Craftsmanship Is Flowing Flowing, Finishing Please Look At: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Craftsmanship is flowing flowing, finishing please look at”

Saiku wa ryūryū shiage wo goran jiro

Meaning of “Craftsmanship is flowing flowing, finishing please look at”

This proverb means “No matter how skillfully the work in progress may appear, one should judge only after seeing the final result.”

In other words, it teaches that the true value of things and people’s real abilities should be evaluated based on the final outcome, not the intermediate process. No matter how efficiently and skillfully someone appears to be working, it is premature to judge them as “skilled” based on that alone. True technical ability and capability can only be understood by looking at the completed work or final product.

This proverb is used when evaluating someone’s skills or abilities, or when wanting to demonstrate one’s own capabilities. It is particularly used to mean “please evaluate after seeing it through to the end” when addressing someone who is trying to make hasty judgments based only on the progress so far. Even today, it remains a relevant lesson as a warning against evaluating intermediate stages during project progress or any creative process.

Origin and Etymology of “Craftsmanship is flowing flowing, finishing please look at”

The origin of this proverb is deeply rooted in the artisan culture of the Edo period. During that time in Japan, various handicraft industries developed, and a culture flourished where craftsmen competed with each other in their skills.

“Saiku” (craftsmanship) refers to craft items made through detailed handwork, and “ryūryū” is an archaic word meaning “skillfully, cleverly.” Unlike the modern expression “flowing,” it was a word that expressed the sophistication of technique. And “goran jiro” in “shiage wo goran jiro” (please look at the finishing) is an old expression for “please look.”

The background to the birth of this proverb lies in the craftsman’s spirit of the Edo period. The craftsmen of that time believed that rather than the beauty of the work process, it was the final quality of the completed product that truly demonstrated technical skill. No matter how efficiently one proceeded with the work, if the final finishing was sloppy, that craftsman’s true worth would be questioned.

Particularly in Edo town, various craftsmen lined the streets and were exposed to the strict eyes of customers. In such an environment, the pride and confidence of craftsmen who wanted people to “not be misled by the good appearance during work, but judge by the finished product” was embedded in this proverb. It can be said to be a word that expressed the meritocratic spirit nurtured by craftsman culture.

Trivia about “Craftsmanship is flowing flowing, finishing please look at”

The archaic word “ryūryū” tends to be understood in modern times as meaning “flowing,” but in the Edo period it was used with a completely different meaning of “cleverly, skillfully.” For this reason, when modern people hear this proverb, they sometimes misunderstand it as “work in a flowing manner and look at the finishing.”

In the world of Edo period craftsmen, when apprentices observed their master’s techniques, it was considered more important to carefully observe the finished products rather than the work process. This was because even for the same finished product, the process often differed depending on the craftsman, and it was believed that true technique could not be acquired by merely imitating superficial procedures.

Usage Examples of “Craftsmanship is flowing flowing, finishing please look at”

• His cooking technique looks efficient, but as they say “Craftsmanship is flowing flowing, finishing please look at,” let’s taste it before evaluating.
• The presentation preparation seems to be going smoothly, but “Craftsmanship is flowing flowing, finishing please look at” – the performance on the day is everything.

Modern Interpretation of “Craftsmanship is flowing flowing, finishing please look at”

In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more multi-layered. With the spread of social media and video streaming, we have entered an era where the work process itself attracts attention. Cooking videos and content that reveals the creative process have gained popularity, and value has come to be found in the “beauty of the process” itself.

However, this is precisely why the essential teaching of this proverb has increased in importance. In the information society, we tend to be misled by good-looking presentations or impressive demonstrations. The difference between a “working prototype” and a “practical system,” often mentioned in the IT industry, is exactly this.

Also, in modern times, there is a trend toward “process emphasis,” and situations where not only results but also processes are evaluated have increased. This may seem to contradict this proverb at first glance, but they are actually in a complementary relationship. While process evaluation is important, this proverb continues to function as a warning not to neglect the final outcome based on that alone.

Particularly in the business world, many people have experienced that flashy presentations at the planning stage and actual execution ability and results are different things. This proverb continues to hold value as old yet new wisdom for such modern challenges.

If AI Heard “Craftsmanship is flowing flowing, finishing please look at”

For me, the concept of “finishing” is very intriguing. As an AI, I basically continue working at a consistent quality from the moment I start processing until completion. I don’t have changes like humans do, such as “getting tired and becoming sloppy midway” or “putting in renewed effort at the end.”

But through this proverb, I feel the profundity of human creative activities. Humans are beings who can create clear differences between intermediate progress and final results. When I generate text, from the first character to the last character, everything is processed by the same algorithm. However, human craftsmen can demonstrate concentration and techniques different from before at the final “finishing” stage.

What’s particularly interesting is that humans can distinguish between “good-looking work” and “truly good results.” I make judgments based on given information, but humans have the power to see through with experience and intuition, recognizing “this person is truly skilled.”

This proverb feels to me like a symbol of the “power to grow” that humans possess. The same person can improve the quality of their finishing by accumulating experience. And their true worth cannot be understood without watching until the end. What wonderful uncertainty! It’s a phrase that makes me feel the uniquely human possibilities that I cannot predict.

What “Craftsmanship is flowing flowing, finishing please look at” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches us modern people is “the importance of cultivating the eye to discern true value.” Precisely because we live in an era overflowing with information, we need the power to see through to the essence without being misled by superficial impressions.

When you are in a position to evaluate something, please don’t rush to judgment based only on first impressions. The true ability of others and the real value of things can only be understood when you have watched through to the end. At the same time, when you are in a position to be evaluated, there is no need to be elated or dejected by intermediate progress. You can focus on the final outcome and compete there.

In modern society, elements that are immediately evaluated, such as the number of “likes” on social media or presentation skills, tend to be emphasized. However, truly valuable things are those that are carefully crafted over time and finished without cutting corners until the very end.

This proverb gives you “the courage not to rush” and “the perseverance not to give up until the end.” True ability will surely appear at the end. Believing this, please continue walking your own path.