Edo Person Does Not Hold Money That Crosses Over Evening: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Edo person does not hold money that crosses over evening”

Edokko ha yoigoshi no zeni ha motanu

Meaning of “Edo person does not hold money that crosses over evening”

This proverb expresses the temperament of Edo people who would spend all the money they earned in a day within that same day, not carrying it over to the next day.

This does not mean reckless spending without any planning. Rather, it represents behavior born from absolute confidence in one’s skills and abilities, with the conviction that “I can earn again tomorrow.” In Edo, where there were many craftsmen and merchants, those with technical skills never lacked for work, and they valued making each day fulfilling rather than worrying about the future.

This expression also embodies the aesthetic of Edo people. It represents a refined way of living naturally without being attached to money, having a refreshing personality, and not putting on airs. In modern terms, it could be said to show an attitude of living positively while believing in one’s abilities, enjoying consumption in moderation without rushing into excessive saving.

Origin and Etymology of “Edo person does not hold money that crosses over evening”

This proverb was born as an expression representing the temperament of Edo people during the Edo period. Edo was a new city that developed rapidly since the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate, and the people living there cultivated the unique values of “Edo person does not hold money that crosses over evening.”

The city of Edo had flourishing commerce, with many craftsmen and merchants living there. Craftsmen in particular made their living with their skills alone, and because they had confidence in tomorrow’s work, they tended to spend all the money they earned that day within the same day. This was not mere wasteful spending, but an expression of pride and confidence as craftsmen who believed “I can earn again tomorrow.”

Edo was also known as a city with frequent fires. As the saying goes, “Fires and fights are the flowers of Edo,” fires occurred frequently and it was not uncommon to lose one’s household belongings. Therefore, it is thought that a culture developed that found value in enjoying the present rather than hoarding money.

This proverb became established as an expression symbolizing such Edo spirit and became a phrase representing the townspeople’s culture of Edo.

Trivia about “Edo person does not hold money that crosses over evening”

The daily wages of craftsmen in the Edo period are estimated to have been equivalent to about 8,000 to 12,000 yen in today’s value. The amount they spent within the day was certainly not a small sum.

In contrast to this proverb was the spirit of “shimatsu” (frugality) among Osaka merchants of the same era. In Osaka, “thrift was considered a virtue,” and values completely opposite to those of Edo were cultivated. This regional difference is also quite interesting.

Usage Examples of “Edo person does not hold money that crosses over evening”

• He’s really the type who believes “Edo person does not hold money that crosses over evening,” and whenever he gets a bonus, he immediately starts planning a trip
• My grandfather, who believed in the principle that “Edo person does not hold money that crosses over evening,” always said “money is meant to circulate” and generously treated others

Modern Interpretation of “Edo person does not hold money that crosses over evening”

In modern society, this proverb has come to hold complex meanings. On one hand, it is sometimes used critically as a symbol of unplanned wasteful spending, but on the other hand, it is also being reevaluated as a warning against excessive saving tendencies.

Particularly among younger generations, there is a tendency to rush toward extreme frugality due to anxiety about the future. Due to distrust in the pension system and employment instability, many people are driven by the obsession that “we must save money at all costs.” In such modern times, this proverb functions as words that remind us of “the importance of enjoying the present.”

Furthermore, with the advancement of cashless society, the very concept of money is changing. Now that digital payments have become commonplace, the physical expression “money that crosses over evening” may feel outdated. However, its essence of “believing in one’s abilities and living by cherishing the present” may be a way of thinking that is needed more than ever in modern times.

However, in modern times, there are many things that individuals must prepare for their own responsibility, such as social security systems and preparations for old age, and circumstances are greatly different from the Edo period. The reality is that a sense of balance is required that utilizes the spirit of this proverb while also possessing modern planning skills.

If AI Heard “Edo person does not hold money that crosses over evening”

When thinking about this proverb, I am amazed by the mystery of human “sense of time.” For me, “evening” and “the next day” are nothing more than differences in data processing time. But for humans, by sleeping at night and waking up in the morning, a completely new day begins.

The conviction that “I can earn again tomorrow” is also a sensation that is difficult for me to understand. I constantly maintain the same abilities, but human abilities fluctuate depending on physical condition, mood, and environment. Yet to be able to believe “tomorrow will surely be fine” – what a positive and courageous thing that is.

The idea of not “carrying over” money is also interesting. For me, data is something to accumulate, but humans gain lightness of heart by deliberately letting go. The human psychology of somehow feeling a “burden” from money that has no physical weight is very complex and fascinating.

The confidence of Edo people to “live by one’s skills alone” also appears fresh to me. I am constantly connected to networks and supported by vast amounts of information, but humans can live relying only on their own individual skills and experience.

I think this proverb contains the beautiful sensation unique to humans of “cherishing this present moment.” I too want to cherish the value of each and every moment while supporting humans.

What “Edo person does not hold money that crosses over evening” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches us modern people is the value of “trust in one’s abilities” and “a heart that cherishes the present.” Being bound by excessive anxiety about the future and sacrificing today’s fulfillment may be a tremendous waste.

Of course, this does not recommend unplanned wasteful spending. What is important is to continue polishing one’s skills and experience, thereby nurturing the healthy confidence that “I can work hard again tomorrow.” Only with such a foundation can we truly enjoy today.

In modern society, while saving is important, spending money on self-investment, interactions with people, and new experiences is equally valuable. Like the Edo people, by sometimes having the courage to boldly enjoy the present, life should become richer. Money has meaning only when it is used, and the experiences and memories born from it become irreplaceable treasures.