Whether photography is your hobby or profession, I think everyone experiences it at least once — burnout. We live in a time where distractions are everywhere, and focusing deeply on just one thing feels harder than ever.

That’s why today, I’d like to introduce a Japanese phrase that can help you stay motivated and recover your focus: 一所懸命 (Issho Kenmei).

The word is made of four characters: 一 means “one,” 所 means “place,” 懸 means “devote,” and 命 means “life.” Put together, it literally means “to stake your life on one place.” At first glance, it sounds extreme, but in everyday Japanese, people use it more casually to mean giving your full effort to something.

But this phrase has a deep history.

It goes back to the Kamakura period, from the late 12th century to the early 14th century. This was the first time Japan was ruled by a samurai government. Life was unstable; natural disasters, famines, and epidemics were common, and Buddhism was spreading rapidly among the people.

During this era, the term “Issho Kenmei no Tochi” was born, which meant “land worth staking your life on.”

For samurai, protecting their land wasn’t just about survival; it was about family, honor, and passing something on to the next generation. Many Japanese family names today actually come from these lands that were defended for centuries. Even in the historical chronicle, Taiheiki, written in the 1300s, the phrase “Issho Kenmei no Chi” appears, describing warriors risking everything for their land.

Over time, the meaning shifted. The focus moved from a physical place — land — to a broader idea of dedicating your entire life to something. That’s when the phrase transformed into 一生懸命 (Isshō Kenmei), where 生 means “life.” Today, it’s still used to mean putting your whole heart and energy into what you do.

Of course, modern life doesn’t usually require us to defend land like medieval samurai. And photography, for most people, isn’t about survival. But in a way, the principle is the same: if you can pour yourself completely into something you love — whether it’s photography, art, or anything else — that’s a blessing.

Even the Buddha’s final teaching to his disciples before his death echoes this idea: “All things are transient. Strive diligently.” He wasn’t telling people to escape from reality, but rather the opposite: because life is fleeting, we should live each moment fully, without regret.

That’s the heart of Issho Kenmei.

It reminds us that whatever you’re doing, you’re spending your lifetime on it. Every photo you take, every project you work on, is a piece of your life. When you look at it that way, even something as ordinary as practicing photography becomes deeply meaningful.

And while this might sound heavy, Issho Kenmei also shows up in fun, unexpected places. In the 2000s, a famous Japanese meme featured former tennis player Shuzo Matsuoka shouting motivational lines using this phrase. He says things like:

“Don’t dwell on the past — it just turns into anger!”

“Don’t worry too much about the future — it only creates anxiety!”

“Instead, put everything you have into this moment, right now!”

It’s over the top, but it captures the essence of Issho Kenmei perfectly: live fully in the present, and give your best effort.

So when you feel burned out, maybe it’s not about forcing yourself to work harder. Instead, it’s about shifting perspective. Remind yourself: if you love photography enough to devote yourself to it, then every moment you spend with your camera is already meaningful.

Issho Kenmei isn’t just about intensity. It’s about living with no regrets, making the most of the time you have, and giving yourself fully to what you love.