Japanese culture assumes that proper form must be mastered before individual variation is appropriate. The progression is explicit: first follow established methods exactly, then begin adapting with understanding, finally transcend form through deep mastery. Skipping stages produces weak foundations.
The artist who hasn’t mastered traditional forms produces novelty rather than innovation. The professional who hasn’t learned established methods proposes changes from ignorance. This applies across domains—children learn proper technique before developing personal style; new employees follow procedures before suggesting modifications; students master fundamentals before creative expression.
The sequence isn’t arbitrary restriction but reflects understanding of how competence actually develops. Foundation determines what can be built above.
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