ILLUSTRATED JAPANESE PROVERBS

Avoid stating your abilities without reason.

能ある鷹は爪を隠す
« No aru taka ha tsume wo kakusu »

Literal: The hawk with talents hides its talons.

Meaning: Don’t show your skills without purpose.

謙 kanji: be modest, it's a strenght. But can be a strategy too (main meaning of the proverb). Kotowaza, proverb.

Everything or nothing.

一か八か
« ichi ka batsu ka »

Literal: One or eight (also randomness or randomness).

Meaning: Everything or nothing. Win or lose. often used in the context of competitions or games to refer to the outcome of a match or contest.

Futsū no kotoba, common expression.

Running after two hares.

二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず
« Nito wo ou mono wa itto mo ezu »

Literal: A man who hunts two hares, does not deserve one.
Meaning: Running after two hares.
Kotowaza, proverb."

It’s wise to remain silent.

言わぬが花
« Iwanuga hana »

Littérale: Literal: Not speaking is a flower.
Meaning: It’s wise to remain silent.
Kotowaza, proverb."

Even the most ruthless people sometimes shed tears.

Literal: A tear in the ogre’s eye.
SMeaning: Even the most ruthless people sometimes shed tears.
Kotowaza, proverb."

There is no great genius without a mixture of madness.

天才と狂人 は紙一重
« tensai to kyôjin wa kami hitoe »

Literal: There is only a sheet of paper between a genius and a madman.
Signification: Point de génie sans un grain de folie.
Kotowaza, proverb."

To provoke a bad situation unnecessarily.

薮をつついて 蛇を出す
« Yabu wo tsutuite hebi wo dasu »

Literal: To poke a bush and make a snake come out.
SMeaning: To provoke a bad situation unnecessarily.
Tsūjō no hyōgen, idiom."

To create meaningful experiences during youthfulness.

若い時は二度来ない
« wakai toki wa nido konai »

Literal: Youth does not come twice.
Meaning: To create meaningful experiences during youthfulness.
Kotowaza, proverb.
Asanoha pattern: mainly used on kimonos for young children in the hope it would support them to grow to be strong."

A conflict between two sides leads to the benefit of a third.

漁夫の利
« Gyofu no ri »

Literal: The benefit of the fisherman
Meaning: A conflict between two sides leads to the benefit of a third.
hen a woodcock tried to devour a clam on the beach, its beak became trapped inside the shell of the mollusk. They were later found by a fisherman.
Kotowaza, proverb.
Seigaiha (Blue Ocean Waves) pattern: the waves of the sea, calm and quiet, but also powerful and resilient as they keep crashing incessantly on the shore. It`s also symbol of rising good luck."

To avoid an unpleasant situation.

読み方
« Tanuki Neiri »

Literal: The sleep of the tanuki.
Meaning: To avoid an unpleasant situation.
Tanuki are trickster. When startled or caught off guard, they may play dead or feign sleep as a defense mechanism. By pretending to be asleep, they might attempt to deceive their observers into thinking they are harmless or unaware, allowing them an opportunity to escape when the moment is right.
Kotowaza, proverb.

To achieve two objectives with the same action.

一石二鳥
« isseki nichô »

Literal: One stone two birds.
Meaning: To achieve two objectives with the same action.
Idiom
Same Komon Pattern: This is a purely artistic pattern. It is also called Shark Skin in Japan due to its small dots and arc-shaped lines.

A closed mind is limited by its own knowledge.

井の中の蛙大海を知らず
« I no naka no kawazu taikai wo shirazu »

Literal: The frog in the well knows nothing of the great ocean.
Meaning: A closed mind is limited by its own knowledge.
Kotowaza, proverb.
全く for 全くもう (mattaku mô): Honestly, you know!!!

Drunkenness reveals the true face of people.

Literal: Gold is tested by fire, people are tested by sake.
LMeaning: Drunkenness reveals the true face of people.
Kotowaza, proverb.
Kotowaza, proverb.
酒 sake ideogramm.

Crowd gathering panda.

客寄せパンダ
« Kyakuyose panda »

Literal: Crowd gathering panda.
Meaning: A star attraction.

Take proactive measures to prevent problems.

転ばぬ先の杖
« korobanu saki no tsue »

Literal: A walking stick before stumbling.
Meaning: Take proactive measures to prevent problems.
Kotowaza, proverbe.
Kōjitsunagi pattern. Repetitive use of the kō character. The characters interlock in a way that appears to stretch to infinity. It brings good fortune.

The fish in the water.

水を得た魚
« mizu wo eta sakana »

Literal: The fish in the water.
Meaning: Delighted and serene when engaged in beloved activities.
Kotowaza, proverb.
Seigaiha (Blue Ocean Waves) pattern: the waves of the sea, calm and quiet, but also powerful and resilient as they keep crashing incessantly on the shore. It`s also symbol of rising good luck.

Just start, and the path will clear.

一事が万事
« ichiji ga banji »

Litteral: From one thing, 10,000 things.
Signification: Il suffit de commencer pour que le chemin s’éclaircisse.
Kotowaza, proverb.

Everyone can make mistake.

猿も木から落ちる
« saru mo ki kara ochiru »

Literal: Even monkeys fall from the tree.
Signification: Tout le monde peut se tromper.
Kotowaza, proverb.

Diabolical.

極悪非道
« gokuaku hidou »

Literal: Extremely wicked and cruel.
Meaning: Diabolical.
Kotowaza, proverb.
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Everyone has their limits.

仏の顔も三度まで
« Hotoke no kao mo sando made »

Even Buddha's face after three times (does not remain impassive).
Meaning: Everyone has their limits.
Kotowaza, proverb.

True understanding can be achieved through a deep connection or unspoken communication.

以心伝心
« I-shin den-shin »

Literal: What the mind thinks, the heart transmits.
Meaning: True understanding can be achieved through a deep connection or unspoken communication.
Kotowaza, proverb.

An easy prey.

鴨がねぎ背負って来る
« Kamo ga negi wo shotte kuru »

Literal: A duck arrives carrying a green onion (scallion) on its back.
Meaning: An easy prey.
Kotowaza, proverb.

Only a fool deals with a fool.

あほに取り合うばか
« aho ni toriau ba a ka »

Literal: If with a fool you compete, are you not a (fool)?
Meaning: Only a fool deals with a fool.
Kotowaza, proverbe.

To give something to someone who, due to not understanding or appreciating its value, is unable to take advantage of it.

猫に小判
« Neko ni koban »

Literal: To give a golden coin to a cat.
Meaning: To give something to someone who, due to not understanding or appreciating its value, is unable to take advantage of it.
Kotowaza, proverb.

Someone who’s been killed can’t reveal big secrets.

死人に口なし
« Shinin ni kuchinashi »

Literal: Dead men tell no tales.
Meaning: Keep your mouth shut. It’s a threat. Someone who’s been killed can’t reveal big secrets..
Kotowaza, proverb.
Wakō 倭寇: A group of pirates who were active in the waters around Japan and East Asia during the 16th and 17th centuries. The term Wakō primarily referred to Japanese pirates who raided the coasts and islands of neighboring regions such as China, Korea, and the Ryukyu Islands. They engaged in activities such as looting and capturing prisoners.

Something valuable is wasted on someone who cannot appreciate its worth.

豚に真珠
« buta ni shinju »

Literal: Pearls to a pig OR casting pearls before swine.
SMeaning: Something valuable is wasted on someone who cannot appreciate its worth.
Kotowaza, proverb.

Cultivating talents and interests contribute to success and well-being.

芸は身を助く
« gei wa mi wo tasuku »

Literal: Art helps one's life.
Meaning: Cultivating talents and interests contribute to success and well-being.
Kotowaza, proverb.
Kagome pattern. A lattice-like pattern that comes from basketry, the art of weaving baskets. « Kago » means a basket, while « Me » means eye, these two words combined form Kagome, which means a pattern of holes. Kagome is viewed as a protective pattern, like a fence against devils and misfortune.

Every moment of life is precious.

一期一会
« Ichigo ichie »

Literal: One time one meeting.
Meaning: Every moment of life is precious.
Kotowaza, proverb.

Reality can be constructed using our imagination, yet unable to rival it.

見ぬが花
« Minu ga hana »

Literal: Not seeing is a flower.
Meaning: Reality can be constructed using our imagination, yet unable to rival it.
Kotowaza, proverb.
In Japan, flowers are used to represent imagination, beauty, and oftentimes politeness.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

虎穴に入らずんば 虎子 を 得ず
« Koketsu ni irazunba koji o ezu »

Literal: If you don't enter the tiger's cave, you can't catch its cub.
Signification: Qui ne tente rien n’a rien.
Kotowaza, proverb.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

雨降って地固まる
« Ame futte chi katamaru »

Literal: The ground becomes firm after rain.
Meaning: What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
Kotowaza, proverb.
Igeta pattern, which depicts water well, and being a source of water, it represents good fortune and life.

An amateur is unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

狐が 下手の射る矢 を恐る
« kitsune ga heta no iru ya wo osoru »

Literal: A fox is afraid of a poorly shot arrow.
Meaning: An amateur is unpredictable and potentially dangerous.
Kotowaza, proverb.
Yabane pattern, which represents feathers used in arrows. The design is symbolic of aiming for a target, as arrows do not return once shot. Brides used to wear kimonos featuring this pattern as a symbol of good luck, to prevent the need for them to return to their family home.

Love is blind.

痘痕も靨
« abata mo ekubo »

Literal: Even warts turn into dimples.
Meaning: Love is blind.
Kotowaza, proverb.

A key step towards success.

登竜門
Tôryûmon

Literal: The Gate of the Ascending Dragon.
Meaning: A key step towards success.
Kotowaza, proverbe.
According to legend, a carp that climbs the waterfalls at the Gate of the Dragon, after swimming up the Yellow River and reaching its source, transformed into a dragon. The carp thus became a symbol of success worldwide.

Every year in May, the «Golden Week» takes place. A week of celebration and four national holidays during which Japanese history is celebrated. One of these days, May 5th, is dedicated to Children's Day, « Kodomo no Hi ».

The symbol associated with Children's Day is the koinobori. This kite-shaped carp is one of the most iconic Japanese lucky charms. The koinobori refers to the same legend as Tôryûmon, evoking the journey undertaken by the carp. This journey represents the voyage that all children must embark on towards adulthood and the hope of seeing them, like a koinobori, transform into strong and prosperous « dragons ».

Adopting a morning routine for one's well-being and health is an invaluable virtue.

早起きは三文の徳
Hayaoki wa sanmon no toku

Literal: Getting up early is a virtue in 3 coins.
Meaning: Adopting a morning routine for one's well-being and health is an invaluable virtue.

The origin of the expression is said to be « Wake up early for three days in a row and do the work of one person », written by a Chinese poet named Rouyaku. This means that if you wake up and work before the sun rises, your work will progress.

The three coins express « something very small » here 50 to 100 yen or less than 1€. It's up to each person to decide whether they think, « What! Is that all? » or « I'm lucky! » But if you even consider the smallest thing as « something good has happened! », your level of happiness will increase. Hence comes the virtue « invaluable.

Pattern depicting a rising sun.

Betrayed by a trusted subordinate.

飼い犬に手を噛まれる
Kaiinu ni te o kamareru

Literal: Getting one's hand bitten by their dog.
Meaning: Betrayed by a trusted subordinate.
Kotowaza, proverbe.

Avoid rushing blindly and proceed thoughtfully to avoid having to start over completely.

急がば回れ
Isogaba Maware

Literal: If you hurry, you'll end up going in circles.
Meaning: Avoid rushing blindly and proceed thoughtfully to avoid having to start over completely.
Kotowaza, proverb.
On the kimono: 迷. Which means to get lost, to wander.
Mameshibori Pattern. This term literally means « compressed bean ». It is characterized by small dots arranged at regular intervals. Originally, it referred to a dyed pattern consisting of small dark blue dots on a white background or white dots on a dark blue background. Each circle, created using the shibori technique, exhibits variations in color and shape. Nowadays, this term also refers to regular circles printed in various colors. The word « mame » (bean) also shares the same pronunciation as a term meaning « to have a resilient body, to work with diligence ». Since many beans can be grown from just one bean, it also encompasses the meaning of « a prayer for prosperity ».

Understanding one aspect of reality while falsely believing you understand it all.

群盲象を評す
Gunmouzouwohyousu

Literal: The blind evaluating the elephant.
Meaning: Understanding one aspect of reality while falsely believing you understand it all.
Kotowaza, proverb.

LThe parable of the blind men and the elephant tells the story of a group of blind men who, having never encountered an elephant before, learn to conceptualize it by touching it. Each blind man explores a different part of the animal's body, such as the side or the tusk, but none has an overall view. Therefore, their descriptions of the elephant vary based on their limited and fragmented experiences. Its origin is said to be from India, aiming to illustrate that everyone, believing their own perspective to be correct, may conflict with others. It's somewhat the precursor to the modern concept of critical thinking.

Tatewaku Pattern: These vertical waves evoke mist and steam rising towards the sky, particularly in spring. They symbolize the ability to rise above life's events. This pattern, dating back to the Middle Ages, was considered a remarkable technical feat at the time.

Reason for being.

生き甲斐
« Ikigaï »

To find it, you need to ask yourself the right questions and avoid lying to yourself about your desires and capabilities:
What do I love doing?
What am I good at or talented in?
What could I be paid for?
What does the world need?

Ikigai gives meaning to what we do. In addition to being happy, it helps us understand what makes us special, our value in this world, what enables us to fulfill ourselves.

Ikigai is one of the keys to longevity in Okinawa. It lies in a life free of stress, healthy eating, maintaining social relationships, taking time for oneself, and having an optimistic attitude. To achieve this balance, it is essential to discover one's deep aspirations and use them as a guide.

Moving forward despite failures.

七転び八起き
« nana korobi ya-oki »

Literal: Seven times down, eight times up.
Meaning: Moving forward despite failures.

The Daruma is a lucky charm, situated somewhere between magic, psychology, and primarily spirituality. This talisman provides support in achieving a goal. To use it:
• Clearly define your wish or goal to achieve, and write it down.
• Color or paint one of the two eyes black.
• Display the Daruma prominently at home.
• Take action without losing sight of your goal.
• Paint the second eye once the goal is achieved.

It comes in different colors, predominantly red for luck. Here, the slightly grayish white symbolizes balance, harmony, and purity.

The inscription 持久 « jikyuu » means perseverance, endurance."

Encouragement Daruma.

A variation of the Speaking Kokeshi with a somewhat special poster.

The goal here is to offer this poster to someone who is starting or has already begun a project to show them your support. In the box at the bottom, along the blue line, they note the project start date on the left, their project in the center, and then color one of the eyes black (whichever one they choose). Once the project is completed, they will paint the second eye and indicate the project completion date in the box at the bottom. The idea comes from Daruma, which are small papier-mâché figurines. These are good luck charms, existing somewhere between magic, psychology, and primarily spirituality. These talismans support the realization of a project, which can be personal, professional, athletic, creative, or group-oriented. The concepts of personal growth and success are evoked by the Koinobori, and encouragement is conveyed with a «Ganbatte!», an expression deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

So, why not make a graphical version that can be kept as a memento, both of the project and the connection with the person who offered it?

Kawaii encouragement Daruma.

A second version of encouragement, pop culture-oriented.

The goal here is to offer this poster to someone who is starting or has already begun a project to show them your support. In the box at the bottom, along the blue line, they note the project start date on the left, their project in the center, and then color one of the eyes black (whichever one they choose). Once the project is completed, they will paint the second eye and indicate the project completion date in the box at the bottom.
The idea comes from Daruma, which are small papier-mâché figurines. These are good luck charms, existing somewhere between magic, psychology, and primarily spirituality. These talismans support the realization of a project, which can be personal, professional, athletic, creative, or group-oriented.
The concepts of personal growth and success are evoked by the Koinobori, and encouragement is conveyed with a «Ganbatte!», an expression deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

So, why not make a graphical version that can be kept as a memento, both of the project and the connection with the person who offered it?