Japanese Calligraphy Scrolls

A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step

A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step in Japanese is 千里の道も一歩より which is read senri no michi mo ippo yori.

Action Before Words

Action Before Words in Japanese is 不言実行 which is read fugenjikkou.

The Japanese phrase fugenjikkou translates as "Action Before Words; Actions speak louder than words; No talk, all deeds" and is a combination of the words 不言 (read fugen) meaning "Silent" and 実行 (read jikkou) meaning "Action".

Aikido

Aikido in Japanese is 合気道 which is read aikidou.

The Japanese word aikidou is composed of the kanji 合 (read ai) meaning "join; meet", 氣 (read ki) meaning "spirit", and 道 (read dou) meaning "the way; teachings". This version uses the archaic form of the kanji ki which is preferred by some schools. The modern form is 気 (read ki).

All is Saiou's Horse

All is Saiou's Horse in Japanese is 人間万事塞翁が馬 which is read jinkan banji saiou ga uma.

Literally jinkan banji saiou ga uma says "All things in the world is saiou's horse". This is from a Chinese parable of an old man whose horse runs away. His neighbors agree this is very bad, and Saiou says to wait and see. The next day the horse comes back with another horse. This is good, everyone agrees. Saiou says wait and see. His son, riding the new horse falls and breaks his leg. This is bad, everyone agrees. Saiou says to wait and see. The army comes through forcibly conscripting young men but does not take Saiou's son because of his broken leg. The meaning then being "inscrutable are the ways of heaven; fortune is unpredictable and changeable".

The phrase jinkan banji saiou ga uma is composed of the archaic word 人間 (read jinkan) meaning "the world". Note that this is the same kanji as the modern ningen but read differently and with a different meaning. You will see this read both ways with more and more people using ningen. 万事 (read banji) means "all; everything; all affairs" and Saiou is "old man Sai". And finally Horse (uma). The saying is also shortened to simply saiou ga uma.

All is Vanity

All is Vanity in Japanese is 色即是空 which is read shikisoku zekuu.

The Japanese phrase shikisoku zekuu is a Buddhist expression which is also translated as "matter is void" and "form is emptiness.

All of Creation

All of Creation in Japanese is 森羅万象 which is read shinrabanshou.

Always on the Battlefield

Always on the Battlefield in Japanese is 常在戦場 which is read jouzaisenjou.

The Japanese phrase jouzaisenjou meaning "Always on the Battlefield" is composed of the word 常在 (read jouzai) meaning "always existing" and 戦場 (read senjou) meaning "battlefield".

Assassin

Assassin in Japanese is 暗殺者 which is read ansatsusha.

The Japanese word ansatsusha meaning "Assassin" is composed of the kanji 暗 (read an) meaning "darkness; shade", 殺 (read satsu) meaning "kill," and 者 (read sha) meaning "person".

Basho - Taken ill on my travels, My dreams roam over the withered moors

Basho - Taken ill on my travels, My dreams roam over the withered moors in Japanese is 旅に病んで夢は枯野をかけ廻る which is read tabi ni yande yume wa kareno wo kake meguru.

In the book Classic Haiku: An Anthology of Poems by Basho and His Followers translator and editor Asataro Miyamori offers the translation "I'm taken ill while travelling; And my dreams roam o'er the withered moors". Mr. Miyamori translates, "I have spent almost all of my life in travelling. Now I am taken ill on my journey, but my dreams, carrying my soul on them, travel freely like birds".

One can imagine, having travelled tirelessly only to find oneself confined, ill to a bed. And having one's dreams continue on in the journey.

Be Not Defeated by the Wind, Be Not Defeated by the Rain

Be Not Defeated by the Wind, Be Not Defeated by the Rain in Japanese is 雨にも負けず風にも負けず which is read ame ni mo makezu kaze ni mo makezu.

The Japanese quotation ame ni mo makezu kaze ni mo makezu is the start of a popular poem by Kenji Miyazawa meaning "Be Not Defeated by the Wind, Be Not Defeated by the Rain" and is composed of the word 雨 (read ame) meaning "rain", the grammatical elements にも (read nimo) meaning "even by", and the verb 負けず which is the imperative negative form of the verb 負かす (read makasu) meaning "to be defeated" (hence it is "do not be defeated"). The second part is similar with the first word, of course, being 風 (read kaze) meaning "rain".

Be Water My Friend

Be Water My Friend in Japanese is 友よ水になれ which is read tomo yo mizu ni nare.

This is the Japanese form of Bruce Lee’s famous quote “Be water, my friend”. It is composed of 友よ (read tomo yo) meaning friend with “yo” added for emphasis, 水 (read mizu) meaning “water”, the grammatical element に (read ni) and 成れ (read nare) meaning “become!” and is a command form of the verb 成る (read naru) meaning “to become”. To give it some context:

Empty your mind.
Be formless, Shapeless, like water.
If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup.
You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle.
You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot.
Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water my friend

Bruce Lee

Beauties of Nature

Beauties of Nature in Japanese is 花鳥風月 which is read kachoufuugetsu.

The four-character idiom kachoufuugetsu meaning "Beauties of Nature" is also used to refer to something that is "elegant" or "tasteful". This is a particularly beautiful expression as it is composed of four of nature's most beautiful creations which are 花 (read ka) meaning "flowers", 鳥 (read chou) meaning "birds", 風 (read fuu) meaning "wind", and 月 (read getsu) meaning "moon".

This is a very popular phrase and this art makes an excellent gift especially for a Japanese Tea Ceremony enthusiast, Bonsai artist or Ikebana artist.

Beautiful Mistakes

Beautiful Mistakes in Japanese is 美しき過ち which is read utsukushiki ayamachi.

The Japanese phrase utsukushiki ayamachi meaning "Beautiful Mistakes" combines the words 美しき (read utukushiki) which is a grammatical variation of the word 美しい (read utsukushii) meaning "Beautiful" and 過ち (read ayamachi) meaning "Mistake; Mistakes".

Believe in Oneself

Believe in Oneself in Japanese is 自分を信じる which is read jibun wo shinjiru.

This beautiful art is a gentle reminder to believe, to trust in oneself. This is a perfect gift for someone in your life about to take on a new challange.

The Japanese phrase jibun wo shinjiru means "Believe in Oneself". It is composed of the words 自分 (read jibun) meaning "oneself", the grammatical element を (read wo) which indicates the previous word is the subject of the verb, and the verb 信じる (read shinjiru) meaning "to believe; to believe in".

Black Belt

Black Belt in Japanese is 有段者 which is read yuudansha.

The Japanese word yuudansha meaning "Black Belt" is composed of the kanji 有 (read yuu) meaning "have; possess", 段 (read dan) meaning "dan (black belt) rank", and 者 (read sha) meaning "person".

Book of Five Rings

Book of Five Rings in Japanese is 五輪の書 which is read gorin no sho.

The Japanese book gorin no sho translated as "Book of Five Rings" was written by Japan's preeminent swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. The book teaches the fundamentals of sword fighting and combat training. The kanji 五 (read go) means five 輪 (read rin) means "ring", the grammatical element の (read no) means "of" and 書 (read sho) means "book; writings". Note that one also sees gorin no sho written 五輪書 without the hiragana.

Born Free

Born Free in Japanese is 自由に生まれて which is read jiyuu ni umarete.

This beautiful art celebrates the natural freedom that we are all born with - and to me it always reminds me of the documentary Born Free and Elsa the lioness.

The Japanese phrase jiyuu ni umarete meaning "Born Free"and is composed of the 自由 (read jiyuu) meaning "free", the grammatical element に (read ni) and the verb form 生まれて from the verb 生まれる (read umareru) meaning "to be born".

Breathe

Breathe in Japanese is 呼吸する which is read kokyuu suru.

The Japanese kokyuu suru is the verb form of Breath (kokyuu) meaning "to breathe".

By Nature, Having Nothing

By Nature, Having Nothing in Japanese is 本来無一物 which is read honrai muichimotsu.

The Zen phrase honrai muichimotsu is attributed to Rokuso Eno (aka Hui-neng) and reminds us that everything comes from nothing and that we come into the world with nothing - no attachments, no possessions, no preconceived ideas nor prejudices. The phrase is composed of 本来 (read honrai) meaning "naturally; by nature; in (and of) itself" and 無一物 (read muichimotsu) meaning "having nothing" or "not a single thing". This also translates as "Actually, there is nothing" and in a Buddhist context may be thought of as "The Buddha nature is free of possessions".

Carelessness is one's greatest enemy

Carelessness is one's greatest enemy in Japanese is 油断大敵 which is read yudantaiteki.

This beautiful art is a practical reminder to both be prepared and to be attentive and careful. This is a perfect gift for a dojo or any place where attention to detail is all important.

The Japanese proverb yudantaiteki is a four kanji idiom meaning "Unpreparedness is one's greatest enemy; He that is too secure is not safe; Overconfidence can be dangerous" and is composed of the words 油断 (read yudan) meaning "negiligence, carelessness, inattention; unpreparedness" and 大敵 (read taiteki) meaning "great rival, powerful enemy, archenemy".

Complete Change of Mind

Complete Change of Mind in Japanese is 心機一転 which is read shinkiitten.

The four-character idiom shinkiitten meaning "Complete Change of Mind" is composed of the words 心機 (read shinki) meaning "one's mental state or attitude" and 一転 (read itten) meaning "complete change". Complete Change of Mind (shinkiitten) means a complete change of attitude or to completely change one's view of the world.

Complete Understanding

Complete Understanding in Japanese is 了了知 which is read ryouryouchi.

The Zen phrase ryouryouchi was coined by Zen Master Inzan Ien (1754-1817). Other interpretations include "Finally, Finally, Understanding". These designs are inspired by Inzan's originally calligraphy.

Concentration

Concentration in Japanese is 精神統一 which is read seishintouitsu.

The Japanese phrase seishintouitsu means "Concentration; Focus the Spirit" and is composed of the words 精神 (read seishin) meaning "mind; spirit" and 統一 (read touitsu) meaning "gather; unify".

Correct Shooting, Correct Hit

Correct Shooting, Correct Hit in Japanese is 正射正中 which is read seisha seichuu.

Seisha Seichuu (also romanized as seisha seichu) is a principle of Kyudo (kyuudou) that translates as "Correct Shooting is Correct Hitting" and it reminds us that if we focus on correct technique then the end result will take care of itself.

Cry in the dojo - Laugh on the battlefield

Cry in the dojo - Laugh on the battlefield in Japanese is 道場で泣き戦場で笑う which is read doujou de naki senjou de warau.

This Japanese phrase doujou de naki senjou de warau means "Cry in the dojo - Laugh on the battlefield" and is composed of the kanji 道場 (read doujou) meaning "Dojo", the grammatical element で (read de) meaning "in; at", 泣き (read naki)　meaning "to cry", 戦場 (read senjou) meaning "battlefield", the grammatical element で (read de) meaning "in; at" and 笑う (read warau) meaning "to laugh".

Death Before Dishonor

Death Before Dishonor in Japanese is 不名誉より死 which is read fumeiyo yori shi.

The Japanese phrase fumeiyo yori shi is composed of the words 不名誉 fumeiyo meaning "dishonor", より yori meaning "more than; rather than" and 死 (read shi) meaning "death". Japanese has the verb at the end of the sentence (see the Wikipedia article Japanese Language for more information) which is why this appears to be backwards when translated word for word. With this in mind, a literal translation of the Japanese is "rather than dishonor, death".

Desperate Fight

Desperate Fight in Japanese is 悪戦苦闘 which is read akusenkutou.

The Japanese phrase akusenkutou meaning "Desperate Fight" and "Fighting Against Heavy Odds" is composed of the words 悪戦 (read akusen) meaning "hard fight; close contest" and 苦闘 (read kutou) meaning "agonizing".

Devils Go Out Fortune Come In

Devils Go Out Fortune Come In in Japanese is 鬼は外福は内 which is read oni wa soto fuku wa uchi.

This beautiful calligraphy art of oni wa soto fuku wa uchi is appropriate for the entrance to the home and is a wish that evil spirits that bring misfortune and sickness be banished from the home and good fortune be welcomed in. This phrase is part of the mamemaki custom of purifying the home on the day before the start of spring by throwing beans out the front door while saying "oni wa soto! fuku wa uchi!" and then shutting the door.

The four-character idiom oni wa soto fuku wa uchi meaning "Devils Go Out Fortune Come In" is composed of the kanji 鬼 (read oni) meaning "devils,demons", the grammatical element は (read wa) which marks the preceding word as the subject, 外 (read soto) meaning "outside", 福 (read fuku) meaning "good fortune",the grammatical element は (read wa) which marks the preceding word as the subject,and 内 (read uchi) meaning "inside, within".

Different Bodies One Mind

Different Bodies One Mind in Japanese is 異体同心 which is read itaidoushin.

Do not regret what you have done

Do not regret what you have done in Japanese is 我事に於て後悔せず which is read ware koto ni oite koukai sezu.

The Japanese saying ware koto ni oite koukai sezu meaning "Do not regret what you have done" is one of the 21 precepts that Miyamoto Musashi wrote just before his death. This reminds us that we cannot change what we have done, we can only change what we do or what we will do. For more information see Miyamoto Musashi - Dokkoudou.

ware koto ni oite koukai sezu is composed of the kanji 我 (read ware) meaning "oneself", 事 (read koto) meaning "thing; matter", に於いて (read nioite) meaning "regarding; as for", 後悔 (read koukai) meaning "regret" and せず (read sezu) meaning "without; do not.

Do One's Very Best

Do One's Very Best in Japanese is 一生懸命 which is read isshoukenmei.

This beautiful calligraphy art of isshoukenmei would be a great addition to any dojo, or any place where maximum effort is expected, as a reminder to always do one's best.

The four-character idiom isshoukenmei meaning "Do One's Very Best" is composed of the words 一生 (read isshou) meaning "one's whole life;the greatest of one's life" and 懸命 (read kenmei) meaning "eargerness; risk one's life".

Dreams Come True

Dreams Come True in Japanese is 夢が適う which is read yume ga kanau.

This beautiful art is a visual reminder that dreams do indeed come true.

The Japanese phrase yume ga kanau is composed of the words 夢 (read yume) meaning "dreams", the grammatical element が (read ga)　that indicates the previous word is the object of the verb, and the verb 叶う (read kanau) meaning "to come true".

Each Moment Only Once

Each Moment Only Once in Japanese is 一期一会 which is read ichigoichie.

ichigoichie is a popular calligraphy display for the Japanese Tea Ceremony and for display in the family tokonoma. The art makes an excellent gift as ichigoichie reminds us to value each and every moment.

The four-character idiom ichigoichie meaning "Each Moment Only Once" is composed of the word 一期 (read ichigo) meaning "once in a lifetime" and the kanji 一 (read ichi) meaning "one" and 会 (read e) meaning "meeting".

Earthquakes, Thunderbolts, Fires, Fathers

Earthquakes, Thunderbolts, Fires, Fathers in Japanese is 地震雷火事親父 which is read jishin kaminari kaji oyaji.

The Japanese proverb jishin kaminari kaji oyaji literally translates to "Earthquakes, Thunderbolts, Fires, Fathers" and according to Daniel Crump Buchanan on page 96 of his book Japanese Proverbs and Sayings these are "four things named in asecending order of severity were proverbially feared by the Japanese ... the father as head of the house had almost complete control of the family and all in it." Edward Trimnell in his book Tigers, Devils, and Fools: A Guide to Japanese Proverbs on page 66 takes a modern view saying "These proverbs remind us that it is wise to fear some things. By fearing what is more powerful than you, you may save yourself from injury.

Even dust if piled can become a mountain

Even dust if piled can become a mountain in Japanese is 塵も積もれば山となる which is read chiri wo tsumoreba yama to naru.

The Japanese proverb "Even dust if piled can become a mountain" reminds us that little things add up to big things. That, for example, many small efforts can combine to make one great success.

There is another way to look at this proverb. Another popular translation is "Great oaks from little acorns grow". The Japanese, obviously, has nothing to do with acorns and oaks. But the similarity is that "even dust can become a mountain". That regardless of what we start as, we can become something great.

Even Monkeys Fall Out Of Trees

Even Monkeys Fall Out Of Trees in Japanese is 猿も木から落ちる which is read saru mo ki kara ochiru.

The Japanese proverb "saru mo ki kara ochiru" translates as "Even Monkeys Fall Out of Trees" and reminds us that even experts make mistakes. On one hand it reminds us to be careful and to not become overconfident in our own abilities and, on the other hand, it reminds us that mistakes do happen and we should be tolerant when others err.

The English equivalent is often given as "Nobody's Perfect".

Even Monkeys Fall Out of Trees is one of the Iroha Card Proverbs and the namesake of a book of the favorite proverbs of Bonsai Master John Naka Even Monkeys Fall Out of Trees: John Naka's Collection of Japanese Proverbs by Nina S. Ragle and also Even Monkeys Fall from Trees: The Wit and Wisdom of Japanese Proverbs (Vol 1) by David Galef.

Everyday is a good day

Everyday is a good day in Japanese is 日々是好日 which is read nichinichi kore koujitsu.

The Japanese phrase nichinichi kore koujitsu is a Zen expression that is commonly used in context of the Tea Ceremony. It encourages us to understand that every day can be made a good day and that it is up to us to make each day good.

For more information refer to our Reference Materials.

Everything is Going Well

Everything is Going Well in Japanese is 一路順風 which is read ichirojunpuu.

The four-character idiom ichirojunpuu meaning "Everything is Going Well" is composed of the words 一路 (read ichiro) meaning "travel; journey" and 順風 (read junpuu) meaning "favorable wind".

Fall Down Seven, Get Up Eight

Fall Down Seven, Get Up Eight in Japanese is 七転八起 which is read nana korobi ya oki.

This beautiful Japanese calligraphy is the perfect gift for that special someone in your life facing adversity or setback. This hand-brushed art is a thoughtful gift that is sure to motivate and inspire.

The Japanese phrase nana korobi ya oki meaning "Fall Down Seven, Get Up Eight" is composed of the kanji 七 (read nana) meaning "seven", 転 (read korobi) meaning "to fall", 八 (read ya) meaning "eight", and 起 (read oki) meaning "to get up". This popular Japanese phrase speaks to the importance of getting back up despite repeated failures and to keep on going despite setbacks.

In Even Monkeys Fall from Trees: The Wit and Wisdom of Japanese Proverbs (Vol 1) by David Galef, the author equates this with the English saying "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again".

Family is Forever

Family is Forever in Japanese is 家族は永遠 which is read kazoku wa eien.

This artwork is a beautiful reminder of the importance of family and that no matter what a family will always be a family.

The Japanese phrase kazoku wa eien meaning "Family is Forever" is composed of the words 家族 (read kazoku) meaning "family", the grammatical element は (read wa) here meaning "is", and 永遠 (read eien) meaning "forever".

Father's Love

Father's Love in Japanese is 父性愛 which is read fuseiai.

This beautiful art celebrates the joy and responsibility of fatherhood making this a very thoughtful and personal gift, especially for Father's Day.

The Japanese word fuseiai meaning "Father's Love" is composed of the 父性 (read fusei) meaning "fatherhood" and 愛 (read ai) meaning "love".

Five Elements

Five Elements in Japanese is 地水火風空 which is read chi sui ka fuu kuu.

The Five Elements in Japanese Philosophy is called godai and refer to the five elements shown here which are 地 Ground (chi), 水 Water (mizu) (also read sui), 火 Fire (hi) (also read ka), 風 Wind (kaze) (also read fuu), and 空 Sky (sora) (also read kuu and also meaning void).

The Five Elements are most commonly known thanks to Miyamoto Musashi's The Book of Five Rings making this an excellent gift for the Miyamoto Musashi fan on your shopping list.

Flood of Customers

Flood of Customers in Japanese is 千客万来 which is read senkyakubanrai.

This beautiful art would make a great gift to anyone opening a new store, restaurant or business.

The four-character idiom senkyakubanrai meaning "Flood of Customers" is composed of the kanji 千 (read sen) meaning "thousand", 客 (read kyaku) meaning "customers", 万 (read ban) meaning "ten thousand" and 来 (read rai) meaning "visits". The term is used as a wish for "doing a roaring business" or for "a constant stream of customers".

Flower Arrangement

Flower Arrangement in Japanese is 生け花 which is read ikebana.

The Japanese word ikebana meaning "Flower Arrangement" is composed of the word 行け from the verb 生ける (read ikeru) meaning "to arrange, to plant" and 花 (read bana) meaning "flower; flowers".

For Better Or For Worse

For Better Or For Worse in Japanese is 善かれ悪しかれ which is read yokareashikare.

This artwork is the perfect wedding or paper anniversary gift and is a beautiful visual reminder of that special moment in the wedding ceremony where lifelong vows are spoken for the first time before God.

The Japanese phrase yokareashikare meaning "For Better Or For Worse" is the same phrase used as part of the traditional Wedding vow "for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, ...".

For the Sake of the Children

For the Sake of the Children in Japanese is 子供の為に which is read kodomo no tame ni.

The Japanese phrase kodomo no tame ni meaning "For the Sake of the Children" (also "For the Sake of My Children" and "For the Sake of Our Children") is composed of the words 子供 (read kodomo) meaning "children" and 為に (read tameni) meaning "for the sake of; for".

Japanese language is a "pro-drop" language meaning the pronoun is often naturally omitted. So the same phrase kodomo no tame ni includes the meanings "For the Sake of the Children", "For the Sake of My Children" and "For the Sake of Our Children" all at the same time - this characteristic of Japanese makes Japanese a little ambiguous, but it also gives it a brevity and beauty.

Forgive and Forget

Forgive and Forget in Japanese is 水に流す which is read mizu ni nagasu.

The Japanese proverb mizu ni nagasu literally means "let it flow in the water". This is equivalent to the English saying "Water under the bridge" or "Forgive and Forget".

Fortune Comes To Those Who Smile

Fortune Comes To Those Who Smile in Japanese is 笑う門には福来る which is read warau kado ni wa fuku kitaru.

This Japanese proverb is said to be equivalent to the English proverb "Laugh and grow fat".

Fortune Favors The Brave

Fortune Favors The Brave in Japanese is 勇者は幸運に恵まれる which is read yuusha wa kouun ni megumareru.

Four Virtues of Tea

Four Virtues of Tea in Japanese is 和敬清寂 which is read wakeiseijaku.

The four-character idiom wakeiseijaku meaning "Four Virtues of Tea" as described by the 16th century Tea Master Sen Rikyuu consists of the kanji 和 (read wa) meaning "Harmony", 敬 (read kei) meaning "Respect", 清 (read sei) meaning "Purity", and 寂 (read jaku) meaning "Tranquility".

This is a very popular phrase and this art makes an excellent gift especially for a Japanese Tea Ceremony enthusiast, Bonsai artist or Ikebana artist.

Gathering of Good Omens

Gathering of Good Omens in Japanese is 瑞気集門 which is read zuikishuumon.

zuikishuumon is often used in Feng Shui as an element by the main entrance of the home to invite in only positive energy and reminds us of the importance of being receptive to positive energy.

The Japanese phrase zuikishuumon is composed of the words 瑞気 (read zuiki) meaning "Good Omens", the kanji 集 (read shuu) meaning "Gather", and 門 (read mon) meaning "Gate" or "Entrance".

Go For It

Go For It in Japanese is 頑張って which is read ganbatte.

This beautiful calligraphy art of ganbatte would be a great addition to any dojo, or any place where maximum effort is expected, as a reminder to always do one's best.

The Japanese phrase ganbatte meaning "Go For It" also commonly translates as "Do your best!" and is a imperative form of the verb 頑張る (read ganbaru) meaning "to persevere, to do one's best".

God is Always With You

God is Always With You in Chinese is 上帝興你常在.

Nicki Minaj has this Chinese phrase tattooed on her upper left arm. The meaning is "God is always with you" / "God is always with me".

Goju-ryu Karate-do

Goju-ryu Karate-do in Japanese is 剛柔流空手道 which is read goujuuryuu karatedou.

Literally gojuuryuu means "Hard-Soft Style" and is composed of the kanji 剛 (read gou) means "hard; sturdy" and 柔 (read juu) meaning "soft; supple; gentle", and 流 (read ryuu) meaning "style".

Good Wife Wise Mother

Good Wife Wise Mother in Japanese is 良妻賢母 which is read ryousaikenbo.

ryousaikenbo is a wonderful Mother's Day gift to let your wife know what she means to you and the family. This is a thoughtful and beautiful gift that will keep on giving for years to come.

The four-character idiom ryousaikenbo meaning "Good Wife Wise Mother" is composed of the words 良妻 (read ryousai) meaning "good wife" and 賢母 (read kenbo) meaning "wise mother".

Happiness is a Journey, Not a Destination

Happiness is a Journey, Not a Destination in Japanese is 幸せとは旅目的地に非ず which is read shiawase to wa tabi mokutekichi ni arazu.

Heart Like Water

Heart Like Water in Japanese is 水の心 which is read mizu no kokoro.

The Japanese expression mizu no kokoro meaning Heart Like Water is also translated as "A Heart Like Still Water" and reminds us of the state of such inner calm and tranquility that the turmoil and chaos around us does not distract us. mizu no kokoro is often taught in the context of the Martial Arts.

Home Is Where You Live

Home Is Where You Live in Japanese is 住めば都 which is read sumeba miyako.

sumeba miyako is perfect for a housewarming gift, especially for someone living in a new area. This is a great reminder that no matter how different the place, it will become home.

The Japanese proverb sumeba miyako meaning "Home Is Where You Live" is composed of the word 住めば (read sumeba) meaning "if (you) live" from the verb 住む (read sumu) meaning "live; reside" and the word 都 (read miyako) meaning "capital (city)". The idea being that wherever you live, the place becomes the most important place in the word.

Hope is our greatest treasure

Hope is our greatest treasure in Japanese is 希望は最大の宝 which is read kibou wa saidai no takara.

Household Harmony

Household Harmony in Japanese is 家庭円満 which is read kateienman.

The four-character idiom kateienman meaning "Household Harmony" is composed of the word 家庭 (read katei) meaning "home; family; household" and 円満 (read enman) meaning "harmony; perfection; peace; completeness".

I am the master of my fate I am the captain of my soul

The phrase "I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul" is from the poem Invictus by William Earnest Henley. The Japanese reads waga unmei wo kimeru no wa ware nari waga tamashii wo seisuru no wa ware nari.

I came, I saw, I conquered

I came, I saw, I conquered in Japanese is 来た見た勝った which is read kita mita katta.

I Control My Destiny

I Control My Destiny in Japanese is 運命を制す which is read unmei wo seisu.

This beautiful work of art is a positive and motivating message making the perfect gift the independent mover in your life.

The Japanese phrase unmei wo seisu means "I Control My Destiny" and is composed of the words 運命 (read unmei) meaning "destiny; fate", the Japanese grammatical element を (read wo)　which indicates the previous word as the object of the verb, and the verb 制す (read seisu) meaning "to control, to command, to get the better of".

I Love You

I Love You in Japanese is 愛してる which is read aishiteru.

The Japanese phrase "aishiteru" is actually just a verb 愛してる (read aishiteru) which literally means "loving". Notice that both the subject and the object are omitted. Japanese is classified as a "pro-drop" (pronoun drop) language where the pronouns are commonly omitted. Here the "I" and the "You" are self-evident and so omitted. Hence the Japanese do not say "I love you" they actually say "loving" or aishiteru.

I Suffered, I Learned, I Changed

I Suffered, I Learned, I Changed in Japanese is 苦しんだ学んだ変わった which is read kurushinda mananda kawatta.

Iaijutsu

Iaijutsu in Japanese is 居合術 which is read iaijutsu.

iaijutsu is the Japanese Martial Art of combative quick-drawing the sword.

If It's Worth Doing, It's Worth Doing Promptly

If It's Worth Doing, It's Worth Doing Promptly in Japanese is 善は急げ which is read zen wa isoge.

The Japanese expression zen wa isoge means "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing prompty; If it is a good thing, hurry and do it" and is composed of the kanji 善 (read zen) meaning "good, goodness, right, virtue", the grammatical element は (read wa) which indicates the previous word is the subject, and 急げ (read isoge) which is the imperative form of the verb 急ぐ (read isogu) meaning "to hurry, to rush, to hasten, to make something happen sooner".

Notice that the dictionary lists this as "zen ha isoge" and not "zen wa isoge". The grammatical particle は (read wa) is written with the hiragana ha but it is always read wa. We give how it is read while the dictionary gives how it is written. Interesting, yes?

If three people gather, the wisdom of Monju

If three people gather, the wisdom of Monju in Japanese is 三人寄れば文殊の知恵 which is read sannin yoreba monju no chie.

Inseparable as Form and Shadow

Inseparable as Form and Shadow in Japanese is 形影一如 which is read keieiichinyo.

keieiichinyo is often given as an anniversary or wedding gift and refers to the magic inseparability of "a husband and wife never being apart".

The four-character idiom keieiichinyo meaning "Inseparable as Form and Shadow" is composed of the word 形影 (read keiei) with the characters meaning "form and shadow" and the word meaning "inseparable" and 一如 (read ichinyo) meaning "oneness".

Isshinryu Karate-Do

Isshinryu Karate-Do in Japanese is 一心流空手道 which is read isshinryuu karatedou.

It Can't Be Helped

It Can't Be Helped in Japanese is 仕方無い which is read shikatanai.

Karate-Do

Karate-Do in Japanese is 空手道 which is read karatedou.

The Japanese word karatedou is literally "The Way of Karate" and consists of the word 空手 Karate - Empty Hand (karate) and the kanji 道 (read dou) meaning "the way; teachings".

Kill two birds with one stone

Kill two birds with one stone in Japanese is 一石二鳥 which is read issekinichou.

The Japanese proverb "issekinichou" meaning "Killing two birds with one stone" literally translates as "one stone, two birds".

Kill with One Blow

Kill with One Blow in Japanese is 一拳必殺 which is read ikken hissatsu.

The Japanese phrase ikken hissatsu is composed of the kanji 一 (read ichi) meaning "one", 拳 (read ken) meaning "fist", and the word 必殺 (read hissatsu) meaning "certain kill".

Kill with One Blow (ikken hissatsu) is the martial arts ideal when the objective is to kill with a single blow and is reminiscent of the sniper motto "One Shot, One Kill".

Laugh Now, Cry Later

Laugh Now, Cry Later in Japanese is 今笑い後で泣く which is read ima warai ato de naku.

The Japanese phrase ima warai ato de naku meaning "Laugh Now, Cry Later" is composed of the words 今 (read ima) meaning "now; the present; just now", 笑い (read Warai) meaning "Laugh; laughter", 後で (read atode) meaning "afterwards; then" and 泣く (read naku) which is the verb meaning "to cry". In Japanese the verb comes at the end of the sentence and so you may have noticed that the word order when directly translated to English is "now laugh, later cry".

Leadership

Leadership in Japanese is 指導力 which is read shidouryoku.

This motivational art is the perfect gift for Management Training or Leadership Training and would be an elegant addition to any office.

The Japanese word shidouryoku meaning "Leadership" is composed of the word 指導 (read shidou) meaning "leadership" and 力 (read ryoku) meaning "power; strength".

Let what is past flow away downstream

Let what is past flow away downstream in Japanese is 過ぎたるは尚及ばざるが如し which is read sugitaru wa nao oyobazaru ga gotoshi.

Life Giving Sword

Life Giving Sword in Japanese is 活人剣 which is read katsujinken.

The Japanese phrase katsujinken means "life giving sword" and refers to the use of a sword to preserve life. In contrast the phrase Life Taking Sword (satsujinken) refers to life taking sword.

Life in Every Breath

Life in Every Breath in Japanese is 吐く息一つにも生命が宿り which is read hakuiki hitotsu ni mo seimei ga yadori.

The Japanese phrase hakuiki hitotsu ni mo seimei ga yadori was made popular in the movie "The Last Samurai" and this is a direct quote.　The phrase is composed of the word 吐く息 (read hakuiki) meaning "one's breath", 一つ (read hitotsu) being a counter for "one". So this is "one breath". The grammatical element にも (read nimo) means "even in". So far we have the phrase hakuiki hitotsu nimo meaning "even in one breath", "in each breath" or "in every breath". The next word is 生命 (read seimei) meaning "one's life; one's existence" and が (read ga) is a grammatical element specifying the previous word as the subject of the verb. The verb yadori is the present form of 宿る (read yadoru) meaning to "to dwell; to exist within".

This poetic phrase captures the idea that one's entire life can come down to a single breath. This is the perfect gift for any fan of the movie "The Last Samurai" or a student of Bushido, The Way of the Warrior.

Life is Good

Life is Good in Japanese is 人生良好 which is read jinseiryoukou.

The Japanese saying jinseiryoukou meaning "Life is Good" is composed of the words 人生 (read jinsei) meaning "life" and 良好 (read ryoukou) meaning "good; favorable".

Life is Short

Life is Short in Japanese is 人生は短い which is read jinsei wa mijikai.

This beautiful art reminds us to live each moment to the fullest and to treasure the time we have.

The Japanese phrase jinsei wa mijikai meaning "Life is Short" is composed of the words 人生 (read jinsei) meaning "life", the grammatical element は (read wa) here acting like "is", and 短い (read mijikai) meaning "short".

Life Taking Sword

Life Taking Sword in Japanese is 殺人剣 which is read satsujinken.

The Japanese phrase satsujinken means Life Taking Sword and refers to the use of a sword with the purpose of taking a life. In contrast the phrase Life Giving Sword (katsujinken) refers to the use of a sword to protect or save a life. satsujinken is composed of the kanji 殺人 (read satsujin) meaning "killer; murderer" and 剣 Sword (ken). Hence another translation may be "Killing Sword".

Note that the Japanese word satsujin is often translated as murder but this is not strictly correct as satsujin only means "kill a person" which includes murder but it also may mean killing someone evil or killing someone in defense of oneself, one's family or one's country - so it does not have the strictly negative meaning that the word "murder" has.

Life Will Find A Way

Life Will Find A Way in Japanese is 命は道を拓く which is read inochi wa michi wo hiraku.

Like Father, Like Daughter

Like Father, Like Daughter in Japanese is 此の父にして此の娘にあり which is read kono chichi ni shite kono musume ari.

Like Father, Like Son

Like Father, Like Son in Japanese is 此の父にして此の息子にあり which is read kono chichi ni shite kono musuko ari.

Literary and Military Arts

Literary and Military Arts in Japanese is 文武両道 which is read bunburyoudou.

The four-character idiom bunburyoudou signifies one who is skilled in both the "sword and the pen", that is, one who is skilled in both the martial arts and the literary arts. The archetype being Miyamoto Musashi who was Japan's greatest swordsman and also a master calligrapher. bunburyoudou is composed of the kanji 文 (read bun) meaning "art; literature", 武 (read bu) meaning "military; arms; chivalry", 両 (read ryou) meaning "both; two" and 道 (read dou) meaning "the way; teachings".

Live Long And Prosper

Live Long And Prosper in Japanese is 長寿と繁栄を which is read chouju to han'ei wo.

Live Long And Prosper

Live Long And Prosper in Japanese is 千秋万歳 which is read senshuubanzai.

% is a well-wish for a long and full life and is often given as a retirement gift.

The four-character idiom senshuubanzai meaning "Live Long And Prosper" is composed of the words千秋 (read senshuu) meaning "thousand years, a thousand autumns" and 万歳 (read banzai) meaning "long life and prosperity

Live Strong

Live Strong in Japanese is 強く生きる which is read tsuyoku ikiru.

The Japanese phrase tsuyoku ikiru meaning "Live Strong" is composed of the words 強く (read tsuyoku) meaing "strong" and 生きる (read ikiru) meaning "to live".

Live the Moment

Live the Moment in Japanese is 今を生きる which is read ima wo ikiru.

The Japanese phrase ima wo ikiru meaning "Live the Moment; Carpe Diem" is composed of the words今 (read ima) meaning "now; the present; just now", the grammatical element を (read wo) which indicates the object of the verb, and the verb 生きる (read ikiru) meaning "to live; to exist".

Love Binds Them All Together

Love Binds Them All Together in Japanese is 愛は全てを完全に結ぶ帯である which is read ai wa subete wo kanzen ni musubu obi de aru.

Love Binds Them All Together is the perfect wedding gift or anniversary gift.

The Japanese sentence ai wa subete wo kanzen ni musubu obi de aru is from Colossians 3:14 and means "Love Binds Them All Together". At Takase Studios we have three Japanese Bibles which we use for the translations. The subject is 愛 (read ai) which is indicated by the grammatical element は (read "wa" in this case). The object is 全て (read subete) meaning "all" which is indicated by the grammatical element を read "wo". 完全 (read kanzen) means perfectly with the grammatical element に (read "ni") which follows. The verb is the complex 結ぶ帯である which combines 結ぶ (read musubu) meaning "to bind" 帯 (read obi) meaning "belt" and the final である (read dearu) acts like the verb "to be".

Love is Everything

Love is Everything in Japanese is 愛が全て which is read ai ga subete.

This is a perfect wedding gift or paper anniversary gift and is a beautiful visual reminder of the central importance of love in our lives.

The Japanese phrase ai ga subete means "Love is Everything" and is composed of the words 愛 (read ai) meaning "love, affection", the grammatical element が (read ga) which indicates the previous word is the subject, and 全て (read subete) meaning "everything; all".

Marine Corp

Marine Corp in Japanese is 海兵隊 which is read kaiheitai.

Maximum Efficiency Minimum Effort

Maximum Efficiency Minimum Effort in Japanese is 精力善用 which is read seiryoku zen'you.

The Japanese phrase seiryoku zen'you meaning "Maximum Efficiency Minimum Effort" was used by the founder of Judo, Jigoro Kano. seiryoku zen'you is composed of the words 精力 (read seiryoku) meaning "energy" and 善用 (read zen'you) meaning "good use".

Meeting is only the beginning of separation

Meeting is only the beginning of separation in Japanese is 逢うは別れの始め which is read au wa wakare no hajime.

Miraculous Comeback

Miraculous Comeback in Japanese is 起死回生 which is read kishikaisei.

This beautiful art makes an excellent gift as a reminder of a great comeback victory or to remind one that where there is a will there is still a way.

The four-character idiom kishikaisei meaning "Miraculous Comeback" is composed of the kanji 起 (read ki) meaning "wake up, rouse", 死 (read shi) meaning "death", 回 (read kai) meaning "return", and 生 (read sei) meaning "life". The phrase kishikaisei then literally means "Wake from death, return to life" and is used in the sense of a miraculous comeback - like a game winning home run - or any desparate situation where all hope seems lost but one still manages a miraculous success.

Miyamoto Musashi

Miyamoto Musashi in Japanese is 宮本武蔵 which is read miyamoto musashi.

Miyamoto Musashi is Japan's preeminent swordsman and around 1645 he wrote The Book Of Five Rings which records his teachings in sword fighting and combat training strategy. As well as being a master swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi was also a renowned calligrapher.

Mother Nature

Mother Nature in Japanese is 母なる自然 which is read haha naru shizen.

The Japanese phrase haha naru shizen meaning "Mother Nature" is composed of the words 母 (read haha) meaning "mother", なる (read naru) meaning "that is; who is called", and 自然 (read shizen) meaning "nature".

Mutual Benefit

Mutual Benefit in Japanese is 自他共栄 which is read jita kyouei.

The Japanese phrase jita kyouei (commonly written in English as "Jita Kyoei") is a Judo term meaning "mutual welfare and prosperity". The phrase is composed of the words 自他 (read jita) meaning "oneself and others" and 共栄 (read kyouei) meaning "mutual prosperity". This along with 精力善用 seiryoku zen'yo meaning "maximum efficiency - minimum effort" are fundamental Judo concepts.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo in Japanese is 南無妙法蓮華経 which is read namumyouhourengekyou.

The Buddhist chant namumyouhourengekyou translates as "Glory to the Sutra; Hail Lotus Sutra". For more information read the Wikipedia article Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.

Never Give Up

Never Give Up in Japanese is 決して諦めない which is read kesshite akiramenai.

The Japanese phrase kesshite akiramenai is composed of the word 決して (read kesshite) which in this case means "absolutely; decidedly" and the verb 諦めない (read akiramenai) which is the negative of 諦める (read akirameru) meaning to "Give Up" - so the direct translation is "absolutely do not give up".

Never Surrender

Never Surrender in Japanese is 決して降伏しない which is read kesshite koufukushinai.

The Japanese phrase kesshite koufukushinai is a direct translation of the English "Never Surrender" and is composed of the word 決して (read kesshite) meaning "never; by all means", the noun 降伏 (read koufuku) meaning "surrender; submit; capitulate" and the verb making しない (read shinai) meaning "to not".

No Pain, No Gain

No Pain, No Gain in Japanese is 苦は楽の種 which is read ku wa raku no tane.

The Japanese phrase ku wa raku no tane meaning "No Pain, No Gain" is composed of the word 苦 (read ku) meaning "pain", the grammatical element は (read wa) indicating the previous words is the subject, 楽 (read raku) meaning "ease, comfort", the grammatical possessive element の (read no) and 種 (read tane) meaning "seed". A literal translation is "pain is the seed of comfort".

Not Knowing is Buddha

Not Knowing is Buddha in Japanese is 知らぬが仏 which is read shiranu ga hotoke.

The Japanese saying shiranu ga hotoke meaning "Not Knowing is Buddha" is most often translated to the English equivalent "Ignorance is Bliss". The saying is composed of the word 知らぬ which is the negative form of 知る (read shiru) meaning to know (hence "not knowing"), the grammatical element が (read ga) which indicates the previous word is the subject, and 仏 (read hotoke) meaning "Buddha".

Not Knowing is Most Intimate

Not Knowing is Most Intimate in Japanese is 不知最親切 which is read fuchi sai shinsetsu.

The Zen phrase fuchi sai shinsetsu is from the 20th Koan in Shoyoroku - called "The Book of Equanimity" (also "The Book of Serenity") written in the 12th Century by Hongzhi Zhengjue. This phrase has been described as the heart of Zen Buddhism. The Koan goes that Jizo asks Hogen where he is going. Hogen replied on a pilgrimage. Then Jizo asked why and Hogen replied that he did not know. To this Jizo said, "Not knowing is most intimate".

For this design we have used the Chinese characters. The modern Japanese would be only slightly different reading fuchi mottomo shinsetsu and written 不知最も親切.

There are several great on-line resouces. See Eric Boix page Shoyoroku for English translations. If you have Japanese fonts you can read discussions on the Koan at Shouyouroku Kouwa by Douken Takada [1906] and Shouyouroku Tsuukai by Nyoten Jinbo [1915]. Also we suggest the book The Book of Serenity: One Hundred Zen Dialogues by Thomas Cleary.

Not Saying Is A Flower

Not Saying Is A Flower in Japanese is 言わぬが花 which is read iwanu ga hana.

Edward Trimnell on page 62 of his book Tigers, Devils, and Fools: A Guide to Japanese Proverbs uses the translation "Not saying is a flower" which is a direct translation of iwanu ga hana. The meaning, he writes, is "some things are better left unsaid." Daniel Crump Buchanan on page 74 of his book Japanese Proverbs and Sayings writes that this is short for "Not to speak is the flower of wisdom" and he goes on to say the English equivalent might be "Silence is Golden".

On a stone for three years

On a stone for three years in Japanese is 石の上にも三年 which is read ishi no ue ni mo sannen.

This Japanese saying teaches us that perseverance wins in the end and that endurance is a virtue.

One Hit Certain Kill

One Hit Certain Kill in Japanese is 一撃必殺 which is read ichigeki hissatsu.

The Japanese phrase ichigeki hissatsu meaning "One Hit Certain Kill" is composed of the words 一撃 (read ichigeki) meaning "one blow; a single hit" and 必殺 (read hissatsu) meaning "certain kill". ichigeki hissatsu is the martial arts ideal when the objective is to kill with a single blow and is reminiscent of the sniper motto "One Shot, One Kill.

One in Mind and Body

One in Mind and Body in Japanese is 一心同体 which is read isshindoutai.

The Japanese phrase isshindoutai means "One in Mind and Body" and is composed of the words 一心 (read isshin) meaning "one heart, one mind" and 同体 (read doutai) meaning "one body".

Pain is Weakness Leaving the Body

Pain is Weakness Leaving the Body in Japanese is 痛みは体抜ける弱さ which is read itami wa karada kara nukeru yowasa.

Peace and Prosperity in the Household

Peace and Prosperity in the Household in Japanese is 家内安全 which is read kanaianzen.

kanaianzen is a great housewarming gift and is a wish for the family to be safe and prosperous.

The four-character idiom kanaianzen meaning "Peace and Prosperity in the Household" is composed of the word 家内 (read kanai) meaning "household; one's family" and 安全 (read anzen) meaning "safety; security".

Presence of Mind

Presence of Mind in Japanese is 平常心 which is read heijoushin.

The Japanese word heijoushin meaning "Presence of Mind" is composed of the kanji 平 (read hei) meaning "peaceful; even", 常 (read jou) meaning "normal, ordinary" and 心 (read shin) meaning "mind, heart, spirit". This is used especially in the martial arts, such as Kendo, to remind the student that one's mind must remain calm and tranquil when under attack.

Realize Your Dreams

Realize Your Dreams in Japanese is 夢実現 which is read yume jitsugen.

This design is a constant reminder of the importance of working towards making your dreams a reality.

The Japanese phrase yume jitsugen meaning "Realize Your Dreams" is composed of the words 夢 (read yume) meaning "dream; dreams" and 実現 (read jitsugen) meaning "to realize; to make happen".

Reason For Being

Reason For Being in Japanese is 生甲斐 which is read ikigai.

The Japanese word ikigai meaning "Reason For Being" refers to what one lives for, one's passion in life.

Note that ikigai is also commonly written 生き甲斐 (read ikigai)　and 生きがい (read ikigai).

Respect the Past, Create the New

Respect the Past, Create the New in Japanese is 温故知新 which is read onkochishin.

See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil

See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil in Japanese is 見猿聞か猿言わ猿 which is read mizarukikazaruiwazaru.

The Japanese proverb mizarukikazaruiwazaru meaning "See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil" refers to the three wise monkeys. There are two common ways to write this. One is to use the zaru in hiragana which is a verb conjugation of negation. The other, which I use here, uses the kanji 猿 (read zaru) in tribute to the three wise monkeys.

Self-Preservation

Self-Preservation in Japanese is 自己保存 which is read jikohozon.

The Japanese jikohozon meaning "Self-Preservation" is composed of the words 自己 (read jiko) meaning "self; oneself" and 保存 (read hozon) meaning "preservation".

Self-Restraint

Self-Restraint in Japanese is 克己心 which is read kokkishin.

Semper Fi

Semper Fi in Japanese is 常に忠誠を which is read tsune ni chuusei wo.

The Japanese phrase tsune ni chuusei wo is the most common translation of the motto of the United States Marines "Semper Fi" or "Semper Fidelis". tsune ni chuusei wo means "Always Faithful" and is composed of the words 常に (read tsuneni) meaning "always", 忠誠 (read chuusei) meaning "faithful; loyal; sincere" and the grammatical element を (read wo) which in this case acts effectively makes the preceding word into a verb.

Seven Virtues of Bushido

Seven Virtues of Bushido in Japanese is 忠義礼誠名誉仁勇義 which is read chuugi rei makoto meiyo jin yuu gi.

The Seven Virtues of Bushido summarizes the Japanese Code of Chivalry into seven ideals. The Seven Virtues of Bushido are: 忠義 Loyalty (chuugi), 礼 Respect (rei), 誠 Honesty (makoto), 名誉 Honor (meiyo), 仁 Benevolence (jin), 勇 Valor (yuu), and 義 Rectitude (gi).

Shadow of Leaves

Shadow of Leaves in Japanese is 葉隠 which is read hagakure.

hagakure is the name of a book by Yamamoto Tsunetomo an 18th century retainer on his views of the warrior code and the role of the samurai and bushido in a time of relative peace. hagakure is composed of the kanji 葉 (read ha) meaning "leaves" and 隠 (read gakure) meaning "to hide; to conceal".

Shito-Ryu

Shito-Ryu in Japanese is 糸東流 which is read shitouryuu.

shitouryuu, commonly written as "Shito-Ryu" in English, is a Karate style developed by Kenwa Mabuni.

Shotokan Karate-Do

Shotokan Karate-Do in Japanese is 松涛館空手道 which is read shoutoukan karatedou.

Shukokai

Shukokai in Japanese is 修交会 which is read shuukoukai.

shuukoukai, commonly written as "Shukokai" in English, is a Karate style descendent of Shito-Ryu. shuukoukai is composed of the kanji 修 (read shuu) meaning "study; training", 交 (read kou) meaning "mixing", and 会 (read kai) meaning "group, meet, association". The word 修交 shuukou means "friendship; amity".

Shut Up and Train

Shut Up and Train in Japanese is 黙って稽古 which is read damatte keiko.

The Japanese phrase damatte keiko meaning "Shut Up and Train" is composed of the verb form 黙って (read damatte) meaning “to shut up and” and is from the base verb 黙る (read damaru) and 稽古 (read keiko) meaning “train”.

Smooth Sailing

Smooth Sailing in Japanese is 順風満帆 which is read junpuumanpan.

In Japan junpuumanpan is given as a wedding gift or as a well wish for a new life phase. This is also an excellent gift for the sailor in your life.

The four-character idiom junpuumanpan meaning "Smooth Sailing" is composed of the word 順風 (read junpuu) meaning "favorable wind" and the kanji 満 (read man) meaning "full" and 帆 (read pan) meaning "sail". The meaning then is "everything going smoothly" or even "happily ever after".

Snakes Follow The Way Of Serpents

Snakes Follow The Way Of Serpents in Japanese is 蛇の道は蛇 which is read ja no michi wa hebi.

Both David Galef on page 30 of Even Monkeys Fall from Trees: The Wit and Wisdom of Japanese Proverbs (Vol 1) and Daniel Crump Buchanan on page 235 of his book Japanese Proverbs and Sayings use the translation "Snakes follow the way of serpents". Buchanan says the English equivalent is "One devil knows another". Galef suggests "Set a thief to catch a thief". Perhaps "It takes a thief to know a thief" would be a better equivalent.

Spirit of Perseverance

Spirit of Perseverance in Japanese is 押忍の精神 which is read osu no seishin.

Strength and Honor

Strength and Honor in Japanese is 力と名誉 which is read chikara to meiyo.

The Japanese phrase chikara to meiyo meaning "Strength and Honor" is composed of the words 力 (read chikara) meaning "strength", the grammatical element と (read to) meaning "and", and the word 名誉 (read meiyo) meaning "honor". The English phrase was made popular by the movie "Gladiator".

Survival of the Fittest

Survival of the Fittest in Japanese is 適者生存 which is read tekisha seizon.

The Japanese phrase tekisha seizon meaning "Survival of the Fittest" and is commonly used to translate this famous quote by Darwin. tekisha seizon is composed of the words 適者 (read tekisha) meaning "the fit" and 生存 (read seizon) meaning "survive" or "exist".

Take Risks

Take Risks in Japanese is 危険を冒す which is read kiken wo okasu.

The Japanese phrase kiken wo okasu meaning "Take Risks" is composed of the words 危険 (read kiken) meaning "danger; peril; hazard;", the grammatical element を (read wo), and the verb 冒す (read okasu) meaning "to brave; to risk; to face; to venture; to desecrate; to profane".

Tea Ceremony

Tea Ceremony in Japanese is 茶の湯 which is read chanoyu.

The Japanese word chanoyu meaning "Tea Ceremony" is composed of the kanji 茶 (read cha) meaning "tea", the possessive grammatical element の (read no), and the kanji 湯 (read yu) meaning "hot water".

Ten People, Ten Colors

Ten People, Ten Colors in Japanese is 十人十色 which is read juunintoiro.

The Japanese proverb "juunintoiro" literally translates as "ten people, ten colors". Jefferey's English <-> Japanese dictionary gives the meaning as "So many people, so many minds; everyone has his own ideas and tastes; It takes all sorts to make a world.; To each his (her) own; different strokes for different folks". I think Dennis Miller sums the idea up best when he says "People are snowflakes, man". That is, we are all different and this saying celebrates our individuality.

The Benevolent Have No Worries

The Benevolent Have No Worries in Japanese is 仁者は憂えず which is read jinsha wa ureezu.

This is part of a well-known quote by Confucius which says "The Wise Have No Delusions, The Benevolent Have No Worries, and The Brave Have No Fears". This is a Japanese version of the quote.

The Body and Mind are One

The Body and Mind are One in Japanese is 拳禅一如 which is read ken zen ichi nyo.

This Japanese Martial Arts expression ken zen ichi nyo literally translates as "The Fist and Zen are One" meaning "The Body and Mind are One". ken zen ichi nyo is composed of the kanji 拳 (read ken) meaning "Fist" and represents the body, 禅 (read zen) meaning "Zen" represents the mind or spirit, and 一如 (read ichinyo) meaning "oneness".

The Brave Have No Fears

The Brave Have No Fears in Japanese is 勇者は懼れず which is read yuusha wa osorezu.

This is part of a well-known quote by Confucius which says "The Wise Have No Delusions, The Benevolent Have No Worries, and The Brave Have No Fears". This is a Japanese version of the quote.

The Ground Becomes Firm After Rain

The Ground Becomes Firm After Rain in Japanese is 雨降って地固まる which is read ame futte ji katamaru.

The Japanese proverb "ame futte ji katamaru" meaning "adversity builds character" literally translates as "The ground becomes firm after rain".

Some sources, though we strongly disagree, try and equate this saying to "Calm after a Storm" or "An argument clears away bad feelings between people" though we disagree with these comparisons.

The Hawk with Talent Hides its Talons

The Hawk with Talent Hides its Talons in Japanese is 能ある鷹は爪を隠す which is read nou aru taka wa tsume wo kakusu.

Jeffrey's Dictionary has the meaning as "a wise man keeps some of his talents in reserve; one shouldn't show off; the person who knows most often says least". In Even Monkeys Fall from Trees: The Wit and Wisdom of Japanese Proverbs (Vol 1) by David Galef the author translates this as "A clever hawk hides its claws" and equates it with the saying "He who knows most speaks least".

The Path of Aloneness

The Path of Aloneness in Japanese is 独行道 which is read dokkoudou.

The phrase dokkoudou meaning "The Path of Aloneness" was coined by Miyamoto Musashi as a set of 21 precepts one should follow. dokkoudou is a combination of the word 独行 (read dokkou) meaning "going alone; self-reliant" and 道 (read dou) meaning "the way; teachings".

The Sound of One Hand Clapping

The Sound of One Hand Clapping in Japanese is 隻手の音声 which is read sekishu no onjou.

The Truth Will Prevail

The Truth Will Prevail in Japanese is 真理は勝つ which is read shinri wa katsu.

The Wise Have No Delusions

The Wise Have No Delusions in Japanese is 知者は惑わず which is read chisha wa madowazu.

This is part of a well-known quote by Confucius which says "The Wise Have No Delusions, The Benevolent Have No Worries, and The Brave Have No Fears". There are multiple variations of this including "the wise are never confused or never of two minds". This is a Japanese translation of the quote.

There is No First Attack in Karate

There is No First Attack in Karate in Japanese is 空手に先手無し which is read karate ni sente nashi.

The Japanese sentence karate ni sente nashi means "There is no first attack (strike) in karate" and reminds us, as Mr. Miyagi would say, "karate is defense only." This is the second rule in Niju Kun, or twenty rules, established by the founder of Shotokan Karate Gichin Funakoshi. For more information see the excellent article Karate ni Sente Nashi: What the Masters had to Say by Mark J. Tankosich.

karate ni sente nashi is composed of the kanji 空手 (read karate) meaning "Karate", the grammatical element に (read ni) meaning "in", 先手 (read sente) meaning "first move; first strike" and 無し (read nashi) the verb meaning "no; without.

Til Death Do Us Part

Til Death Do Us Part in Japanese is 死が二人を分かつまで which is read shi ga futari wo wakatsu made.

This Japanese phrase shi ga futari wo wakatsu made meaning "Til Death Do Us Part" is a common translation of the English wedding vow. It is composed of 死 (read shi) meaning "death", the grammatical element が (read ga) indicating the previous word is the subject, 二人 (read futari) meaning "the two of us", the grammatical element を (read wo) indicating the previous word is object of the verb, 分かつ (read wakatsu) is the verb meaning "part, divide, separate", and 迄 (read made) meaning "until". Note that made can be written in either kanji as 迄 or hiragana as まで and the meaning is the same.

To Serve and Protect

To Serve and Protect in Japanese is 保護と奉仕 which is read hogo to houshi.

The Japanese phrase hogo to houshi means "To Serve and Protect" and is the most common translation for the American Police motto "To Serve and Protect". hogo to houshi is composed of the word 保護 (read hogo) meaning “protect”, the grammatical element と (read to) meaning “and”, and the word 奉仕 (read houshi) meaning “serve”.

This beautiful scroll is the perfect gift for the law enforcement professional in your life.

To Thine Own Self Be True

To Thine Own Self Be True in Japanese is 己に忠実なれ which is read onore ni chuujitsu nare.

The Japanese phrase onore ni chuujitsu nare meaning "To Thine Own Self Be True" is a standard translation from this Shakespearean quote. It is composed of the words 己 (read onore) meaning "oneself", the grammatical element に (read ni) which here means "to", 忠実 (read chuujitsu) meaning "true; loyal; faithful" and なれ (read nare) which is the imperative form of the verb なる (read naru) meaning "to be".

Tomorrow Is Another Day

Tomorrow Is Another Day in Japanese is 明日は明日の風が吹く which is read ashita wa ashita no kaze ga fuku.

The Japanese proverb ashita wa ashita no kaze ga fuku literally translates as "tomorrow's wind will blow tomorrow". One also commonly sees the reading asu wa asu no kaze ga fuku.

Too Many Accomplishments Make No Accomplishments

Too Many Accomplishments Make No Accomplishments in Japanese is 多芸は無芸 which is read tagei wa mugei.

This beautiful calligraphy is the perfect gift for the person that may be easily sidetracked. This is an elegant reminder to keep focused on what is truly important.

The Japanese proverb tagei wa mugei meaning "Too Many Accomplishments Make No Accomplishments" is composed of the words 多芸 (read tagei) meaning "versatility" (literally "many techniques, many arts, many skills"), the grammatical element は (read wa) which indicates the previous word is the subject, and 無芸 (read mugei) meaning "no accomplishments".

Daniel Crump Buchanan on page 180 of his book JAPANESE PROVERBS AND SAYINGS writes "If you have too many hobbies you will be master of none. English parallel: Jack of all trades and master of none." This is repeated by David Galef on page 50 of Even Monkeys Fall from Trees: The Wit and Wisdom of Japanese Proverbs (Vol 1) and by Edward Trimnell on page 138 of his book Tigers, Devils, and Fools: A Guide to Japanese Proverbs writes "This proverb encourages people to focus on one thing ...".

True Love

True Love in Japanese is 真愛 which is read shin'ai.

The Japanese kanji combination shin'ai meaning "True Love" is composed of the kanji 真 (read shin) meaning "true; real" and 愛 (read ai) meaning "love; affection".

True Victory is Victory Over Oneself

True Victory is Victory Over Oneself in Japanese is 正勝吾勝 which is read masakatsu agatsu.

The Japanese phrase masakatsu agatsu meaning "True Victory is Victory Over Oneself" was coined by Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. The phrase is composed of the kanji 正 (read masa) meaning "correct; true", 勝 (read katsu) meaning "victory", 吾 (read a) meaning "self" and 勝 (read gatsu) meaning "victory".

Truth, Goodness, Beauty

Truth, Goodness, Beauty in Japanese is 真善美 which is read shinzenbi.

The Japanese phrase shinzenbi literally means "Truth, Goodness, Beauty" which are considered the three pillars of 弓道 Kyudo (kyuudou). shinzenbi is composed of 真 (read shin) meaning "truth", 善 (read zen) mean "virtue", and 美 (read bi) meaning "beauty.

Try and You Will Succeed

Try and You Will Succeed in Japanese is 為せば成る which is read naseba naru.

This beautiful art encourages initiative making naseba naru a positive and inspirational gift for that person in your life that could use a little reminding.

The Japanese phrase naseba naru meaning "Try and You Will Succeed" is a commonly used inspirational phrase in Japan. naseba naru reminds us that to accomplish something we must first try. Other translations include "if you have a mind to do something, you can do it" and, more directly, "if you try, it will become".

Two Heavens One Style

Two Heavens One Style in Japanese is 二天一流 which is read niten ichiryuu.

niten ichiryuu is a fighting style developed by Miyamoto Musashi in the 17th century that uses both the long and the short sword. niten ichiryuu literally means "Two Heavens One Style" and is composed of the kanji 二 (read ni) meaning "two", 天 (read ten) meaning "heaven, sky", 一 (read ichi) meaning "one", and 流 (read ryuu) meaning "style".

Unconditional Love

Unconditional Love in Japanese is 無条件愛 which is read mujouken ai.

This beautiful work of art is a perfect wedding or paper (first) anniversary gift and is a visual testament to the one you love unconditionally.

The Japanese phrase mujouken ai meaning "Unconditional Love" is composed of the words 無条件 (read mujouken) meaning "unconditional" and 愛 (read ai) meaning "love".

War and Peace

War and Peace in Japanese is 戦争と平和 which is read sensou to heiwa.

Warrior Spirit

Warrior Spirit in Japanese is 武士魂 which is read bushidamashii.

The Japanese bushidamashii combines 武士 bushi meaning Warrior and 魂 Soul (tamashii) to mean "Warrior Spirit". bushi is the same kanji as in 武士道 Way of the Warrior (bushidou) and so strongly suggests a warrior in the 侍 Samurai (samurai) tradition.

Warrior Training

Warrior Training in Japanese is 武者修行 which is read mushashugyou.

The four-character idiom mushashugyou meaning "Warrior Training" is a Martial Arts term referring to the samurai tradition of travelling about to perfect one's skills by, for example, training at other schools. mushashugyou is composed of the words 武者 (read musha) meaning "warrior" and 修行 (read shugyou) meaning "pursuit of knowledge".

Way of the Warrior

Way of the Warrior in Japanese is 武士道 which is read bushidou.

The Japanese word bushidou means "Way of the Warrior" which is the Japanese Code of Chivalry. It is composed of the kanji 武 (read bu) meaning "martial, military, warrior, arms", 士 (read shi) meaning "samurai; gentleman" and 道 (read dou) meaning "the way; teachings".

What Does Not Kill Me, Makes Me Stronger

What Does Not Kill Me, Makes Me Stronger in Japanese is 私を殺さないものは私を強くする which is read watashi wo korosanai mono wa watashi wo tsuyoku suru.

The Japanese phrase watashi wo korosanai mono wa watashi wo tsuyoku suru means What Does Not Kill Me, Makes Me Stronger and is composed of the words 私 (read watashi) meaning "I; Me", 殺す (read korosu) meaning "to kill" (which is conjugated to korosanai meaning "to not kill") and 強い (read tsuyoi) meaning "strong" (which is conjugated to tsuyoku suru meaning "to make strong").

Whim of Fate

Whim of Fate in Japanese is 運命の悪戯 which is read unmei no itazura.

The Japanese phrase unmei no itazura meaning "Whim of Fate, Vagaries of Fate" is composed of the words 運命 (read unmei) meaning "fate; destiny" and 悪戯 (read itazura) meaning "tease; trick; practical joke".

This phrase notes the fickleness of fate as though destiny has a mind of its own. unmei no itazura is used in everyday Japanese and there have been Japanese TV Series and Anime with this title.

You Reap What You Sow

You Reap What You Sow in Japanese is 自業自得 which is read jigou jitoku.

The four-character idiom jigou jitoku meaning "You Reap What You Sow" is composed of the kanji 自 (read ji) meaning "oneself", 業 (read gou) meaning "actions, 自 (read ji) meaning "oneself", and 得 (read toku) meaning "gain, profit, advantage, benefit".

Shiki - Lifting up the hatchet, To cut it down, It was budding

Shiki - Lifting up the hatchet, To cut it down, It was budding in Japanese is 鉈あげてきらんとすれば木の芽かな which is read nata agete kiran to sureba konome kana.

Translation by R. H. Blyth page 985 Haiku, Volume Four: Autumn-Winter.

Shiki - A pear tree is blooming, By a collapsed house, on an old battlefield

Shiki - A pear tree is blooming, By a collapsed house, on an old battlefield in Japanese is 梨さくや戦のあとの崩れ家 which is read nashi saku ya ikusa no ato no kuzure ie.

Ryoukan - The thief, left behind, the moon in my window

Ryoukan - The thief, left behind, the moon in my window in Japanese is 盗人にとり残されし窓の月 which is read nusubito ni torinokosareshi mado no tsuki.

Here we read 盗人 as nusubito. One also sees this read nusutto.

Ryota - They spoke no words, The visitor the host, And the white chrysanthemum

Ryota - They spoke no words, The visitor the host, And the white chrysanthemum in Japanese is ものいはず客と亭主と白菊と which is read mono iwazu kyaku to teishu to shiragiku to.

Issa - In this world of ours, We walk above hell, Gazing at flowers

Issa - In this world of ours, We walk above hell, Gazing at flowers in Japanese is 世の中は地獄の上の花見哉 which is read yo no naka wa jigoku no ue no hanami kana.

Issa - This dewdrop world, is a dewdrop world, and yet

Issa - This dewdrop world, is a dewdrop world, and yet in Japanese is 露の世は露の世ながらさりながら which is read tsuyu no yo wa tsuyu no yo nagara sari nagara.

This is one of Kobayashi Issa's most well known poems. Written upon the death of his young daughter this poem speaks to the Buddhist teachings that one must not cling to this dewdrop (fleeting) world. And yet Issa does with his feelings of pain and loss.

David G. Lanoue, author of Laughing Buddha has a website Kobayashi Issa Archive with some 9000 Issa poems including many insightful commentaries and is one of the most complete and informative on the Internet. He offers the translation " this world, is a dewdrop world yes .. but ...". He comments, "According to Buddhist teaching, life is as fleeting as a dewdrop and so one should not grow attached to the things of this world. However, in both poems Issa adds the phrase, 'and yet...' His human heart clings to his lost children."

Issa - The bitter part, eaten by the mother, mountain persimmon

Issa - The bitter part, eaten by the mother, mountain persimmon in Japanese is 澁いとこ母が喰ひけり山の柿 which is read shibui toko haha ga kui keri yama no kaki.

One end of the persimmon is sweet, the other bitter. The mother gives the sweet end to the child and consumes what is left. The self-sacrifice of mothers. This poem always reminds me of a story in Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin where a mother gave the entire chocolate bar, a very rare treat indeed, to her child. A little chocolate got on the child's face and she wiped it off with her finger and ... took a small taste of the sweet for herself.

Issa - Snail, ever so slowly climb, Mt Fuji

Issa - Snail, ever so slowly climb, Mt Fuji in Japanese is 蝸牛そろそろ登れ富士の山 which is read katatsuburi sorosoro nobore fuji no yama.

Note that in most haiku books "snail" has the romaji katatsuburi. The modern Japanese word for "snail" is katatsumuri. These designs all use the kanji so the different readings do not change the calligraphy.

Issa - Were my father here, At dawn we would gaze, Over the green fields

Issa - Were my father here, At dawn we would gaze, Over the green fields in Japanese is 父ありてあけぼのみたし青田原 which is read chichi arite akebono mitashi aotabara.

Chiyojo - My little dragonfly hunter, I wonder where he is, off to today

Chiyojo - My little dragonfly hunter, I wonder where he is, off to today in Japanese is 蜻蛉釣り今日はどこまで行ったやら which is read tombo tsuri kyou wa doko made itta yara.

Chiyojo penned this poem upon the passing of her son.

Chiyojo - To the person breaking off the branch, giving its fragrance, the plum blossom

Chiyojo - To the person breaking off the branch, giving its fragrance, the plum blossom in Japanese is 手折らるゝ人に薫るや梅の花 which is read taoraruru hito ni kaoru ya ume no hana.

Buson - An evening orchid, Hidden in its scent, The flower's whiteness

Buson - An evening orchid, Hidden in its scent, The flower's whiteness in Japanese is 夜の蘭香にかくれてや花白し which is read yoru no ran ka ni kakurete ya hana shiroshi.

Buson - Plum blossoms everywhere, I should go south, I should go north

Buson - Plum blossoms everywhere, I should go south, I should go north in Japanese is 梅遠近南すべく北すべく which is read ume ochikochi minami subeku kita subeku.

Buson - To white plum blossoms, Each night just dawning, Evermore

Buson - To white plum blossoms, Each night just dawning, Evermore in Japanese is 白梅に明る夜ばかりとなりにけり which is read shiraume ni akuru yo bakari to nari ni keri.

Buson - In loneliness, there is joy too, An autumn eve

Buson - In loneliness, there is joy too, An autumn eve in Japanese is さびしさのうれしくも有秋の暮 which is read sabishisa no ureshiku mo ari aki no kure.

Buson - The long slow days of spring, piling up, so far away the past

Buson - The long slow days of spring, piling up, so far away the past in Japanese is 遅き日のつもりて遠き昔かな which is read osoki hi no tsumorite tooki mukashi kana.

Buson - A flash of lightning, The sound of raindrops, Falling among the bamboo

Buson - A flash of lightning, The sound of raindrops, Falling among the bamboo in Japanese is 稲妻にこぼるる音や竹の露 which is read inazuma ni koboruru ota ya take no tsuyu.

Buson - In the spring rain, The pond and the river, Have become one

Buson - In the spring rain, The pond and the river, Have become one in Japanese is 池と川ひとつになりぬ春の雨 which is read ike to kawa hitotsu ni narinu haru no ame.

Buson - The spring sea, all day ebb and flow, ebb and flow

Buson - The spring sea, all day ebb and flow, ebb and flow in Japanese is 春の海終日のたりのたり哉 which is read haru no umi hinemosu notari notari kana.

This haiku by Buson consists of the words 春 (read haru) meaning "spring", 海 (read umi) meaning "sea; ocean", 終日 (read hinemosu) meaning "all day long; the whole day", and のたりのたり (read notarinotari) meaning "undulating; rolling slowly; gently swelling". Also notice that the final 哉 (read kana) is often written in either hiragana or kanji and this does not change the meaning.

Basho - Not spilling the glistening dew, the bush clover, undulating

Basho - Not spilling the glistening dew, the bush clover, undulating in Japanese is 白露をこぼさぬ萩のうねりかな which is read shiratsuyu wo kobusanu hagi no uneri kana.

Basho - In the plum blossom scent, the sun pops out, a mountain path

Basho - In the plum blossom scent, the sun pops out, a mountain path in Japanese is 梅が香にのつと日の出る山路かな which is read mume ga ka ni notsuto hi no deru yamaji kana.

Plum blossoms are the harbinger of spring. In this poem, I can imagine that Basho is walking head down along a cold, misty mountain path. He smells the fragrance of the plum blossom and looks up and, suddenly, there is the sun. After a long winter, the fragrance of the plum blossoms contains all the promises of spring.

Basho - Shake even the grave, My wailing is the autumn wind

Basho - Shake even the grave, My wailing is the autumn wind in Japanese is 塚も動け我が泣聲は秋の風 which is read tsuka mo ugoke waga naku koe wa aki no kaze.

With the cursive designs, Master Takase has attempted to capture the utter grief felt by Basho at the death of his friend.

Basho - Summer grass, all the warriors are, but the remains of dreams

Basho - Summer grass, all the warriors are, but the remains of dreams in Japanese is 夏草や兵どもが夢の跡 which is read natsukusa ya tsuwamono domo ga yume no ato.

Basho - As the temple bell fades, The ringing lingers in the blossom scent, Evening

Basho - As the temple bell fades, The ringing lingers in the blossom scent, Evening in Japanese is 鐘消えて花の香は撞く夕べ哉 which is read kane kiete hana no ka wa tsuku yuube kana.

Basho - The old pond, a frog jumps in, the sound of water

Basho - The old pond, a frog jumps in, the sound of water in Japanese is 古池や蛙飛込水の音 which is read furu ike ya kawazu tobikomu mizu no oto.

This is perhaps Matsuo Basho's most well known poem. For a great look at how differently this poem is translated see Matsuo Basho Frog Haiku (Thirty-one translations and one commentary). The translation we use here is by R. H. Blyth.

Note that we have used the shorted version of tobikomu, the full form is 飛び込む (read tobikomu) meaning "to jump in; to leap in; to plunge into; to dive in".

Basho - On the back of the mirror, A spring unseen, A flowering plum-tree

Basho - On the back of the mirror, A spring unseen, A flowering plum-tree in Japanese is 人も見ぬ春や鏡のうらの梅 which is read hito mo minu haru ya kagami no ura no ume.

Basho - How admirable, to see lightning, and not think life is fleeting

Basho - How admirable, to see lightning, and not think life is fleeting in Japanese is 稲妻にさとらぬ人の尊さよ which is read inazuma ni satoranu hito no tattosa yo.

Japanese has changed dramatically since this haiku was written. Today the word toutosa (from (read toutoi)) is used in place of the archaic tottosa). So one sees the romaji for this poem written both ways. Here we have opted to use the older form (how Basho originally pronounced the characters) rather than using the modern pronunciation. This does not change the calligraphy, just how the poem is read.