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

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

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)

I’m reflecting, and I’m also reflecting on myself for not showing that I’m reflecting.NEW!Shinjiro Koizumi

These words convey the importance of self-understanding and self-improvement.

Even when we think we’re reflecting on our actions, that may not be apparent to others.

Noticing that about ourselves and adopting an even more reflective attitude is a sincere approach to growth.

The message to younger generations is that it’s important not only to acknowledge mistakes and failures but also to be mindful of how one’s actions and words appear to others.

You may believe you’re reflecting, yet it might not be getting across to those around you.

That’s why it may be important to consider how you’re perceived and make improvements accordingly.

Raise the rankinglower

kepiko

Report a problem

You can be indifferent to politics, but you cannot be unaffected by it.NEW!Shinjiro Koizumi

These are words included in a Facebook post from May 2025 announcing the launch of a podcast.

While reports say many eligible voters don’t go to the polls, politics isn’t irrelevant even to those who feel indifferent to it.

There are many things in our daily lives that are decided by politics, and it reminds us how closely it’s tied to how we live.

The Facebook post said the podcast was started to convey this point once again.

Raise the rankinglower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

Shinjiro Koizumi’s Quotes That Make You Do a Double Take! A Slowly Sinking-In Collection of Original Sayings (31–40)

To be fast, speed is important. But taking it slow is important too.NEW!Shinjiro Koizumi

These words remind us that both hurrying and pausing are necessary.

In today’s world, quick results tend to be valued, but rushing too much can lead to mistakes and fatigue.

On the other hand, taking time to think slowly or rest can make your next step more certain and meaningful.

For example, think about studying for a test.

You might be able to cram everything in a short time, but if you move forward while taking breaks and organizing as you go, your understanding often deepens and your results improve.

This quote gently reminds us that “balancing speed and care is important.”

Raise the rankinglower

kepiko

Report a problem

In the end, what supports me is thinking, “I’m the one who chose to live this way.”NEW!Shinjiro Koizumi

These are words spoken during a lecture at G1 College 2016, an event that gathered students aged 25 and under, expressing a view about choice.

He reflected that deciding to become a politician was not a career choice but a choice of how to live.

He said that no one told him to become a politician; he chose this way of life himself.

And when he struggles or goes through hardship, the responsibility of having chosen this path becomes a source of strength for him.

From these words, which embody a way of thinking akin to personal responsibility, his very earnest and straightforward character comes through strongly.

Raise the rankinglower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

Every day is something that happens day by day. That’s exactly why each day matters.NEW!Shinjiro Koizumi

It may sound obvious, but these words carry a message that’s truly important.

Each day might feel like mere repetition, but those very “days” stack up to become a life.

For example, going to school or a part-time job, doing a bit of studying or exercising every day may seem plain or bothersome at first.

Yet by continuing little by little, they become your strength and confidence.

This quote gently teaches us that even ordinary days can become special when we live them with care.

Raise the rankinglower

kepiko

Report a problem

Even water and oil make a dressing if you mix them.NEW!Shinjiro Koizumi

It carries the message that even things that seem incompatible at first glance, or people with different ideas and personalities, can become something wonderful with a bit of ingenuity.

The same is true in life and relationships: by combining differences without fear, new value and a sense of fun may emerge.

For example, teaming up at school or work with someone whose thinking is completely different from yours might be tough at first as opinions clash.

But if you cooperate while making the most of each other’s strengths, you can sometimes achieve surprisingly good results.

This quote offers a gentle yet powerful hint: don’t be afraid of differences—blend them well to create new possibilities.

Raise the rankinglower

kepiko

Report a problem

Promises are meant to be kept, so I will do my utmost to keep them.NEW!Shinjiro Koizumi

Promises must be kept.

That’s one of the things taught in Japanese education from childhood, isn’t it? In daily life, at school, in the workplace, in public facilities—there are various rules depending on the place, and by following them, everyone can live comfortably.

This famous quote by Shinjiro Koizumi concerns those promises.

Many politicians don’t keep their campaign pledges, and today pledges are said to be just for elections.

His words seem to express sincerity toward the people, saying he himself will not become like that, will not do that.

However, while saying that promises are to be kept, the phrase “do everything in one’s power to keep them” gives a somewhat inconsistent impression.

Raise the rankinglower

sasashina