Japanese Proverbs About Time and Timing

To waste time by chatting or slacking off instead of working or finishing a task.

The autumn sun sets extremely quickly, as if a bucket were falling straight down into a well.

Morning rain stops quickly, much like a woman's spirited enthusiasm is said to be short-lived.

An unexpected event occurs suddenly in a familiar place, or one suddenly decides to take action.

There is no use worrying about the future today, as tomorrow will take care of itself.

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

It refers to something that is useless because the appropriate time has already passed.

Food is at its most delicious and is considered a true treat when eaten while it is still piping hot.

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

Even during a busy period, moments of leisure or spare time naturally occur.

A metaphor for when many happy events or very busy tasks occur all at once.

Seize opportunities immediately before they pass by and become impossible to catch.

One should wait patiently for the right connection and timing rather than rushing important matters.

Human life is brief, but great works of art endure long after their creator is gone.

Eating the first produce of the season extends one's life by seventy-five days.

Swift action is the most critical factor for success in strategy and competitive situations.

Having a great deal left to accomplish when time is running out.

Lamenting the lack of opportunity to exercise one's skills and the resulting idleness.

Rumors and gossip are naturally forgotten by the public as time passes.

Treasure every encounter as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Waiting for something so eagerly that a single day feels like a thousand years.

The plans for the entire year should be made on New Year's Day.

Detecting a large trend or predicting the future from a small, subtle sign.

A short period of time is extremely precious and valuable.

The psychological feeling that even a brief moment lasts for an eternity when waiting for something.

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

Experience gained over many years is more valuable than anything else.

Time flies as quickly as a flying arrow.

To be so extremely busy that one would welcome help from anyone, even a cat.

Time passes regardless of human circumstances, so one should value every moment and not procrastinate.

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

Time is precious and should not be wasted because it is as valuable as money.

Hurry to do good deeds without hesitation.