Mottos of Japanese music artists: words that resonate with the heart
A personal motto is something you keep in mind as you go through life.
People use all kinds of phrases—four-character idioms and quotes from famous figures, for example.
Some of you may be looking for the personal mottos of Japanese pop artists who share their music through singing and instrumental performance.
In this article, we’ll introduce a collection of personal mottos from Japanese music artists.
We’ve gathered heartwarming words mainly from magazine and TV interviews.
Check out these messages that can support your heart when you’re striving toward dreams and goals or when you’re feeling down.
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Mottos of Japanese music artists: Words that resonate with the heart (1–10)
Probably okay.Ado
Ado, who dominates the music scene with her overwhelming vocal ability, expressive power, and a distinctive voice you can recognize at first listen.
In an interview, she said this phrase is her motto, and it’s even used in the design of her merchandise! When she feels negative emotions in her music activities, recalling this phrase helps her look forward.
Indeed, the word “daijoubu” (“it’s okay”) gives a sense of reassurance, and the casual feel of “tabun” (“maybe/probably”) is nice too.
It’s a phrase to remember when you or someone important to you is feeling anxious.
It is precisely because people keep changing that they can remain the same.Yumi Matsutoya
Yumi Matsutoya is a female singer who has remained popular across all eras.
Perhaps the reason she continues to thrive in any era is that she lives by these very words.
There are things that change simply by growing older or repeating the same things, and there are things that must change in order not to change.
Do your utmost and leave the rest to fate.Hiroshi Onishi (space/astronaut-related)
The saying “Do your utmost and leave the rest to fate” means to do everything you can now and then entrust the outcome to destiny.
It can also mean, “Since I’ve done all I can, I’ll accept whatever result comes.” Baritone singer Sora Ohnishi has adopted this straightforward, hardworking sentiment as his personal motto.
Even though he hadn’t studied vocal music up through high school, he built his current standing by steadily honing his skills—words that truly capture who he is.
Mottos of Japanese Music Artists: Words That Resonate in the Heart (11–20)
What one likes, one will do well; fondness breeds skill.Masayoshi Oishi
This phrase was introduced as his motto during an interview for Masayoshi Oishi’s first album, “Entertainer,” when he was asked, “How do you become a cool adult?” He said his greatest weapon is his singing, and that once he realized that and honed his vocals, he also worked hard at guitar practice and songwriting to make his singing even more compelling.
Perhaps, like him, finding your own weapon and sharpening it is what ultimately powers you up as a whole person.
If it’s tough now, it’ll definitely feel great once it’s over.Kazumasa Oda
The motto of singer-songwriter Kazumasa Oda—who has created numerous beloved songs such as “Kirakira” and “Kotoba ni Dekinai”—encapsulates his approach to making music.
He spoke about this motto in Nobuaki Onuki’s book Kazumasa Oda Interview: Tashikana Koto, conveying the message that results follow when you overcome hardship—that it’s precisely by facing difficulties that you can succeed.
Remembering these words when you feel discouraged will surely help you push yourself a little further.
The ripest rice bows its head the lowest.Aya Shimazu
Ayako Shimazu, who has been active as an enka singer since 1986, has a favorite motto that likens the idea of never forgetting humility as one becomes more accomplished to the way rice ears bow as they ripen.
She says this phrase was written in a letter from her grandfather that she received when she moved to Tokyo to pursue a career as an enka singer, and she still cherishes those words today.
The message—no matter how successful you become, never lose your humility—is something we should all value in life.
Learning new things by revisiting the oldTakako Matsu
Takako Matsu is active not only as a singer but also as an actress, and she is supported by a wide range of fans.
In a Pia interview, she cited her motto as onko chishin.
This four-character idiom is based on Confucius’s words, “review the old and learn the new.” In other words, it refers to learning from the old and applying it to contemporary issues, or incorporating it into new creations.
Matsu has said that there is much to learn from old music and theater, and this is an important way of thinking in any field.