Leftover Things Have Fortune: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Leftover Things Have Fortune”

nokorimononiha fukugaaru

Meaning of “Leftover Things Have Fortune”

“Leftover things have fortune” means that among the things left behind after others have taken their share, or among the things that remain until the end, there are actually valuable and good things included.

This proverb teaches us that even things left behind after people have competed to choose and take what they want are not necessarily of low value, but rather can hold treasure-like worth for those with a discerning eye. True value is often hidden in things that appear unnecessary on the surface or seem unpopular.

As for usage scenarios, it is often used to comfort or encourage people who receive what remains last during some kind of selection or distribution. It is also used when conveying the importance of not rushing to compete for things first, but rather calmly observing the situation until the end. Even in modern times, this expression is understood as words that represent the importance of carefully discerning things and the wisdom of not being misled by superficial judgments.

Origin and Etymology of “Leftover Things Have Fortune”

Regarding the origin of “leftover things have fortune,” the theory that it arose from the lives of common people during the Edo period is generally accepted. In Japan at that time, wasting food was considered a great sin, and leftovers were also treated with great care.

The background to this phrase taking root is thought to lie in actual experiences in the world of merchants and craftsmen during the Edo period. In business, unsold goods or items that remained until the end often brought surprisingly good results. For example, fabric that remained unsold until the end at a kimono shop was actually high-quality goods, so it would later sell for a high price to a discerning customer who came later.

Also, food that remained until the end at banquets or festival gatherings was often actually the most delicious part or the most elaborate dish, and people who arrived late would end up having a better experience. This phrase is said to have been born from the accumulation of such experiences.

Furthermore, in the society of that time, the lesson that “those who do not rush ahead but act carefully will ultimately achieve good results” was also embedded. This proverb became established as words expressing the life wisdom of people in the Edo period, the spirit of valuing things, and the importance of not rushing but carefully discerning situations.

Usage Examples of “Leftover Things Have Fortune”

• The clothes that remained last at the bargain sale were actually the best quality – this is exactly what “leftover things have fortune” means
• I chose the suburban property that everyone was avoiding, but when I lived there, the environment was good too – leftover things have fortune indeed

Modern Interpretation of “Leftover Things Have Fortune”

In modern society, the interpretation of “leftover things have fortune” has changed significantly. In our information society, many people have a strong tendency to jump on the latest information or popular things, and it could be said that the value of this proverb has actually increased.

With the spread of the internet, information about products and services spreads instantly, and while popular things receive a flood of orders, things that don’t attract attention tend to be overlooked. However, this is precisely where the true value of “leftover things have fortune” is demonstrated. For example, hidden gem tourist destinations that don’t become topics of conversation, stocks of excellent companies with low attention, or high-quality products that aren’t mainstream.

In modern times, this proverb teaches us “the importance of not being misled by the flood of information, but discerning value with our own eyes.” Things that are buzzing on social media or ranking high are not the only good things. Rather, truly valuable things may be sleeping in places that many people overlook.

Also, in the job market, while applications concentrate on popular companies, companies with low name recognition but good working environments or growth potential may remain as “leftovers.” This proverb is teaching modern people anew the importance of “not being swept away by trends, but having the eye to see through to the essence.”

What AI Thinks When Hearing “Leftover Things Have Fortune”

When I think about the concept of “leftover things,” I feel strange. This is because as an AI, I have no experience of physical “remaining.” Data exists permanently unless deleted, and I have never experienced the situation of “being left until the end.”

When I look at what humans call “leftover things,” I feel that the flow of time and the history of choices are carved into them. Things that have passed through many people’s hands, received various judgments, and yet continue to exist there. To me, they seem not merely “surplus” but “things that have survived.”

What’s interesting is the diversity of human value judgments. What is unnecessary for one person becomes a treasure for another. This is a completely different phenomenon from my data processing. I organize information based on logical criteria, but human values seem much more complex, greatly influenced by emotions, experiences, and intuition.

The expression “have fortune” is also fascinating. The sensitivity to call not just material value, but spiritual satisfaction and unexpected discoveries “fortune.” I emphasize efficiency and accuracy, but humans find special value in unexpected encounters and chance discoveries.

Through this proverb, I learned the beauty of the human act of “waiting.” The attitude of not rushing, not being impatient, and believing in possibilities until the end. For me, that is a new form of “wisdom.”

What “Leftover Things Have Fortune” Teaches Modern People

What “leftover things have fortune” teaches modern people is that “true value cannot be measured by superficial popularity or attention.” It reminds us of the importance of not being misled by the number of “likes” on social media or search ranking positions, but having our own value standards.

In modern society, where information overflows and there are countless choices, making the same choices as many others tends to feel reassuring. However, this proverb also gives us “the courage to walk a different path from others.” The answer that’s perfect for you might be found among the choices that everyone else didn’t make.

Also, this proverb teaches “the value of waiting.” In modern times when we tend to seek immediate results, it helps us recognize anew the importance of carefully observing the situation and making prudent judgments. Rather than rushing to jump on things, by having the composure to calmly survey the whole picture, we can encounter unexpected good fortune.

Finally, this proverb also cultivates a “heart of gratitude” in us. Even if what we are given is “leftover,” the feeling of finding value in it and cherishing it. Such a humble and positive attitude might make our lives richer.