How to Read “鬼の目にも涙”
Oni no me ni mo namida
Meaning of “鬼の目にも涙”
“Even in demon’s eyes tears” means that even the most cold-hearted and merciless person can sometimes be moved by human emotion and shed tears.
This expression is used when someone who usually takes a stern and cold attitude is emotionally moved by a certain event or situation and shows their feelings. Typical usage scenarios include when a boss is touched by a subordinate’s sincere efforts, or when a strict teacher is moved to tears by a student’s growth.
What’s important is that these “tears” are not merely from sadness, but arise from deep emotion or empathy. It expresses that even in the depths of the heart of someone considered as cruel as a demon, human-like warmth and kindness lie dormant. Even in modern times, it is used to describe moments when people who usually don’t show emotions display their human side in special moments, creating an impressive effect that expresses their unexpected aspects or hidden kindness.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “Even in demon’s eyes tears” is deeply connected to the concept of demons that has been passed down in Japan since ancient times. Under Buddhist influence, demons became established around the Heian period as beings symbolizing human worldly desires and evil. They were depicted as terrifying monsters with horns, fangs, and who devoured humans, truly beings completely unrelated to mercy or compassion.
This proverb appears in literature from the Edo period, when demons were the absolute symbol of evil for people of that time. The expression that even such demons could shed tears would have been received as an extremely powerful contrast.
What’s interesting is that Japanese demons were sometimes portrayed not as simple villains, but as beings with human-like emotions. In classical performing arts like Noh and Joruri, scenes appear where demons lament and grieve over losing someone they love. This cultural background is thought to have influenced the formation of this proverb.
Buddhist teachings of compassion may also be related. The teaching that even the most evil beings can be saved through Buddha’s compassion may have led to the idea that demons too can have tears.
Interesting Facts
The nature of demons actually varies greatly by region. There are demons like the “Namahage” of the Tohoku region who, though strict, ultimately wish for people’s happiness, while others are depicted as completely evil beings. The “demon” in this proverb assumes the latter type of terrifying demon, which is why the unexpectedness of shedding tears stands out.
In Japanese classical literature, scenes of demons shedding tears appear surprisingly often. Particularly in the world of Noh theater, there is a genre called “demon Noh” where demons weep over memories from when they were human, illustrating the cultural background of this proverb.
Usage Examples
- Even that strict department manager seemed to experience “Even in demon’s eyes tears” during the retiring employee’s speech, pressing a handkerchief to his eyes
- The usually merciless PE teacher also showed “Even in demon’s eyes tears” at graduation, surprising everyone
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more multi-layered. Through SNS and media, we have become accustomed to seeing politicians and business leaders who usually give a strict impression showing tears in private moments being frequently reported. This has made moments of “Even in demon’s eyes tears” feel more familiar than before.
Particularly noteworthy are the changes in modern workplace environments. In the Showa era, there were many strict managers called “demon bosses,” and it was rare for such people to show emotion toward their subordinates. However, in modern times, the concept of emotional labor has spread, and leadership styles have changed significantly. Now, there is a tendency to consider it good management to close the distance with subordinates from the beginning and share emotions.
Due to such changes, the situations of “Even in demon’s eyes tears” themselves may be decreasing. This is because modern managers are required to show their human side from the start.
On the other hand, as digitalization progresses and online communication increases, it has become harder to see others’ emotions. Therefore, when someone who usually seems cold shows a warm side when meeting in person, that impression becomes more striking. The modern version of “Even in demon’s eyes tears” may be appearing as the gap between digital coldness and real-world warmth.
When AI Hears This
The proverb “even demons shed tears” vividly reflects a distinctly Japanese perspective on human nature. While Western cultures often portray devils as absolute evil, Japan’s concept of “oni” (demons) has undergone fascinating transformations throughout history.
During the Heian period, demons were indeed terrifying beings, but around the Muromachi era, they gradually began to be depicted with more human-like qualities. The reason Japanese people continue to cherish stories of Momotaro’s reformed demons or the crying red demon is likely because they feel uncomfortable with the concept of “absolute evil.”
This transformation stems from Buddhist philosophy of “Buddha-nature in all sentient beings” and Shinto purification beliefs that “defilement can be cleansed.” In essence, this reflects a conviction that even the most evil beings possess an inherently good core.
Modern psychological research supports this view, showing that human empathy is innate. Even individuals diagnosed as psychopaths don’t completely lose their capacity for emotion. “Even demons shed tears” represents a profound understanding of human nature that Japanese people possessed over a thousand years ago—one that aligns remarkably well with contemporary scientific findings.
This compassionate worldview manifests in Japan’s criminal justice system, which emphasizes rehabilitation, and in the cultural value of “hate the sin, not the sinner.”
Lessons for Today
“Even in demon’s eyes tears” teaches us modern people that we shouldn’t judge others based solely on appearance or first impressions. No matter how stern someone may seem, there is always a warm part deep in their heart.
In modern society, we tend to see only one side of others through SNS and media, and feel as if we know everything about that person. However, this proverb reminds us of the importance of having an attitude that tries to understand others more deeply.
The same can be said about ourselves. Even if we usually act tough, expressing honest emotions is never something to be ashamed of. Rather, such human moments become opportunities to deepen bonds with those around us.
Whether at work or at home, when we discover an unexpected side of someone, we should have the heart to warmly accept it. And we too should have the courage to sometimes show our genuine emotions to important people. There’s no need to be perfect. By sharing human-like weaknesses and kindness, we should be able to build richer human relationships.
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