Japanese Proverbs About Change and Impermanence

The pain and sorrow of being separated from loved ones, whether by life or death.

A metaphor for a woman who has lost a man's love, or anything that was once valued but is now neglected after its time has passed.

A person who has the strong will required to do evil can apply that same strength to accomplish great good if they reform.

To suffer the secondary damage or negative aftermath of an event or someone else's actions.

An unnaturally calm state that precedes a major event or upheaval.

Human life is fragile and ephemeral, as one who is healthy in the morning may pass away by evening.

Do not procrastinate, as unexpected events may rob you of the opportunity to act tomorrow.

New ideas or content require suitable new forms and methods to be effective.

A person who arrives later or starts later sometimes overtakes those who were ahead of them.

The summer heat and winter cold ease around the time of the spring and autumn equinoxes.

The moment people meet, the process of eventually parting begins.

Anything that has been joined together must eventually separate.

Firmly adhering to old customs, traditions, or personal opinions without willingness to change.

Just as all cherry blossoms eventually fall, every human life must eventually come to an end.

Refers to being stubbornly inflexible and failing to adapt to changing circumstances.

Indicates a tense atmosphere where major events, disturbances, or social upheavals are imminent.

Everything that has a beginning must eventually come to an end.

To accelerate the progress of something or add momentum to an ongoing situation.

A natural omen signaling coming war, disaster, or grave danger to a ruler.

Good things are prone to being interrupted by obstacles.

A metaphor for something that was once lively suddenly losing its vitality and becoming quiet or desolate.

Alternating between joy and anxiety as a situation changes.

Describes how quickly children’s moods change, shifting from tears to laughter in an instant.

Just as some ships enter a port while others leave, every parting is balanced by a new meeting.

Refers to an impossible event occurring or to someone past their prime achieving success again.

No one can predict what will happen in the immediate future.

A sudden, unexpected event or a major incident that occurs without warning.