{"id":4612,"date":"2025-04-07T02:23:47","date_gmt":"2025-04-06T17:23:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/?p=4612"},"modified":"2026-04-13T14:11:12","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T05:11:12","slug":"redefining-ma-in-japanese-digital-aesthetics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/uism.co.jp\/en\/blog\/redefining-ma-in-japanese-digital-aesthetics\/","title":{"rendered":"Redefining Ma (\u9593) in Japanese Digital Aesthetics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Empty space, leaving things out, can speak more strongly than putting them in, and I think that\u2019s very Japanese.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 Hiroe Swen (Ceramic Artist)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Ma<\/em> (\u9593), meaning gap, pause, or space, is a spiritual concept of emptiness deeply rooted in Japanese art and culture.<\/span> It represents the beauty found in the space between things and the gaps that we often overlook have deep meaning. This principle can be seen in various art such as Japanese gardens, calligraphy, and pottery, where intentional emptiness enhances the overall aesthetic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Yet, when we turn to Japanese web design, we often see something entirely different. Many websites are filled with dense information, small fonts, and packed visuals<\/strong>, seemingly ignoring the essence of Ma<\/em>. This is largely influenced by Japan\u2019s cultural preference for reassurance:<\/span><\/strong> a tendency to provide as much information as possible to ensure users feel fully informed. While this approach may appear cluttered by global standards, it aligns with a psychological need for security and detail-oriented communication in Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some examples of Japanese web design:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Government<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n