It has become a throw away society we live in. I like the Japanese idea, and more importantly what it symbolises. I think these type of cultural nuances seep it other areas of our existence, influencing our behaviour, even in a subconscious manner. Like you said about relationships.

To be able to see the beauty in these supposedly worn and damaged items is indicative of a matured and wiser viewpoint. It's kind of meditative - not rushing from one product to the next, one item to the next, or one friendship to the next. Whatever the case may be.

The beauty of life isn't out there in that next elusive "whatever". It's here, now, within us, and between us. Anyway, that's what I felt inspired to write after reading your post. :)