How to Read “牡丹餅で頬を叩かれるよう”
Botamochi de hoho wo tatakareru you
Meaning of “牡丹餅で頬を叩かれるよう”
“Being struck on cheek with rice cake covered in sweet bean paste” is a proverb that represents something that appears unpleasant or troublesome at first glance, but is actually joyful or beneficial.
Since you’re being struck with botamochi, which is a soft, sweet, and luxurious food, it’s not painful but rather pleasant, and you can even eat it afterward—truly representing a situation that’s not “painful” but “delightful.” This expression is used when encountering events that may appear to be disadvantageous or bothersome on the surface, but actually bring benefits or joy.
This proverb is used in situations where the appearance and actual content of things are completely opposite, or in scenes where you appear to be losing but are actually gaining. It’s also used when someone seems to be scolding or criticizing you, but it actually brings you beneficial information or opportunities. In modern times, you can understand the true meaning of this expression in situations involving unexpected good fortune or circumstances that appear harsh on the surface but are actually beneficial to you.
Origin and Etymology
Exploring the origins of “Being struck on cheek with rice cake covered in sweet bean paste” reveals the food culture and people’s values of the Edo period. Botamochi is a Japanese confection made by half-pounding glutinous rice and wrapping it in sweet bean paste, and it was an extremely luxurious food at that time. In an era when sugar was a precious commodity, botamochi with sweet bean paste was a luxury item that commoners could only taste on special occasions.
The background of this proverb’s creation is deeply connected to the Edo period’s concept of “mottainai” (wastefulness). Wasting food was considered sinful, and using precious botamochi as a tool for striking was unthinkable. The very idea of using such expensive and delicious food as an instrument to cause pain was absurd and incomprehensible to people of that time.
The soft texture of botamochi is also an important element. By expressing the contradictory situation of not being hurt when struck, but rather finding it pleasant, the unique ironic meaning characteristic of this proverb was born. It’s believed that the witty wordplay spirit of Edo people created this distinctive expression.
Interesting Facts
Botamochi is an interesting Japanese confection whose name changes with the seasons. When peonies bloom in spring, it’s called “botamochi,” and when bush clover flowers bloom in autumn, it’s called “ohagi”—though they’re actually the same food. People in the Edo period, when this proverb was born, enjoyed this luxurious food while cherishing the sense of seasons.
Botamochi in the Edo period was considerably larger than modern versions, said to be about the size of a palm. Being struck on the cheek with such a thing would certainly have been impressive, but it would also have been quite filling to eat, perhaps truly creating a situation that was “painful but delightful.”
Usage Examples
- I was strictly guided by my boss, but that became the catalyst for my promotion—it was truly like being struck on cheek with rice cake covered in sweet bean paste
- I was initially discouraged by my friend’s harsh opinion, but thinking about it later, it was grateful advice like being struck on cheek with rice cake covered in sweet bean paste
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, this proverb shows new expansions of meaning. In our information age, criticism on social media or harsh feedback can sometimes be perceived as situations of “Being struck on cheek with rice cake covered in sweet bean paste.” Even comments that seem hurtful at first glance, if they become valuable opinions that lead to personal growth and improvement, truly embody the spirit of this proverb.
In the business world, this concept also holds important meaning. Strict guidance from superiors, assignment to difficult projects, or department transfers that seem disadvantageous at first glance can often contribute significantly to skill development and career formation in the long term. While there’s a trend toward emphasizing “gentle guidance” in modern work style reforms, there’s also growing recognition that sometimes strict but loving guidance like “Being struck on cheek with rice cake covered in sweet bean paste” is essential for human growth.
In the digital age’s learning environment, strict evaluation systems by AI or merciless correct/incorrect judgments in online learning can also be understood through this concept. Even if mechanical and cold-feeling evaluations seem harsh, if they provide accurate and fair opportunities for growth, they can truly be called modern versions of the “Being struck on cheek with rice cake covered in sweet bean paste” experience.
This proverb teaches modern people the importance of not being misled by superficial impressions of things, but rather seeing through to their essence.
When AI Hears This
This proverb vividly reflects the distinctly Japanese concept of “passive happiness.” While Western culture embraces ideas like “No pain, no gain” and “Fortune favors the bold,” viewing happiness as something to be actively pursued and earned, Japanese culture holds the opposite value: that the greatest happiness comes effortlessly from beyond our control.
The psychologist Takeo Doi’s theory of “amae” (dependence) connects deeply with this passive view of happiness. Japanese people have a cultural tendency to feel gratitude rather than guilt when receiving benefits from others. The image of being struck on the cheek by sweet rice cakes perfectly captures this ideal—finding supreme joy in good fortune that arrives without any effort on our part.
This mindset stems from Japan’s agricultural heritage and the concept of “gifts from heaven.” Abundant harvests depended not only on human effort but largely on uncontrollable weather patterns. This led Japanese people to place special value on fortune that exceeded their own capabilities. Even today, expressions like “mochi falling from shelves” and “easy profit with wet hands” carry positive connotations, revealing this cultural DNA.
While this passive approach to happiness sometimes faces criticism in modern society as a “lack of initiative,” there’s another way to view it. For contemporary people exhausted by hyper-competitive societies, the belief that “happiness can arrive without struggle” offers a form of wisdom that brings peace of mind.
Lessons for Today
The proverb “Being struck on cheek with rice cake covered in sweet bean paste” teaches us who live in modern times an important perspective. That is the importance of cultivating the ability to see through to the essence of things.
In life, events that appear to be disadvantageous or difficult at first glance often turn out to be major opportunities for growth or harbingers of good fortune. When you receive harsh criticism or find yourself in situations that don’t go as planned, instead of reacting emotionally first, try thinking, “Perhaps this is being struck on cheek with rice cake covered in sweet bean paste.”
In modern society, we tend to make immediate judgments or decide things based only on superficial information. However, what this proverb teaches us is the importance of taking time to discern the true value of things. The “pain” you experience today might be tomorrow’s “sweetness.”
When you face difficult situations, remember this proverb above all. There might be something hidden there that will enrich your life.
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