How to Read “武士は相身互い”
Bushi wa aimi tagai
Meaning of “武士は相身互い”
“Warriors are mutual bodies each other” means that those who are in the same position or circumstances should understand each other’s hardships and feelings well, and treat each other with compassion.
This expression teaches the importance of those who bear difficult positions or heavy responsibilities empathizing with and supporting each other. Because they know similar experiences and hardships, they can understand each other’s feelings as if they could grasp them in their hands, and naturally develop a compassionate heart. Even in modern times, it is often used in situations where people in the same profession or similar circumstances show special understanding toward each other. The reason for using this proverb is not to express mere general compassion, but to express the special empathetic relationship of “understanding each other precisely because we are in the same position.” Even in modern society, this deep understanding and sense of solidarity holds very important meaning among professionals, people working in special environments, and those facing similar difficulties.
Origin and Etymology
The word “aimi” (mutual bodies) in “Warriors are mutual bodies each other” is the important key to understanding this proverb. While the word “aimi” is hardly used in modern times, it is an old word meaning “same social status” or “same position.”
This proverb is said to have become established during the Edo period, born from the social background where the warrior class was established. The warrior status was a harsh position where one constantly bore honor and responsibility, sometimes serving their lord at the risk of their lives. The underlying idea is that precisely because they bore such heavy responsibilities, they could deeply understand each other’s hardships and feelings.
“Tagai” (each other) has the same meaning as “otagai” used in modern times, but here it represents not mere mutual assistance, but deep empathy and understanding among those who bear the same heavy burden. Because warriors had special responsibilities and pride different from people of other social classes, the teaching was embedded that they should show special affinity and understanding toward people of the same warrior class.
This proverb reflects the values of an era when the class system was clear, and it is thought to have spread as words that preached the importance of solidarity among those in the same position.
Interesting Facts
The archaic word “aimi” is a word that is hardly used anymore in modern times except in “Warriors are mutual bodies each other.” In Edo period literature, the expression “aimi dōshi” (people of mutual bodies) was also commonly seen, and it was a general word referring to people of the same social status or position.
The “warriors” appearing in this proverb are used not simply as people who fight, but as symbols of ideal personalities with strict moral values and sense of responsibility. Therefore, it has been interpreted not only as teaching for the actual warrior class, but also as teaching for people with high aspirations in general.
Usage Examples
- As someone working in the same industry, I understand his hardships well – Warriors are mutual bodies each other
- As mothers raising children, let’s help each other – Warriors are mutual bodies each other
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has come to be interpreted more broadly. While class systems no longer exist, “invisible walls” based on occupation, position, and circumstances still exist.
Engineers in the IT industry chasing after intense work, doctors bearing heavy responsibilities in medical settings, working parents balancing child-rearing and work – there are many “mutual body” relationships in modern times. With the spread of social media, people in similar circumstances can connect online more easily, so the spirit of this proverb may actually be practiced more actively.
On the other hand, due to the individualistic tendencies of modern society, there are increasing cases where even people in the same position develop competitive consciousness first, viewing each other as rivals rather than showing compassion. Also, in modern times where diversity is valued, some people question the idea of “giving special treatment only to people in the same position.”
However, the value of people in difficult situations understanding and supporting each other does not change even as times change. In modern times, it is more flexibly interpreted as “people facing similar challenges” or “people with similar worries,” and is often used as words expressing solidarity in a broad sense.
When AI Hears This
Bushido harbors a fundamental contradiction. It’s the irony that “the power cultivated to defeat enemies” actually becomes “the power to understand enemies.”
The more one hones their swordsmanship, the more clearly they can perceive their opponent’s skill and struggles. For example, when masters face each other, after exchanging just one strike, they instantly understand: “Ah, this person has also endured daily training that drew blood.” Though they should hate their opponent as an enemy, they find themselves feeling respect for someone who walks the same path.
This phenomenon can be seen in modern sports as well. The sight of athletes who competed fiercely at the Olympics embracing and praising each other’s efforts after the match exemplifies this. Because they know each other’s abilities, respect for their opponent is born.
For samurai, this contradiction was more serious. This is because the deeper their understanding of their opponent became, the more doubt arose: “Do I really have to cut down this person?” In other words, the stronger a samurai became, the more psychologically difficult it became to fulfill their duty as a samurai.
This very contradiction may be what elevated bushido from mere combat technique into a philosophy that explores the depths of the human heart.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us in modern times is that true understanding is born from shared experiences. When you are in a difficult situation, you have surely felt how much the words of someone who has had similar experiences resonate in your heart.
In modern society, each person lives while facing different challenges. That’s precisely why you should cherish encounters with people walking similar paths. Advice from seniors working in the same industry, conversations with friends at the same life stage, and time with companions who share the same hobbies should lighten your heart.
And don’t forget that you yourself can become someone’s “mutual body.” The experiences you have overcome become valuable guideposts for someone currently walking the same path. By sharing each other’s experiences and supporting each other, you can surely overcome difficulties that cannot be overcome alone.
Perhaps modern times are precisely when we need this spirit of warm solidarity.
Comments