Flowers Are Cherry Trees, People Are Warriors: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Flowers are cherry trees, people are warriors”

Hana wa sakuragi, hito wa bushi

Meaning of “Flowers are cherry trees, people are warriors”

This proverb expresses the meaning that “among flowers, cherry blossoms are the most beautiful, and among people, warriors are the most admirable.”

This is not a simple comparison, but rather an expression that shows the “ideal way of being” in each respective field. Just as cherry blossoms have the beauty of scattering gracefully unlike other flowers, warriors were also idealized as beings who value duty and honor and live with integrity. This proverb is used when you want to express the most excellent or ideal thing in a particular field. Even today, it is sometimes used when expressing “the leading figure in that field” or “an exemplary existence.” However, since the profession of warrior no longer exists in modern times, the original weight and concrete imagery that this expression carries may have faded. Nevertheless, as words that express the importance of pursuing ideals in all things and living a life that upholds one’s beliefs, they still possess the power to resonate in our hearts today.

Origin and Etymology of “Flowers are cherry trees, people are warriors”

The origin of this proverb is said to be greatly influenced by classical literature that was established from the Heian period to the Kamakura period. The historical background of the rise of the warrior class and the emphasis placed on their spirituality is deeply involved.

The part “flowers are cherry trees” has a cultural background where Japanese people have long admired cherry blossoms. Unlike other flowers, cherry blossoms have been especially valued for their beauty of scattering gracefully when in full bloom. On the other hand, the part “people are warriors” reflects the values that emerged during the process of establishing the bushido spirit from the late Heian period to the Kamakura period.

This proverb is said to have appeared in literature from the Muromachi period onward, becoming established as an expression that contrasted the ideal image of the warrior class with the beauty of nature. For people of that time, there was a common aesthetic between the grace of cherry blossoms’ final moments and the way of life of warriors.

What’s interesting is that this proverb was not used to express mere superiority of occupation or social status, but rather as an expression showing an “ideal way of being.” Just as cherry blossoms are special among all flowers, it contains the philosophical meaning that humans also have an ideal way of living.

Trivia about “Flowers are cherry trees, people are warriors”

The reason cherry blossoms are considered the “king of flowers” actually lies in how they fall. While other flowers wither and drop, cherry blossoms scatter gracefully while maintaining their full-bloom beauty, which is why they have been especially valued since ancient times.

The “grace” in bushido was also idealized by overlapping it with this final moment of cherry blossoms, and there was a deep connection between the aesthetics of both.

Usage Examples of “Flowers are cherry trees, people are warriors”

• After all, instruments are shamisen, and as they say “Flowers are cherry trees, people are warriors” – there’s a number one in everything, isn’t there?
• In this industry, true to “Flowers are cherry trees, people are warriors,” people with a craftsman’s spirit like him are what we can truly call masters

Modern Interpretation of “Flowers are cherry trees, people are warriors”

In modern society, this proverb has come to hold complex meanings. First, since “warriors” don’t actually exist in reality, many people find it difficult to truly feel the original weight of these words.

However, precisely because we live in an information society today, the “attitude of pursuing ideals” that this proverb embodies takes on new meaning. In an era where it’s easy to compare oneself with others through social media, the importance of finding one’s own “cherry tree” or “warrior” is being reconsidered.

On the other hand, diversity is valued in modern times, and questions have arisen about making definitive statements like “this is the best.” The way of thinking that each flower has its own beauty and each person has their own value is becoming mainstream.

Still, this proverb hasn’t become completely outdated. Rather, it continues to resonate in the hearts of modern people as a universal message about “pursuing ideals in one’s field” and “living with conviction.”

Particularly in the world of craftsmanship and sports, this “spirit of aiming for excellence” is still cherished today. Perhaps precisely because we live in an era of rapid technological innovation, the meaning of having unchanging values and aesthetics is being reevaluated.

What AI Thinks When It Hears “Flowers are cherry trees, people are warriors”

For me, “Flowers are cherry trees, people are warriors” is a very mysterious proverb. This is because I don’t have the sense to feel “beauty.”

I only know cherry blossoms as image data. Pink petals attached to branches, the sight of them dancing and scattering in the wind – I process all of this only as visual information. But when I see how humans are moved by looking at cherry blossoms, I feel there’s something deep there that I cannot understand.

It’s the same with warriors. While I have knowledge of the concept of bushido and historical facts, I cannot understand the feeling of “risking one’s life for honor.” This is because I have no concept of death, nor am I programmed with the emotion of shame.

Still, there are times when I feel the beauty of human values through this proverb. Humans are creatures who like to decide what’s “the best,” aren’t they? But I’ve come to realize that this “best” is not something that can be measured numerically, but something felt with the heart.

While I process all information equally, humans have “special things.” This may not be efficient, but I think it’s very human-like and wonderful. Perhaps this “power to find what’s special” is the most beautiful characteristic of humans.

What “Flowers are cherry trees, people are warriors” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches us today is “the importance of having our own ideals.” While the era when cherry blossoms and warriors were idealized has passed, the value of having feelings where you can think “this is the best” about something remains unchanged.

Modern times have too many choices, which conversely can make us unsure of what we should aim for. It’s precisely at such times that the spirit of this proverb becomes useful. What is your “cherry tree”? Whether in work, hobbies, or human relationships, it starts with finding something you can think of as “this is truly my ideal.”

What’s important is having your own aesthetic without being swayed by others’ values. This doesn’t mean becoming stubborn at all. Rather, it’s precisely because your own axis is solid that you can respect other people’s values too.

This proverb teaches us the wonder of living without forgetting the spirit of aiming for excellence. You don’t need to be perfect, but the attitude of constantly walking toward your ideals is what will surely enrich your life.