Japanese Proverbs

Japanese proverbs distill island life shaped by rice fields, earthquakes, and the discipline of Zen and the samurai. They prize harmony, patience, and quiet humor, turning the seasons into lessons on duty and change.

Even a sheet of paper has two sides. (Japanese Proverb)
Only lawyers and painters can turn white to black. View proverb
Japanese Proverb
Even monkeys fall from trees. View proverb
Japanese Proverb
He who buys useless things, later sells things that he needs. View proverb
Japanese Proverb
When you are thirsty, it is too late to think about digging a well. View proverb
Japanese Proverb
When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends. View proverb
Japanese Proverb
The past is the future of the present. View proverb
Japanese Proverb
A lie has no legs, but scandalous wings. View proverb
Japanese Proverb
Even a thief takes ten years to learn his trade. View proverb
Japanese Proverb
Cold tea and cold rice are tolerable; cold looks and cold words aren't. View proverb
Japanese Proverb
If you make a mistake, don't hesitate to correct it. (Japanese Proverb)
Lazy people have no spare time. View proverb
Japanese Proverb
Every meeting is the beginning of a good-bye. View proverb
Japanese Proverb
Beginning is easy – Continuing is hard. View proverb
Japanese Proverb
Parents work hard, children enjoy life, grandchildren beg. View proverb
Japanese Proverb
God lives in an honest heart. View proverb
Japanese Proverb
Great talents mature late. View proverb
Japanese Proverb
Education is more important than origin. View proverb
Japanese Proverb
If you believe everything you read, you had better not read. View proverb
Japanese Proverb
Even a fool has one talent. View proverb
Japanese Proverb
A person does well what he loves. (Japanese Proverb)
If you love your son, let him travel. View proverb
Japanese Proverb
There is no medicine for a fool. View proverb
Japanese Proverb
Gossip about a person and his shadow will appear. View proverb
Japanese Proverb
Where there is fish, there is water. View proverb
Japanese Proverb
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