Heartfelt! Inspiring Quotes Left by Great Figures of Japan

What Japan gained after losing everything was hope… It planted the seeds of hope within us, who had been captivated by wealth.Ryu Murakami

I would like to share a famous quote by Ryū Murakami: “What Japan, having lost everything, gained was hope… It planted the seeds of hope within us, whose hearts had been captivated by wealth.” The Great East Japan Earthquake caused immense damage.

Many people must have spent their days in deep anxiety.

Yet it is precisely in such times that we must not forget “hope.” As the writer Ryū Murakami says, what we gain when everything is lost in a disaster is hope—the hope to live earnestly now and to dream of a brighter future.

In a Japan where everything is close at hand and life has become affluent, perhaps many of us have lost hope in exchange.

This also resonates with the story of Pandora’s box, in which hope remained at the end.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Prepare pessimistically, act optimistically.Kazuo Inamori

Let me introduce a famous quote left by Kazuo Inamori: “Prepare pessimistically, act optimistically.” Kazuo Inamori was a Japanese entrepreneur and engineer.

He founded Kyocera and Daini Denden, which is now KDDI, and served as chairman of the Inamori Foundation, a public-interest incorporated foundation.

He was also honorary chairman of Japan Airlines.

In the planning stage, with a strong will that says, “No matter what, we must accomplish this,” one should reexamine the plan with a pessimistic eye; then, in the execution stage, with the confidence that “We can definitely do it,” one should carry it out optimistically—brightly and with dignity.

Doesn’t this conviction also apply to disaster preparedness?

Humans work based on likes and dislikes, not on logic.Soseki Natsume

Natsume Soseki, who flourished as a novelist, is known for leaving behind numerous works such as “I Am a Cat” and “Botchan.” This is a famous quote by that great literary master—who was even featured on the 1,000-yen bill—about how emotions influence our actions.

It suggests that emotions have a greater impact on behavior than what we think in our heads, and that acknowledging this premise when we act can lead to results.

It’s a line that makes us reflect on how to engage with emotion and reason, suggesting that suppressing our own emotions may be affecting our performance.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Show them how, explain it, let them try, and praise them—otherwise people won’t take action.Isoroku Yamamoto

A lot of people probably struggle with how to develop their subordinates and juniors.

As one answer to that concern, Isoroku Yamamoto, who distinguished himself as a naval officer, left us these words.

First, set an example yourself; then explain the details thoroughly; then let them try; and praise what you observe—that’s the idea.

By doing so, he coached many subordinates and led his units.

Isn’t this also an extremely useful approach for talent development today?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

In this world of humans, there’s no such thing as failure.Ryoma Sakamoto

In this human world, there’s no such thing as failure. — Sakamoto Ryoma, Despair Freestyle Footballer

Ryoma Sakamoto was a patriot who played a key role in alliances like the Satsuma-Choshu Alliance and, as an entrepreneur of the late Edo period, founded the Kaientai.

His famous words, “There’s no such thing as failure in this world,” are a message only someone like Ryoma—who repeatedly took on challenges in a turbulent era—could convey.

If you can believe that no outcome is a failure, your anxiety eases whenever you take on something new.

This is a message from a great pioneer of his time that we hope you’ll remember when you feel down after thinking you’ve failed.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

People are the castle, people are the stone walls, people are the moat.Takeda Shingen

These words are a famous saying by Takeda Shingen, a prominent warlord of the Sengoku period.

He said, “My retainers are my castle, my stone walls, and my moats,” meaning that his subordinates were the core of his military strength.

This is followed by the phrase, “Compassion makes allies; resentment makes enemies,” teaching that if you treat people with kindness they will take your side, whereas if you incur their hatred they become your foes—in other words, value your allies.

This saying conveys that “by valuing people, better results can be achieved,” and it remains popular today as a principle that connects to modern talent management.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

I never think about when to bow out.Kazu Miura

I’d like to introduce some words from soccer player Kazu Miura.

Even people who don’t know much about soccer have probably heard of Kazu Miura, who is still active as a professional athlete today.

As one of the pioneers who took on challenges overseas in sports, he has played in various countries.

Through his example, values such as relentlessly pursuing what you want to do and enjoying your own life come across clearly.

It’s a famous quote that makes you feel it’s never too late to take on a challenge, no matter how old you are.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kepiko

Report a problem