The Japanese philosophy of the Godai, or five elements, is the concept Japan imported from China. Many representations are found in Japan, particularly in Buddhist architecture, with many of the pagoda tiers representing one of the elements. 

Heavily influenced by Buddhism, their ascending order of power is:

Earth (Chi) – represents the hard, solid objects of the world, highly resistant to movement or change. It can be an object, like a stone or bones in people, or an emotion, such as stubbornness, or in the mind it is confidence. We can be under the influence of chi when we are aware of our own physicality.

Water (Sui) – represents the flowing, fluid, formless objects of the world. Physical examples are plants growing and adapting to their environments and flowing bodily fluids such as blood. Emotional examples include adaptation to change, defensiveness and flexibility.

Fire (Ka)  - represents the moving, energetic, forceful objects of the world such as animal predators, body heat and metabolism. Emotional examples include drive, passion and an extraverted nature.

Wind (Fu) – represents the free moving, open mindedness, growth and expansion, such as the human mind as we grow, experience and acquire new knowledge. Physical examples are air and breathing; emotional are a carefree attitude, or conversely elusiveness, strong will, compassion and wisdom.

Sky or Heaven (Ku) –  often translated as ‘void’, it represents those things beyond our normal everyday experience, such as thought, creative energy, spontaneity, inventiveness or spirit.  It is the highest element and so particularly important in martial arts.

Sometimes a sixth element is added, representing Consciousness.