Japanese Proverbs About Strategy and Action

Taking a safe, indirect route is ultimately faster than a risky shortcut.

A once-in-a-lifetime major event or the most important moment of one's life.

Gaining two or more benefits from a single action or effort.

To do something with all your might or try your absolute best.

A desperate or spiteful final act committed to cause trouble when someone is cornered or leaving.

A dilemma where every available option leads to some inconvenience or problem.

The top priority or most important issue.

When two parties engage in a pointless conflict, a third party steps in and takes the profits.

To deal with a matter decisively, swiftly, and without hesitation.

It is easy to talk about doing something, but carrying it out in practice is difficult.

It can be more advantageous to be a minor member of a prestigious group than the leader of an insignificant one.

A critical moment or emergency that demands immediate action.

Something or someone that one can use freely and masterfully as if it were their own.

To act freely and actively in all directions without any restrictions.

Refers to a biased or unorthodox approach that fails to move things straight forward, or a lack of real progress.

To align oneself with the winning or advantageous side to gain a benefit.

Those who do not prepare the basics in daily life cannot present themselves properly on special occasions.

Stay vigilant even after a victory or success.

To make a bold decision or take a leap of faith with desperate resolve.

You cannot achieve great success without taking significant risks.

Preparing in advance ensures that you can avoid failure when trouble strikes.

Yielding a trivial argument or short-term loss can lead to a long-term victory or benefit.

Attempting to achieve two different goals at the same time can result in failing to achieve either of them.

A strong person or thing becomes even more powerful when provided with an additional advantage.

When focused on a single goal, one loses sight of the surroundings or larger context.

Accept a small loss now in order to achieve a much larger gain in the future.

Counting on something or making plans based on rewards that have not yet been obtained.

Sometimes a lie is a necessary means to achieve a good result or avoid harm.

A small amount of effort or aid that is completely ineffective against a large problem.

Hurry to do good deeds without hesitation.