Wa (和) is a Japanese term which has become a cultural concept of its own.
Imported from Chinese, "Wa" originally meant harmony, peace, balance. It was a guiding concept in Japanese philosophy and culture with dozens of subtle different associated meanings.
It also refers to Japan itself or something Japanese (such as "washoku" (和食) which means a Japanese-style meal). In this sense it has, through the history of the 20th century, been a highly emotional and/or political concept.
See also
