate resource limitations, market shifts, and societal transformations throughout Japan’s history. IHERM distinguishes itself from existing well-being and resilience frameworks by offering a historically-grounded, culturally-specific, yet economically focused analytical tool. Unlike traditional models that often prioritize singular economic indicators or universal psychological well-being, IHERM integrates the dynamic interplay between collective well-being, resource sustainability, and socioeconomic adaptability, rooted in Japan’s unique historical experiences. This new integrated theoretical perspective specifically examines the Jomon people’s sustainable lifestyle and innovative resource allocation strategies alongside the popular Ohyama pilgrimage tradition of the Edo period, highlighting how these practices offered resilience during times of economic scarcity, societal stratification, and evolving resource demands. The theoretical framework suggests that these historical approaches to socioeconomic challenges offer valuable insights into modern well-being concepts such as ikigai (purpose in life), connection to community, and sustainable living. Crucially, IHERM provides a unique theoretical lens through which these concepts can be understood as actionable components for fortifying societal economic resilience against contemporary challenges, including resource depletion, income disparity, and global economic volatility. This theoretical research contributes to the understanding of how traditional Japanese cultural heritage, specifically through the framework of IHERM, can inform and enhance contemporary approaches to economic sustainability and collective well-being across diverse cultural and economic contexts.