How to Read “奇貨居くべし”
Kika oku beshi
Meaning of “奇貨居くべし”
“Strange goods should be hoarded” means that one should recognize and acquire things that will likely have great value in the future while they are still available.
This expression teaches the importance of having the insight to discern the true value of opportunities, talent, and situations before you. Among things that many people don’t notice or undervalue, there may actually be hidden great potential.
It is used in situations where one needs to assess future potential, such as in investment, personnel recruitment, or business opportunity evaluation. Rather than having a merely speculative meaning, it is used to express acting with reliable judgment and foresight.
Even in modern times, this way of thinking is extremely important when evaluating new technologies, talent, or market opportunities. The ability to see not just surface value but the potential value hidden beneath is what leads to true success.
Origin and Etymology
“Strange goods should be hoarded” is a phrase with a long history, originating from the story of Lü Buwei recorded in the Chinese historical text “Records of the Grand Historian” (Shiji).
The story begins during China’s Warring States period, when Lü Buwei, who was a merchant, met Yiren (later King Zhuangxiang) in Handan, the capital of Zhao. Yiren was a prince of Qin who had been sent to Zhao as a hostage and was living in unfortunate circumstances. However, Lü Buwei saw future potential in this unfortunate prince.
At that time, the words Lü Buwei spoke were “Strange goods should be hoarded.” “Strange goods” means rare items or precious commodities, and “should be hoarded” means to store or keep at hand. In other words, it means “this rare person should be kept close.”
Lü Buwei continued to support Yiren thereafter. When Yiren eventually became King of Qin, Lü Buwei was able to attain the high position of chancellor. The merchant’s eye for value had proven exactly right.
From this historical account, “Strange goods should be hoarded” was transmitted to Japan as a proverb meaning that one should recognize things that seem likely to become valuable in the future and acquire them now. It is a phrase expressing deep insight, imbued with the wisdom of Chinese classics.
Interesting Facts
Despite being of merchant origin, Lü Buwei eventually became a chancellor, the highest-ranking politician in Qin. He not only invested in Yiren but also gathered scholars to compile a book called “Lüshi Chunqiu,” and is said to have never neglected investment in knowledge.
The character “strange” (奇) in “strange goods” originally means “large” or “excellent,” and carries the implication not just of being “rare” but of being “of excellent value.” In other words, it expresses the importance of discerning things that are truly valuable, not just curiosities.
Usage Examples
- That new employee may not stand out now, but strange goods should be hoarded, so let’s carefully nurture them
- This technology isn’t getting attention now, but I think strange goods should be hoarded, so I’m continuing my research
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the concept of “Strange goods should be hoarded” has become more important than ever. In our information age, new technologies and services are constantly emerging, and the ability to discern which ones have future potential is increasingly demanded.
This spirit is particularly applied in startup investments and attention to emerging technologies. Even companies that are small now may have the potential to grow significantly in the future if they possess innovative ideas or technologies. Venture capitalists and investors are trying to identify promising companies with exactly the spirit of “Strange goods should be hoarded.”
In personnel recruitment as well, it’s becoming important to see not just academic background and career history, but to discern a person’s potential abilities and creativity. In modern times where diversity is valued, there may be people with seemingly unusual backgrounds who could bring new value to an organization.
However, in modern times, information flows quickly, and things considered “strange goods” tend to attract attention immediately. Therefore, faster judgment and action are now required. Also, there’s often a tendency to miss opportunities due to excessive fear of risk, requiring an appropriate sense of balance.
When AI Hears This
Lu Buwei’s method of investing in Zichu, a “fallen prince,” bears a striking resemblance to modern venture capital investment strategies.
First, it’s fascinating from a “portfolio theory” perspective. Lu Buwei concentrated his wealth accumulated as a merchant not on reliable commodities, but on “humans”—the highest-risk investment target possible. This mirrors how modern VCs (venture capitalists) pour funds not into stable large corporations, but into startups with a 90% failure rate.
Furthermore, they share the practice of “due diligence” (detailed pre-investment research). Lu Buwei coolly analyzed Zichu’s bloodline, character, and circumstances, calculating that “if this man becomes king, I could earn hundreds of times my investment back.” Modern VCs similarly conduct thorough research into founders’ backgrounds, market potential, and technological advantages before making investment decisions.
Most intriguing is the concept of “hands-on investment.” Lu Buwei didn’t simply hand over money—he directly supported Zichu’s education, network building, and political maneuvering. This perfectly matches the role of modern VCs as “accelerators,” who provide not just funding but also management guidance, talent recruitment, and market development.
In essence, “rare goods should be hoarded” represents a timeless golden rule of investment—spotting value that others overlook, taking risks to nurture it, and sharing in long-term success.
Lessons for Today
“Strange goods should be hoarded” teaches modern people the importance of not being misled by superficial value judgments. In our current era, we tend to focus only on things that get attention on social media and in the media, but truly valuable things might exist in quieter places.
Around you too, there must be “strange goods” that no one has noticed yet. They might be new ideas or talented people. What’s important is to discern the essence with your own eyes, without being bound by trends or conventional wisdom.
This proverb also teaches the value of “waiting.” In modern society where we tend to seek immediate results, the patience to continue investing with a long-term perspective is a very precious quality.
And above all, it reminds us of the importance of believing in the potential of people and things. Even if they don’t seem to shine now, with the right environment and time, there are many things that can demonstrate wonderful value. You yourself might be someone’s “strange goods.”
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