Heartfelt! Inspiring Quotes Left by Great Figures of Japan

It’s enough if you have the willingness to learn from your environment.Umeko Tsuda

Umeko Tsuda, who founded Tsuda University and is regarded as a pioneer of women’s education, is also known for her famous words: “What matters is the will to learn, not the environment.” In recent years, we often hear the term “oyagacha,” which reflects the painful feelings of young people—that children cannot choose their parents or the circumstances they are born into.

Tsuda’s words about the attitude toward learning may serve as a beacon in such times.

Whatever environment you were born and raised in, what deserves to be judged is you as an individual.

Depending on the determination you hold and the effort you make, a path may open before you.

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sasashina

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If you try, you can succeed; if you do not try, nothing will be accomplished. What does not come to pass is simply what people have not attempted.Uesugi Yōzan

Harunori Uesugi, the 9th lord of the Yonezawa Domain in Dewa Province, is known as an exemplary ruler of the Edo period.

One of his famous sayings is: “If you do it, it will be done; if you do not, it will not be done, whatever the matter may be.

What does not get done is simply what people have not done.” It’s a phrase well suited to him, as he pursued financial reconstruction, frugality, and reforms in domain governance.

It is said that he left these words to his successor and his retainers.

You can sense a strong will—not “I can’t,” but “I will.” With this positive mindset, we should tackle everything we do.

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sasashina

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I believe that insisting something can be done, when anyone can see it cannot, is plainly being dishonest to the public.NEW!Katsuya Okada

There are many politicians who, when running for office, line up a lot of pretty promises they can’t possibly keep in an attempt to get elected.

And after they win, does politics change? No, of course it doesn’t.

In that case, wouldn’t a politician like Mr.

Okada, who presents an honest middle ground, be more trustworthy? If refraining from dishonest pipe dreams and speaking only about what can truly be done is used as evidence of his sincerity, then isn’t that a good thing in its own right?

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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War is murder carried out by states.NEW!Katsuya Okada

Diet Debate Video Highlights: Budget Committee (July 18, 2003)

War is a major problem that, despite being condemned as bad and undesirable around the world, stubbornly persists for the sake of the interests, pride, and selfishness of a select few.

In Japan, the constitution establishes a pledge not to wage war, yet even so, the country ends up supporting wars indirectly or risks being drawn into them.

In this context, the words Mr.

Okada clearly conveys express the truth that, whatever the reason, war is nothing other than state-sanctioned killing.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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If there are differences, we should discuss them thoroughly with each other and then overcome those differences to build consensus—that is the true role of politicians.NEW!Katsuya Okada

[Katsuya Channel] Excerpt from the political broadcast video

Mr.

Okada’s view that a politician should exist not to forcefully push through policies or drag the public along, but as a mediator who aligns people with one another is very sound, and it also seems imbued with the traditional Japanese ideal of cherishing harmony—an outlook long held by a people living on an island nation.

Politics rarely proceeds in such a manner, but it would be wonderful if the Centrist Reform Union to which Mr.

Okada belongs could conduct politics in this style, grounded in such ideas and convictions.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Trust in others, but trust yourself a hundred times more.Osamu Tezuka

I’d like to share a famous quote by manga artist Osamu Tezuka: “Trust others, but trust yourself a hundred times more.” We can’t live alone, can we? Even when moving toward our goals, there are times we need help from those around us.

By trusting others and walking alongside them, life often becomes richer and happier.

So how can we learn to trust others? The answer is to believe in yourself completely.

If you don’t trust yourself, it’s hard to trust anyone else.

And trusting others too much can mean handing yourself over to them.

Listen to your own feelings and try trusting them.

Please stay true to your own precious life.

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Nakajima Junko

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If you don’t give up, there will always be a way. Always.Sakichi Toyoda

These are the words of Sakichi Toyoda, who supported Japan’s industrial development and laid the foundation for the future Toyota Group.

They reflect his determination to keep moving forward despite repeated failures and trial and error.

In study as well, we sometimes hit a wall and feel we can’t see the way ahead, but as long as we don’t give up, our thinking doesn’t stop.

As we persist, our perspective shifts and new solutions emerge.

It is those who continue to make steady efforts, no matter the circumstances, who find their path opens before them.

This is a powerful quote that supports not only perseverance but also the courage to believe.

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mutō

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