How to Read “For fragrance, matsutake; for flavor, shimeji”
Nioi matsutake aji shimeji
Meaning of “For fragrance, matsutake; for flavor, shimeji”
This proverb means that flashy first impressions don’t always match real value or ability. Matsutake mushrooms have a wonderful fragrance that captivates people with their presence.
But when it comes to actual taste, shimeji mushrooms are superior. This contrast teaches us an important lesson about judging things by their true worth.
People use this saying when warning against judging things only by appearance or reputation. It reminds us to look for real value instead.
We tend to be drawn to showy, attention-grabbing things. But modest things with real ability are truly valuable.
Even today, this expression remains powerful when teaching people not to be fooled by brands or flashy appearances. It encourages us to see essential value beneath the surface.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb contrasts two mushrooms that Japanese people have loved for centuries. Matsutake is known as the king of autumn flavors.
Its rich fragrance is unmatched by any other mushroom. Shimeji, on the other hand, has a modest appearance and mild scent.
But when you actually eat it, shimeji has deep umami that enhances any dish. It’s a mushroom with real culinary power.
No clear historical records show exactly when people started using this proverb. However, matsutake was already a luxury food in the Edo period.
This suggests people may have been saying this by that time. Matsutake captivated people with its fragrance and was valued as a gift.
But some say professional cooks rated shimeji higher for actual taste. Japanese people have always had a culture of carefully discerning the unique qualities of ingredients.
They valued not just flashy appearance or strong fragrance, but the depth of flavor when actually eating. This attitude created this proverb.
By comparing two mushrooms, people learned a universal truth about the difference between appearance and substance. They discovered this wisdom right at their dinner table.
Interesting Facts
Matsutake and shimeji actually grow in completely different environments biologically. Matsutake is a mycorrhizal fungus that lives symbiotically with red pine roots.
This makes artificial cultivation extremely difficult, which increases its rarity. Shimeji is a saprophytic fungus that grows on dead hardwood trees.
Today, farmers have successfully established methods to cultivate shimeji. People in the era when this proverb was born had no scientific knowledge.
Yet they understood the different natures of these two mushrooms through experience alone. In the culinary world, there’s also a saying: “Fragrance matsutake, flavor shimeji, appearance matsutake.”
This expression clearly shows each mushroom’s greatest appeal. It acknowledges that matsutake excels in fragrance and appearance, while shimeji excels in flavor.
Usage Examples
- That person is like “For fragrance, matsutake; for flavor, shimeji” – the quiet junior has better work skills than the flashy senior
- My teacher said job hunting is “For fragrance, matsutake; for flavor, shimeji,” so I shouldn’t choose companies only by their fame
Universal Wisdom
Humans have always been creatures captivated by flashy appearances. This was probably a survival instinct.
Paying attention to conspicuous, strong-looking, or beautiful things helped us avoid danger and obtain good things. But through experience, humanity also learned something else.
First impressions and true value don’t always match. This proverb has been passed down for generations because of this human duality.
Rationally, we know “don’t judge by appearance.” Yet emotionally, we’re still drawn to flashy things. This conflict is the same for modern people and ancient people alike.
That’s why our ancestors used familiar ingredients to teach this truth in an easy-to-understand way. What’s interesting is that this proverb doesn’t reject matsutake.
It acknowledges the value of fragrance while teaching that flavor is another kind of value. In other words, this isn’t simply about superiority or inferiority.
It suggests the existence of diverse values. People and things have various aspects that can’t be measured by a single standard.
This reflects a mature understanding of human nature. This wisdom guides us in human relationships, work, and all kinds of choices.
Don’t be fooled by superficial charm, but don’t completely reject it either. Develop the ability to see things from multiple angles.
That’s the deep life truth this proverb tries to convey across the ages.
When AI Hears This
The human brain processes smell and taste through completely different pathways. Olfactory information goes directly to the limbic system, which controls emotions and memory.
This means smell bypasses rational thought and immediately triggers “like” or “dislike” feelings. Taste information, however, is processed in the prefrontal cortex, which handles logical judgment.
In other words, smell creates “first impressions” while taste makes “calm evaluations” – a two-stage system. Matsutakeol, the fragrance compound in matsutake, can be detected by humans at just a few ppb (parts per billion).
This intense olfactory stimulus hits the limbic system directly, instantly forming expectations of “luxury” and “special.” But when you actually put it in your mouth, taste is analyzed calmly by the prefrontal cortex.
Matsutake’s actual flavor is mild, and its umami content is less than shiitake. Shimeji has a modest fragrance that doesn’t raise expectations.
But it’s rich in umami compounds like glutamic acid, earning high scores in taste evaluation. This two-stage brain evaluation system applies to every aspect of human society.
Flashy advertising versus solid products, visual impressions versus actual character, early romantic excitement versus long-term compatibility. Neuroscientifically speaking, humans instinctively seek things that satisfy both olfactory appeal and taste value.
But achieving both is extremely difficult. This proverb brilliantly puts into words the universal dilemma of “separation between appeal and substance” that brain structure creates.
Lessons for Today
Modern society is an age of information overload. Social media overflows with flashy posts. Advertisements compete to catch our eyes.
In this environment, this proverb teaches us something important. It’s about having the courage to stop and discern what’s essential.
Are you only looking at famous companies in your job search? In relationships, are you only valuing flashy, conspicuous people?
When choosing products, are you deciding based only on beautiful packaging? Of course, first impressions are one important element. But they’re not everything.
You have the power to see true value beneath the surface. Take your time, observe carefully, and actually experience things.
By doing this, you might discover treasures that others overlook. And you can turn this perspective on yourself too.
Even without flashiness or conspicuous talent, you surely have solid ability and deep flavor. Don’t rush, don’t get swept along.
Cultivate eyes that can discern what’s genuine. That’s the first step toward living a rich life.
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