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Wonderful quotes and sayings

Shinjiro Koizumi’s quotes that make you do a double take! A slowly-sinking-in collection of uniquely original sayings

With his distinctive turns of phrase that make you tilt your head but somehow stick in your mind, Shinjiro Koizumi’s remarks have a curious charm: even if they initially make you go “huh?”, savor them and deeper meaning begins to emerge.

Dubbed the “Koizumi Quotations” or “Shinjiro-isms,” his words have sparked buzz online and entertained many.

In this article, we introduce Shinjiro Koizumi’s lines—from quips that make you chuckle to statements that actually hit the mark.

Come experience his unique worldview for yourself!

Shinjiro Koizumi’s Quotes That Make You Do a Double Take! A Slowly-Soaking Collection of Original Sayings (21–30)

Japan’s unique challenge of the 100-year life era is an astonishing challenge for the world.Shinjiro Koizumi

Japan’s unique challenge in the era of 100-year lifespans is an astonishing challenge for the world. —Shinjiro Koizumi

Behind the idea of a “100-year life era” lies the fact that Japan is facing the highest level of population aging in the world.

Living longer is wonderful, but it also brings many challenges, and systems like pensions, healthcare, and long-term care may not keep up.

This issue is not unique to Japan; as other countries also age, how future generations will live and how they will support society are major themes.

Shinjiro Koizumi’s words convey the importance of rethinking both how everyone can live fulfilling lives and how our social systems should function in preparation for the 100-year life era.

I’ve been wondering how old I’ll be in 30 years ever since right after the disaster struck.NEW!Shinjiro Koizumi

I’ve been wondering how old I’ll be in 30 years ever since right after the disaster struck. NEW! Shinjiro Koizumi

These words convey, with a touch of humor, an attitude of thinking seriously about the future.

The idea of being mindful of one’s future and the time of one’s life from immediately after a major event such as a disaster shows the importance of maintaining a calm, long-term perspective even amid crises or difficult circumstances.

For younger generations as well, it’s a message that underscores the importance of acting not only to address the problem right in front of them, but also with their future and goals in mind.

Even when something major happens, asking yourself, “What will I be like 30 years from now?” may help clarify what you should do now.

Isn’t it great and challenging to take on something that seems impossible?NEW!Shinjiro Koizumi

Isn't it great and challenging to take on something that seems impossible? NEW! Shinjiro Koizumi

These words convey a positive message that it’s worth taking on things that seem impossible.

By challenging what feels undoable, we open the door to new discoveries and opportunities for growth.

For younger generations, taking on goals that seem out of reach—whether in studies, sports, hobbies, or projects—can become an experience that expands their potential.

What matters is not only the outcome, but also enjoying the process of taking on the challenge itself.

Even tasks or challenges that look difficult can yield new skills and discoveries when you dare to try.

The act of challenging itself may lead to growth.

Of course, I’ve bought rice before.NEW!Shinjiro Koizumi

Of course, I’ve bought rice before. NEW! Shinjiro Koizumi

Former Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Taku Eto was forced to resign after saying, “I’ve never bought rice,” and his successor was Shinjiro Koizumi.

This remark was made during an interview with Koizumi.

It became a hot topic online, and comments were filled with basic facts about rice that everyone takes for granted.

If you’ve never bought rice, you probably can’t understand the anxiety of not being able to buy it, so I’m glad someone with purchasing experience took over.

Still, even if it can’t be helped, it’s kind of funny to hear someone declare so boldly, “I have bought rice.”

Thanks to the ability to work remotely, some official duties can now be performed remotely as well.NEW!Shinjiro Koizumi

Thanks to the ability to work remotely, some official duties can now be performed remotely as well. NEW! Shinjiro Koizumi

These are the words Mr.

Koizumi spoke at a press conference after his return, following his hospitalization for appendicitis surgery in May 2021.

After being discharged, he was handling official duties through remote work, and he said this when asked for his impressions.

After these words, he went on to say once more, “Thanks to remote work,” making it one of the so-called “Shinjiro constructions.” At first glance, it’s a sentence that makes you think, “What does that mean?” but on closer look, it’s expressed very politely, and precisely because it uses such a distinctive turn of phrase, it may be said to have captured people’s attention.

I don’t think things can stay the way they are. That’s precisely why I believe Japan can’t remain as it is now.NEW!Shinjiro Koizumi

I don’t think things can stay the way they are. That’s precisely why I believe Japan can’t remain as it is now. NEW! Shinjiro Koizumi

As one of the most well-known examples of the “Shinjiro structure,” this phrase drew particular attention in September 2019, when he was serving as Minister of the Environment and spoke at a UN summit.

Prefacing his remarks with “That’s precisely why” seemed to signal a further logical development, but many people likely felt a strong sense of dissonance when he simply repeated the first part of his statement.

At the same time, the phrase also conveys his earnest sense that “things can’t go on like this.” The fact that it continues to be such a talking point suggests that his uniquely humorous character is one factor behind his popularity.

Try everything at least once. The next time you do it, it’ll be your second time.NEW!Shinjiro Koizumi

Try everything at least once. The next time you do it, it’ll be your second time. NEW! Shinjiro Koizumi

It resonates especially with young people who feel anxious about taking on challenges.

Everyone gets nervous at first, and it’s natural to be afraid of failing.

But once you try, it becomes experience.

Thanks to that experience, the second time you can approach it with more confidence.

For example, you might feel your heart race the first time you share your opinion with friends.

But once you do it, you may think, “Oh, that went better than I expected,” and feel more confident.

The next time you present, having done it once already, you’ll feel less nervous and be able to speak more like yourself.

This message gently teaches the value of having the courage to just try and the joy of building confidence little by little.