In life, worries never seem to end—whether it’s the busyness of each day or anxieties about the future.
At times like these, having something to serve as a guiding star might help you move forward along the path you believe in without hesitation.
With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of memorable quotes.
From sayings that remind you of what truly matters to words that meet you where you are, you’re sure to find something that resonates with your current state of mind.
I hope you’ll recall them whenever you stumble and feel unable to take another step.
- Short but moving words to remember when your heart is tired
- Mottos that are sure to lift your spirits and keep you positive!
- Recommended as life tips! A collection of short, memorable quotes from great figures
- Short quotes that reach your heart in an instant. Words to encourage you right now.
- Quotes that save your heart in times of pain or hardship
- Heartfelt! Inspiring Quotes Left by Great Figures of Japan
- Words that strongly push you forward and give you energy
- One-Line Life Quotes: Carefully selected words that gently nudge you forward
- Encouraging words that give you strength. Words you’ll want to share with those around you.
- Words I want to make my motto that always inspire me
- Quotes that accompany the departure called graduation—words that will give you courage for the life ahead.
- Quotes from great figures that give us the power to live
- Maybe powerful words can give you strength? A collection of uplifting short quotes
If you know them, they might become guiding lights to illuminate your life: A collection of memorable quotes (1–10)
Even if you can’t become a great person, you can become a good person.Juji Nakano
Here are the words left by the novelist Shigeharu Nakano.
Even if you can’t become a great person who accomplishes something big, you can still be a good human being through consideration for others and small acts for their sake—that’s the message.
Indeed, no matter how impressive a quote we hear, there are times we end up thinking, “In the end, I just can’t do that…” Still, after encountering these words, some of you might feel, “Maybe I’ll try, even just a little, to become a better person.”
Whether I’m happy or not is something only I can decide.Matsuko Deluxe
In 2013, the Nikkei Shimbun published a ranking of phrases people would want as their personal motto.
Coming in fifth was this quote by Matsuko Deluxe.
Happiness—its content and standards—differs from person to person.
Even in the same situation, some will see it as happiness while others will see it as unhappiness.
That means it’s crucial whether you can feel happiness from within yourself.
It’s a phrase that prompts us to think about what happiness is and could serve as a catalyst for enriching our lives.
If you can take one step forward, you can take another.Todd Skinner
These are words of wisdom from Todd Skinner, a world-renowned rock climber.
The free climbing he practiced involves ascending sheer cliffs.
He must have repeatedly faced experiences that would make any ordinary person’s legs give way.
When you want to start something new but can’t find the courage, it’s usually because anxiety about what lies ahead keeps you from moving.
Hearing the words he spoke at such times will surely give you the courage to take one step forward—and then another.
The best revenge is to achieve overwhelming success.Frank Sinatra
When someone does something unpleasant to you, how would you think about it? You might consider getting back at them in the same way, or planning some other form of revenge.
However, the musician Frank Sinatra said, “The best revenge is massive success.” It’s a very constructive mindset: instead of directing negative energy at the other person, use it for your own growth.
It may be hard to accept until you’ve achieved success, but please endure, keep refining yourself, and claim the greatest success you can.
Believe that someday, your turn for a chance will surely come.Yasushi Akimoto
Those words are quintessentially Yasushi Akimoto—who has brought countless idol groups into the world, from Onyanko Club to the AKB48 groups and the Sakamichi series.
By the way, the phrase doesn’t mean “Wait because your chance will come someday,” but rather, “Until the day your chance comes, do everything you can to improve yourself.” In other words, if you keep facing forward and putting in the effort, opportunities will come.
It’s best to stay prepared so you can seize any chance whenever it appears.
Life has value only when it is lived for someone else.Albert Einstein
Here is a famous quote by Albert Einstein, known for that photo of him sticking out his tongue.
It’s a saying on the theme of whom we live our lives for, and he tells us to “live for others.” The idea that life gains value when we live for someone else is striking, isn’t it? It’s a wonderful message that makes you want to become someone who can work hard for others—your beloved family, your partner, your friends.
Incidentally, Toyotomi Hideyoshi is also known for a similar quote.
The opposite of success isn’t failure, it’s not trying.Norio Sasaki
Here are the words of former Japan national soccer team coach Norio Sasaki.
When asked, “What is the opposite of success?” many people would probably answer “failure,” but the quote I’m sharing today says that’s not the case.
According to Sasaki, the opposite of success is “doing nothing.” His point is that even if you fail, the fact that you’ve started moving means you’re making progress, which is better than doing nothing.
And there’s so much to learn from failure.
His words remind us that the first step—simply getting started—is what matters most.