Have you ever wished for courage when you want to achieve your dreams or goals, when a major obstacle stands in your way, or when you want to break through the status quo—any time you need to overcome something?
Of course, it might be best if you could resolve everything with your own strength, but it’s reassuring to have something that supports your heart or gives you a little push forward.
So this time, we’ve compiled a list of inspiring words from great figures and famous people that will give you courage!
I hope this helps you even a little—please take a look!
Rather than expecting something from others, become the one who creates change.Sanae Takaichi
These are words that convey the importance of taking action, expressing a desire to become someone who can set things in motion rather than leaving them to others.
They also reflect an emphasis on personal responsibility and initiative, and carry a message encouraging many people to think for themselves.
You can also see how the idea of being the one to drive change has enabled this person to continue a long career in politics.
It suggests a political journey marked by striving to act with responsibility and conviction, and to bring about change.
The word “give up” doesn’t exist in Shinji Ishimaru’s dictionary.Shinji Ishimaru
These are the words Mr.
Shinji Ishimaru spoke right after the Tokyo gubernatorial election results came in, laying out how he intends to move forward from here.
They express a resolve to devote his life to progress, insisting that this is no time to give up if we are to change a Japan facing daunting challenges.
The phrasing seems consciously reminiscent of Napoleon’s words, which is noteworthy, and it conveys an attitude of aiming to accomplish something monumental—akin to a revolution.
While declaring his own refusal to give up, he also seems to teach people the importance of not giving up.
These words were spoken by Shinji Ishimaru, former mayor of Akitakata, as he explained why he is running in the Tokyo gubernatorial election, expressing his approach to confronting hardship.
They are also featured as promotional copy for Climbers, an event that offers special life lectures, and they carry a strong sense of resolve.
He reflects on what it takes to move a nation like Japan and says that to pursue that path requires a commitment worthy of one’s entire life.
If you aim to move great obstacles, your own life is a small price to pay—these words convey a head-on determination to leverage that resolve to produce major results.
If you truly have a sense of urgency, you should be able to make up your mind.Shinji Ishimaru
These were words included in the process of answering questions that were asked for clarification at a financial briefing in Akitakata City.
It conveys that each municipality, including Akitakata City, is built not only by politicians but also by the people who live there, and that it is important for everyone to understand the situation.
It expresses the idea that, rather than seeing it as someone else’s problem, we should view it as our own, and that having a precise sense of urgency is essential for a better future.
It calls on many people to recognize that if we want our town to survive, we must feel the urgency, be prepared, and work together.
I can say with confidence that I did everything I could.Shinji Ishimaru
These are the words Mr.
Shinji Ishimaru shared at the press venue as he reflected on the election, at the very moment Ms.
Yuriko Koike’s projected victory was announced in the Tokyo gubernatorial race.
While the result alone shows he was not elected, he conveyed that he gave his all to what he could do and that he was able to leave clear meaning in his decision to run.
Another key point is that he was able to communicate his ideas to many people, and you can sense that this will likely have an impact on the future.
Because it’s a positive message about holding one’s head high, it also inspires the expectation that he will continue to give his all in his activities going forward.
I’ve found what to do with my life.Shinji Ishimaru
These are words from Shinji Ishimaru’s final appeal as a candidate on the day before the Tokyo gubernatorial election.
Reflecting on his path—from leaving the bank to becoming mayor of Akitakata, and then running for Tokyo governor—he says that by looking closely at the state of politics, he came to understand what he needed to do.
He conveys that acting with a sense of urgency—feeling that things couldn’t go on as they were and that he had to do something himself—has led him to this moment.
It’s a message that not only speaks to this campaign, but also signals his resolve going forward: to devote his life, wholeheartedly, to what he sees before him and believes must be done.
If we were just one minute earlier, we could save one more person.Calvin Coolidge
Let me introduce a powerful quote from Calvin Coolidge: “If you are one minute early, you can save one more person.” Calvin Coolidge was an American politician who also served as President.
This saying—“If you are one minute early, you can save one more person”—was apparently an American firefighting slogan that was introduced to Japan when the American Red Cross used it in 1923 (Taisho 12) to appeal for aid following the Great Kanto Earthquake.
These powerful words that crossed the ocean truly strike a chord, don’t they?
I can imagine that many people are still struggling emotionally and mentally. So let’s keep supporting one another.Lady Gaga
This is a message Lady Gaga sent to the disaster-affected areas in 2021, ten years after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
It shows her affection for Japan by acknowledging that recovery is still not complete even after so much time, and that emotional support is still needed.
By standing firmly with those who are suffering and grieving while encouraging them to move forward, she gives many people courage and strength.
It also conveys the impression of a message that we must not let the passage of time erode or fade the memory of their pain.
There are no coincidences in life. Don’t run away by blaming others or luck—let’s keep building our strength little by little.Kazu Miura
These are words from Kazu Miura that convey the idea that the difficulties we face in life are not a matter of chance or luck, and that it’s important to always be prepared.
They express the belief that if we recognize that everyone is destined to face hardships and build up our strength for them, we can overcome any challenge.
There’s also a message that blaming luck or others won’t lead to true strength, so it’s vital to accept reality and keep moving forward.
These words also reveal a determination to stay true to oneself and press on with strength, no matter the circumstances.
