Shoganai is an important idea in Japan that can be translated “it can’t be helped.” It is the philosophy or strategy that some things are out of your control and it’s best to focus your efforts on things you can change. Shoganai is used to explain a wide range of social phenomenon in Japan including the country’s ability to bounce back from hardship. People don’t complain much and press ahead under duress. It can also be used to explain negative things such as people’s disinterest in politics that allows politicians to implement things that are wildly unpopular.
