127 ／ WORDS LIBRARY
Like a book to open when you pause for a moment.
Browse memorable words by person and subject. Select a quotation to read its English article.
Sport & Challenge
- Ichiro“Building up small things is the only way to reach somewhere extraordinary.”
- Coach Anzai“If you give up, that is where the game ends.”A fictional character’s words; translated for the linked article.
Work & Your Own Journey
- Konosuke Matsushita“I have a path of my own.”
- Shinjiro Torii“Give it a try.”
- Soichiro Honda“Seeing that person’s delight is what brings me joy.”
- Uesugi Yozan“Act, and it can be done. Without action, nothing can be done. What remains undone is what people have not acted upon.”
Poetry & Literature
- Misuzu Kaneko“We are all different, and each of us is good.”
- Kenji Miyazawa“Always smiling quietly.”
- Natsume Soseki“I may face left, and you may face right.”
- Natsume Soseki“The seeds you sow in the present will eventually appear as the future you are to reap.”
- Takashi Yanase“It is because we are alive that we feel sad.”A short lyric excerpt, translated for the linked article.
Words for Everyday Life
- Kirin Kiki“Don’t be conceited, don’t compare yourself with others, take an interest in things, and live with composure.”
- Taro Okamoto“The path you call dangerous is always the path you want to take.”
- Shigeru Mizuki“Be lazy.”
- Tamori“Those full of motivation should leave.”
- Mitsuo Aida“Happiness is always decided by your own heart.”
Wisdom & Stories
- Confucius“To make a mistake and not correct it—that is a mistake.”
- Laozi“A journey of a thousand li begins beneath your feet.”
- Marcus Aurelius“that which is an obstacle on the road helps us on this road.”George Long translation, excerpt.
- Benjamin Franklin“Well done is better than well said.”
- Anne Frank“And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness!”
- The Little Prince“What is essential is invisible to the eye.”English wording presented on the work’s official website, as cited in the article.
A few shortcuts for today
Afraid to take the first step? Begin with Uesugi Yozan →
Feeling worn out? Make room for rest with Shigeru Mizuki →
Comparing yourself to others? Read Kirin Kiki →
Wondering whether your effort matters? Read Ichiro →
Struggling with relationships? Pause with Tamori →
Does every day feel the same? Look again with The Little Prince →