Ganbatte!

I am a Japan-o-phile, in love with anything and everything Japan. The food, the cute, the cracked up crack, it's all awesome. And especially awesome is the notion of "ganbatte", which means, "Do your best". Spend 15 minutes watching a Japanese drama, anime or variety show, and odds are good that you will hear ganbatte. It's an encouragement if said to someone about to attempt something, and an assurance (to themselves or others) if said by the person about to attempt something.

Ganbatte is such a simple concept, with tones of William Hung's "As long as I do my best, I will have no regrets."

Yes. Do your best, ganbatte, and no regrets. You da man, Mr. Hung. By the way, I just found out he went back to Hong Kong shortly after his Idol 15 minutes and made an honest to goodness movie. Like a real movie, not a youtube video or cheap porn. An actual Hong Kong comedy, with recognizable stars in it. (Dammit, Nancy Sit is a star, despite the younger generation's "Huh? Oh, the mole on the forehead lady.") Of course, I tried to find it on DVD, but have been fruitless thus far. That says something about the quality and popularity of the movie, right?

But back to ganbatte. Sure, it's easy to say "I'll do my best," but of course, one has to ask: Are you really doing your best? How can you know if you are? Can't you always do better, if given more time, more resources?

I think that's actually besides the point. I think the "doing" is what we need to focus on...as long as someone does, attempts, tries, while putting in an effort (best or less than best) then they really should be proud of themselves and not feel any regrets. Because they TRIED. They didn't talk themselves out of something and say "Why bother?" They didn't punk out, they didn't give up, hiding behind a scornful, contemptuous bravado of, "I have better things to do," or "Why waste my time?"

This spirit of tenacity, the courage to try, even if you risk making a fool out of yourself, is admirable and vital. And should be kept alive. Even if you're goofy-looking, tone deaf, delusional and auditioning for Idol. While wearing an Autobot-anteater-panda-cop-costume.