6 Amazing Japanese Study Hacks to Beat Laziness & Boost Memory

Sometimes we sit down to study and remember that we have not replied to a message in WhatsApp. Hence, we promise to ourselves that “I will study after five minutes” and this five minutes become an hour or two, scrolling through social media, playing video games or even chatting with friends.

Our brain has a natural tendency to skip the tasks that demand more energy. That is the reason why some of the above-mentioned activities fill up most of our time. But, to move forward and succeed in life, many of us have to find the discipline and patience to sit down and study.
In fact, the task of studying and retaining what we have learnt is easy, if we have a system that helps us naturally maintain discipline and inner-motivation. Many of the Japanese study techniques, namely Kaizen, Kanban, Pomodoro Technique, Ikigai, Shoshin and Hara Hachi Bu, are being adopted globally due to their simplicity and guaranteed effectiveness. Let’s look at them closely:
Kaizen is a life philosophy that is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. It means “continuous improvement.” We feel demotivated when we look at the humongous task in front of us as a whole. However, if we break it down into manageable, small steps, it becomes easier.


Anyone can manage to read one or two pages a day, walk for 15 minutes or study 5-10 words from a new language. Students should maintain the Kaizen mindset to develop good habits and discipline to study better. Kanban is an extremely effective technique that is used by most of the top-scoring Japanese students. It means “signboard” in Japanese. Our brain usually retains what we see longer than what we hear or read. Therefore, students can draw flowcharts, diagrams and pictures to study the important concepts in their syllabus.

Furthermore, we can write down the topics to study everyday and cut it off after learning. This habit will release dopamine, the happiness hormone, in our brain. Thus, students will start feeling better each day, creating momentum and breaking the tendency to procrastinate.

This powerful method is an extension of the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen. We can break down our study schedule into small chunks, so that we won’t feel overwhelmed.


Basically, a student sitting down to study should first study for 25 minutes, which is manageable for anyone. Then he or she should follow it up with a five minute break. Repeat this cycle four times. Once these four sessions are over, the student can take a longer break of almost 15-30 minutes. Then, repeat the whole process again.


By following this simple and proven method, any student can study more effectively and score better marks in their exams.

Ikigai, a term that has become increasingly popular throughout the world, means “reason for being.” Every human being has a purpose in life. The feeling that we are living a purposeful and meaningful life is one of the key factors of health and longevity.

Students can adopt the mindset of Ikigai by connecting their studies with their passion in life. If a student is passionate about teaching, he should plan his higher studies accordingly and study hard to achieve his aim. A compassionate student who is focused on serving people can set her goal to become a doctor and plan her studies accordingly.

In short, by leveraging the power of their own Ikigai, students can find deep reserves of inner motivation and strength to study diligently.

This concept taken from Zen Buddhism is an effective tool to make learning enjoyable and fun. Shoshin means “beginner’s mind.” Students who are sitting down to study should take a moment of deep breath and affirm to themselves that today “I am going to learn something new.”


Developing curiosity is one of the proven methods to sustain long-term memory and activate memory related areas in the brain such as the hippocampus. By reminding themselves that there are numerous fresh and interesting concepts to grasp in science, mathematics, history and politics, among others, students can transform their learning process into a fun game.


Even though it is not directly related to studying, students can use this powerful Japanese habit to support their study goals. Hara Hachi Bu means “eat until you are 80% full.”


In the Okinawa region, most people live more than 100 years and one of the key habits that sustain their longevity is Hara Hachi Bu. This practice keeps them energetic, focused and happy. Whereas, many obese students eat to gain pleasure and they won’t stop even when they feel that their stomach is full. This habit will take up more energy from their body for digestion and they will feel lethargic and sleepy.


Students, preparing for exams, should realise the power of Hara Hachi Bu and eat healthy and nutritious food. They should eat till their hunger is over and not until their stomach is full. Moreover, students can also practice yoga, tai chi, meditation and aerobic exercises to keep both their mind and body active.


Japanese study techniques are becoming increasingly popular globally due to their effectiveness and simplicity. By following these methods, students will find inner motivation and gradually enjoy the process of studying. So, pick up one of these habits today itself, implement it in your life and see the difference for yourself.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How to activate 100% brain power?To maximise the power of our brain, we should lead an active lifestyle filled with regular exercise, socialising, eat healthy and nutritious food, sleep 7-8 hours and also stay mentally active through creative pursuits, exploring new places and experiences, doing puzzles and by practicing meditation.
2. What is the best natural memory booster?Some of the food items including fatty fish, seeds and nuts including walnuts, almonds and pumpkin seeds, blueberries, turmeric, eggs, oranges, spinach, broccoli and dark chocolates, among others, are natural sources of memory boosters.
3. What is the 2 7 30 rule for memory?It is an effective memory retention technique, where one shifts what is learned from the temporary short-term memory into permanent long-term memory through repeated recollection at intervals of 2 days, then 7 days and 30 days since the instance of first assimilating the knowledge.