Various great figures who built Japan have left behind numerous famous sayings.
These quotes sometimes resonate with people living in the present and can serve as guideposts when moving things forward.
In this article, we introduce inspiring quotes left by those known as great figures of Japan.
We have gathered quotes from a variety of fields, including historical figures, people who supported major corporations, athletes, and entertainers.
Among the quotes we present, you may find a hint that clears your mind.
Be sure to check them out!
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- Short quotes that resonate with the heart. Words that reach you effortlessly.
Resonating with the Heart! Famous Quotes Left by Great Japanese Figures (1–10)
We can’t have you resorting to force that easily.NEW!Katsuya Okada
@takamatsunana [Interview with Katsuya Okada] If Taiwan is economically blockaded, would it constitute a survival-threatening situation?Katsuya OkadaTranslation
Original song – Takamatsu Nana – Takamatsu Nana
Here is a statement that clearly conveys Mr.
Okada’s view of the use of force.
For example, in the event of a Taiwan contingency, he laments the idea of resorting to force simply because one cannot pass through the strait and could just take a detour, or because semiconductors are unavailable.
He understands that using force lightly in situations that do not warrant exchanging human lives will ultimately lead to many lives being lost.
I felt that he possesses the qualities of a calm politician who sees the bigger picture.
No success for those without dreams.Yoshida Shōin
Here is a famous quote by Yoshida Shōin, who founded the Shōka Sonjuku school in the late Edo period: “There is no success for those without dreams.” Do you have goals or dreams? If you want to achieve success in the future, start by having a dream.
It’s not that you cannot succeed without a dream, but this quote tells us that successful people do have dreams.
Merely having a dream isn’t enough—you must hold a clear ideal, plan your path to success, and put it into action.
If you don’t have clear goals or dreams right now, why not pause for a moment and think about them?
I was born to accomplish something in this world.Hideyo Noguchi
They say that contributing to others is also important for humans to become happy.
You can see this in the famous words of the medical scientist Hideyo Noguchi: “I was born to accomplish something in this world.” By setting goals, dreams, and a mission, and working hard toward them, we can feel happiness, satisfaction, and fulfillment.
It may also lead to enhancing the value of our lives.
By understanding what we were born to do in this world and acting with purpose, we can stay true to ourselves, do what we love, and contribute to society.
It’s important to have a sense of mission and strive toward our goals.
Even when life doesn’t go well, it’s sometimes necessary not to blame yourself too much and to think that society is at fault.NEW!
These words teach us the importance of not blaming ourselves too much and of paying attention to problems in social structures and the environment.
For example, there are young people who want to become full-time employees but have few job openings and are forced to work in non-regular positions or for low wages.
There are also situations where tuition and housing costs are so high that people can’t pursue their dreams.
If we only think, “It’s because I didn’t try hard enough,” we can be crushed by the logic of personal responsibility.
What matters is recognizing the issues in society and its systems, speaking up, and calling for improvement.
These words convey the message that, in addition to individual effort, it’s necessary to adopt a perspective that reexamines fairness and the broader environment of society in order to make our lives and futures better.
It begins with courtesy and ends with courtesy. More than the joy of victory, we value honoring the defeated. That is the way of sumo.NEW!Chiyonofuji Mitsugu
Chiyonofuji says that those who are called first-rate should be humble.
His words may well be a saying that leads to such a way of thinking.
When we seize victory, anyone would be filled with joy.
But even then, we must not forget compassion and courtesy toward the defeated.
A match is decided in an instant; it wouldn’t be strange for either side to win or lose.
And those standing on the dohyo are people who love the same sumo.
It is precisely when we win that we should act humbly, praise the loser’s valiant effort, and express our gratitude.
The mental strength to endure—to dig in with “One more step!” the very moment you think “I can’t go on”—cultivates an unbeatable power to overcome anything.NEW!Taihō Kōki
In the world of competition, you either win or lose.
In sumo, that contest can be over in an instant.
In such moments, there are times when you feel it’s all over.
But through this famous quote, Taiho teaches us that what matters is what comes next.
If you can take just one more step when you think you can’t, if you can endure, the moment that leads to victory may arrive.
A strong heart that never gives up, no matter the circumstances, is the key to drawing victory closer.
It’s a quote to remember especially when you’re in a do-or-die, on-the-edge situation.
Sumo is something you learn by losing. There’s no sumo you learn by winning anywhere.NEW!Asashōryū Akinori
Because these are the words of Asashoryu—who holds a top-division record of 596 wins, 153 losses, and 76 absences—they truly resonate.
Winning is something to be proud of, but perhaps what we really need when we reexamine ourselves and break out of our shell is “defeat.” It’s precisely because we feel the sting of losing that we gain lessons, and it’s those lessons that enable us to grow.
Even when you win, rather than simply rejoicing, ask yourself if there wasn’t more you could have done… By thinking that way, your victories, too, may become invaluable experiences.