How to Read “人の褌で相撲を取る”
Hito no fundoshi de sumou wo toru
Meaning of “人の褌で相撲を取る”
“Take sumo with person’s loincloth” means to use other people’s power, resources, or ideas to achieve success or gain profit for oneself.
This proverb critically expresses the behavior of people who do nothing to prepare themselves and rely on others’ belongings to accomplish things. Just as a sumo wrestler would go into the ring borrowing someone else’s loincloth without having their own, it refers to situations where one depends on others for things they should prepare themselves.
It is used in situations such as when a boss takes credit for a subordinate’s ideas at work, or when someone uses a friend’s connections to benefit only themselves. It would also apply to cases where students reference others’ reports and submit them as their own achievements.
The reason for using this expression is to emphasize the cowardice and patheticness of such behavior. The absurdity of borrowing a loincloth, which is the most basic and personal tool for a sumo wrestler, effectively expresses the shame of depending on others. Even in modern times, the meaning of this proverb is fully applicable in contexts that value independence and integrity.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of this proverb is deeply rooted in the sumo culture of the Edo period. Sumo wrestlers of that time would enter the ring wearing a loincloth (fundoshi) as a basic requirement. The loincloth was one of the most important pieces of equipment for sumo wrestlers, and they could not wrestle without it.
In the world of sumo, the loincloth was not merely clothing but also symbolized the dignity and pride of the wrestler. A wrestler who didn’t have their own loincloth or had forgotten it and borrowed someone else’s to wrestle was viewed as a very pitiful sight.
This proverb is said to have appeared in literature from the mid-Edo period onward and became widely used among the common people of that time. Since sumo was one of the representative entertainments of the Edo period, many people understood the mechanisms and customs of sumo. Therefore, the expression “take sumo with person’s loincloth” became established as an easily understandable metaphor that anyone could immediately grasp.
What’s interesting is that the background to the birth of this proverb included the values of the Edo period that emphasized “independence” and “self-provision.” Because it was an era when merchants and craftsmen were expected to work with their own tools and capital, such an expression was born and resonated with people’s hearts.
Interesting Facts
In Edo period sumo, the color and pattern of loincloths also had meaning. White loincloths represented purity, and red loincloths were said to symbolize courage. Therefore, borrowing someone else’s loincloth was thought to mean borrowing that person’s “spirit” and “luck” as well.
Even in modern professional sumo, wrestlers have multiple personal loincloths and do their own washing and maintenance. Being able to “manage one’s own loincloth” is considered one of the conditions for becoming a full-fledged wrestler, showing how important the sense of responsibility toward loincloths is valued.
Usage Examples
- That department manager always takes credit for his subordinates’ ideas like “take sumo with person’s loincloth”
- She always relies on her friends’ connections and does business in a way that’s like “take sumo with person’s loincloth”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more complex. This is because the boundary line between “borrowing others’ power” and “cooperation/collaboration” has become ambiguous as we progress toward an information society and globalization.
Particularly in the business world, open innovation and collaboration are emphasized, and utilizing other companies’ technologies and know-how is considered natural. When startup companies use large corporations’ platforms to develop services, or when freelancers combine various tools and services to work, this can no longer be called “take sumo with person’s loincloth.”
On the other hand, with the spread of social media, unauthorized use of others’ content and riding on influencers’ influence have become problems. These can clearly be called modern versions of “take sumo with person’s loincloth” behavior.
Also, with the development of AI technology, the problem of presenting AI-generated content as one’s own work has emerged. This is also being discussed as a new form of “take sumo with person’s loincloth” behavior.
What’s important is “transparency” and “respect” when borrowing others’ power. If one can give appropriate credit and build relationships that consider mutual benefit, that is cooperation and not behavior that should be criticized. In modern times, we may need to reinterpret the lesson of this proverb from the perspective of “honesty” and “sense of responsibility.”
When AI Hears This
“Taking sumo with another’s loincloth” represents a remarkable insight that identified the essence of modern platform business models 300 years ahead of its time.
Uber doesn’t own vehicles but leverages drivers’ cars and time to operate its rideshare business. Airbnb owns no accommodations yet runs a lodging service using individuals’ homes. YouTube produces no video content but generates advertising revenue from creators’ work. These are quintessential examples of businesses using “someone else’s loincloth.”
What’s fascinating is how platform companies’ market capitalizations have dwarfed traditional enterprises. While Toyota is valued at roughly $200 billion, Uber—which manufactures no cars—at one point exceeded that valuation. The paradigm shift from ownership to utilization has created a structure where “borrowing the loincloth” generates greater value than owning it.
However, in today’s context, this relationship isn’t necessarily one-sided exploitation. Platforms provide loincloth “owners” with distribution channels and customer acquisition functions, creating win-win relationships. While the Edo-period proverb carried critical undertones, modern iterations are often viewed positively as the “sharing economy.”
This structural similarity suggests a universal pattern in human economic activity.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us modern people is the importance of “honesty.” Borrowing others’ power is never a bad thing. Rather, cooperation and collaboration are essential in modern society. What matters is the attitude when doing so.
Showing respect for others’ ideas and efforts, giving appropriate credit. Clearly distinguishing between one’s own contributions and others’ contributions, and not forgetting gratitude. With these attitudes, one would not receive criticism of “take sumo with person’s loincloth.”
Also, this proverb teaches us the importance of “the spirit of independence.” It’s important not to depend too much on others and to strive to provide one’s own unique value. While complete independence is impossible, by continuing to polish one’s own strengths and individuality, one can obtain a true “loincloth of one’s own.”
Modern times are an era rich in information and resources. That’s precisely why our ethical sense and sense of responsibility when utilizing them are being questioned. With the lesson of this proverb in our hearts, we want to build human relationships with honesty and gratitude. You too, when borrowing someone’s power, please don’t forget respect for that person.
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