(いや)

いやし
noun
healing, comfort, soothing
emotion
1. healing, comfort, soothing, solace
Emotional or spiritual healing and comfort. Refers to anything that soothes the mind, relieves stress, or provides emotional relief. A popular cultural concept in modern Japan, often associated with relaxation, cute things, nature, and wellness.
ペット(いや)存在(そんざい)だ。
Pets are a source of comfort.
Soaking in a hot spring is soothing for the mind.

Forms

Noun form of the verb (いや) (to heal, to soothe). The し ending creates a noun expressing the concept or experience of healing.

Cultural note

(いや)し became a buzzword in Japan from the late 1990s onward, reflecting a growing cultural focus on stress relief and emotional well-being. The concept extends to many areas: (いや)(けい) (healing-type) is used to describe people, music, spaces, and products that have a calming or comforting effect.

Common collocations