Happiness occupies a central position across philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, biology, and economics. Yet, this concept resists singular definition, typically construed through multidimensional indicators. Prevailing models often offer partial solutions by reducing happiness to measurable components, addressing immediate challenges like social fragmentation and environmental degradation. However, these reductionist approaches remain inadequate at a holistic level, exposing fundamental theoretical limitations regarding human experience. This study proposes reconceptualizing happiness to bridge this critical epistemological gap effectively. Through a comparative analysis of Western and Japanese cultural frameworks, this research delineates divergent conceptual trajectories clearly. The Western lineage traces a historical transition from Aristotelian virtue ethics through Kantian moral autonomy to Bentham-Mill utilitarianism. This evolution represents a significant shift from social virtue toward interiorized individuality, subsequently progressing into self-isolation and the rigorous quantification of well-being, though recent trends suggest a necessary return to origins. Conversely, ancient Japanese thought, particularly during the Jōmon period, conceived happiness as wa (harmony). This unique perspective situated the self not as an isolated entity but as deeply embedded within interdependent networks characterized by relational and ecological attunement. Historical examination reveals that wa eventually evolved from supporting communal cohesion toward rigidity accompanied by excessive conformity pressure. Neither framework alone suffices to address modern existential complexities fully. Significantly, both Western and Japanese contexts exhibit emerging perspectives that seek a return to origins, suggesting an imminent paradigmatic shift in discourse concerning human well-being globally. Consequently, this paper advances an integrative theoretical framework synthesizing the Western tradition of personal autonomy with harmony-based conceptions of happiness found in ancient Japan. By simultaneously respecting individual agency and collective harmony and addressing the fundamental challenges of social division and environmental collapse, we propose a sustainable, universally inclusive pathway for reconstructing human happiness. This integration offers a concrete route advancing from paradigms of division toward deep ontological integration, providing a robust foundation for future well-being research and policy development.
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