Heartfelt! Inspiring Quotes Left by Great Figures of Japan

If you think they’re above the clouds, you can’t win, so in a match it’s equal (fair) between us.Sota Fujii

Yoshiharu Habu is also famous in Japan’s shogi world, isn’t he? A memorable quote from an interview after a match with Habu really conveys the feeling of living in the world of competition.

In response to the interviewer who described Habu as “a person above the clouds,” Sota Fujii gave a characteristically Fujii-like reply that became a famous line.

Indeed, when results haven’t yet been achieved, even someone ranked above you is equal.

And if you convince yourself before the battle that your opponent is stronger, you might lose in spirit.

It’s a quote that can be seen as guidance for one’s mindset, directed at people striving toward their goals.

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Nakajima Junko

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Every claim of rights necessarily comes with obligations.Sanae Takaichi

Sanae Takaichi’s quotes #quotes #shorts

This phrase succinctly expresses the relationship between the individual and the state in a democracy.

It embodies the principle that enjoying freedoms and rights is inseparable from fulfilling the responsibilities and duties that support them.

For example, while we Japanese citizens possess the right to vote and freedom of expression, these come with obligations such as paying taxes, obeying the law, and contributing to society.

Through this idea, Ms.

Takaichi emphasizes the importance of each citizen proactively engaging with society.

Politicians, too, must not forget the duty to safeguard the people’s rights, and a stance that respects the balance between rights and obligations forms the foundation of trust.

This saying reminds us that freedom and responsibility are two sides of the same coin and can be called a memorable quote that fosters a mature democratic awareness across society.

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kojifumi

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If you endure, you will surely become a strong person.Senichi Hoshino

These are the words of Senichi Hoshino, who excelled as a player for the Chunichi Dragons during his career and later made his mark as a manager for the Chunichi Dragons, the Hanshin Tigers, and the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles.

During the Great East Japan Earthquake, he was the manager of the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, the team from the disaster-stricken region, and his words are remembered for inspiring many people.

He conveys that no matter what difficulties you face, you should give your all in the present and confront them head-on—that strength lies along the path you advance by doing so.

Because these are the words of Hoshino, who rebuilt teams whose results had faltered, they carry real persuasive power; they are words that lift your spirits and make you want to keep pushing forward.

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kappamaki

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Let people say whatever they will about me; only I know what I do.Ryoma Sakamoto

Ryoma Sakamoto was a samurai of the late Edo period, known as a key figure behind the Satsuma-Choshu Alliance.

He is also known for proposing the restoration of imperial rule, and is famous for having been assassinated later on.

There are many books and dramas that feature him.

This quote is likely one of the most well-known among the words he left behind.

No matter what others say, only you truly understand yourself.

Doesn’t this interpretation of his words give you courage? When you feel disheartened by others’ opinions or evaluations, remember this.

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sasashina

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Because you study, you know what you want to do. Because you don’t study, you don’t know what you want to do.Beat Takeshi

Beat Takeshi has had a broad career, working as part of the manzai duo Two Beat and excelling as a comedian, actor, and film director.

A heavyweight in the comedy world, he is sometimes referred to as one of the “Big Three of Comedy” alongside Sanma Akashiya and Tamori.

In 2018, he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.

Here is one of Beat Takeshi’s famous quotes: When you come to know and learn about things, that’s when your interests begin to emerge, and you start to see what you want to accomplish in life.

These words resonate with everyone from young people to working adults.

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sasashina

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I reflect on what I should, but once I sleep, I forget it.Atsuya Furuta

Atsuya Furuta, who has an illustrious career as a baseball player and is said to have defined an era.

If you like baseball, you probably know him.

This line is one of his famous quotes.

At first you might think, “What does that mean?” but it’s actually very profound and instructive.

Reflection is important, but if you overdo it, you can’t move.

That’s why you sleep and forget—in other words, by getting over it, you can move forward.

Knowing this quote might make it less scary to take on new challenges.

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sasashina

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It’s effort. It’s study. That’s what genius is. The one who studies three, four, five times more than anyone else—that is a genius.Hideyo Noguchi

Hideyo Noguchi, who is also famous for being featured on the 1,000-yen bill.

There’s even an anecdote that when he was nominated for the Nobel Prize, Noguchi recommended another researcher instead of himself.

Known for his studies on syphilis and yellow fever, his efforts must have been so extraordinary that ordinary people could scarcely comprehend them.

Thinking of that, these words carry tremendous weight, don’t they? Achieving more results at work, improving grades at school—what you need at such times is simply to work harder than anyone else.

He urges us on, telling us that double or triple the effort is what it takes.

It’s the kind of quote you’d want to post by your front door and see every day!