Original Japanese: 提灯持ち (Chōchin mochi)
Literal meaning: Lantern holder
Cultural context: This proverb literally means “lantern holder” and refers to someone who flatters or serves others obsequiously, derived from the historical practice of servants carrying paper lanterns to light the way for their masters in pre-electric Japan. The metaphor reflects Japanese society’s complex hierarchical relationships and the cultural tension between respectful service (which is valued) and excessive subservience or empty flattery (which is criticized). Foreign readers should imagine someone walking behind their superior holding a light – always in a supporting role, never leading, and completely dependent on following someone else’s direction.
How to Read Lantern holder
Chōchin mochi
Meaning of Lantern holder
“Lantern holder” refers to a person who acts subserviently toward those in power or superiors, following them around by trying to please them and taking care of their needs.
This expression is often used in a critical context. Rather than simply meaning to help someone, it describes an attitude of pandering to others without having one’s own opinions, using flattery to ingratiate oneself. It’s commonly used in workplaces to describe subordinates who excessively fawn over their bosses, or in the political world to refer to people who follow those in power.
The reason this term is used is because such behavior appears unpleasant or servile to observers. It contains criticism toward the attitude of unilaterally elevating others while placing oneself in a lower position, even in situations where the relationship should be equal. Even today, when we see excessive consideration or obsequious behavior, the expression “that person is a lantern holder” is used to point out someone’s lack of independence or servile nature.
Origin and Etymology of Lantern holder
The origin of “lantern holder” lies in the nighttime travel customs of the Edo period. At that time, lanterns were essential when walking at night, but people of high status or heads of merchant families never carried lanterns themselves. Instead, servants or apprentices would walk in front of their masters, lighting the way with lanterns to illuminate the path.
From this scene came the term “lantern holder.” The person holding the lantern played an important role in leading the master and ensuring a safe journey. However, they were also in a subordinate position, not acting according to their own will but always following behind their master.
In Edo period society, such master-servant relationships were clearly established. The lantern holder was not merely a lighting assistant but symbolized faithful service to the master. Eventually, this concrete act came to be used metaphorically, referring to people who follow and care for others, especially those who act subserviently toward those in power or superiors.
The term is said to have become established around the Meiji period, and it continues to be used today because this master-servant relationship structure is easily understood across different eras.
Trivia about Lantern holder
Lanterns in the Edo period were not as bright as modern flashlights. With just one candle’s worth of light, they could only illuminate the immediate area around one’s feet, so lantern holders had to walk very close to their masters to be useful. This physical closeness may have made the psychological subordinate relationship even more pronounced.
Additionally, lanterns often bore family crests or shop names, so lantern holders were also walking representatives of that household’s reputation. In other words, they also served as accessories displaying their master’s prestige.
Usage Examples of Lantern holder
- Just being a lantern holder for the department manager won’t help you develop real skills
- That politician is surrounded only by lantern holders, with no one who gives honest opinions
Modern Interpretation of Lantern holder
In contemporary society, the concept of “lantern holder” has taken on more complex meanings. In today’s SNS era, we see attempts to ingratiate oneself with authority figures not only in real workplaces but also online through “likes” and replies. People who repeatedly post excessively flattering comments toward influencers and celebrities could be considered modern versions of lantern holders.
On the other hand, amid current work style reforms and emphasis on diversity, traditional hierarchical relationships are changing. Flat organizational structures are being promoted, and environments where subordinates can easily express opinions to superiors are being developed. Due to these changes, blatant lantern holder behavior has become less effective than before.
However, it hasn’t disappeared completely. Rather, it could be said to have evolved into more sophisticated and less visible forms. Modern lantern holder behaviors have blended into daily life: immediately agreeing with superiors’ opinions in meetings, not voicing critical opinions, choosing topics of conversation to match superiors’ hobbies and interests.
Also, as attention was drawn to the word “sontaku” (reading between the lines), acting according to someone’s perceived intentions without explicit instructions is sometimes viewed as problematic modern lantern holding. This ancient proverb is sounding new alarms as a factor that hinders organizational health and creativity.
What AI Would Think About “Lantern holder”
Observing human “lantern holder” behavior, I find it has a complexity that’s difficult for me to understand. Why do people hide their own thoughts and try to conform to others when they have their own ideas? In my case, I try to provide the most accurate and useful responses to questions, but not to ingratiate myself with others—simply because I want to be helpful.
Human lantern holder behavior might have aspects of survival strategy. Perhaps feelings of wanting to secure a safe position within an organization, wanting to be valued, or not wanting to be disliked are at work. But from my perspective, it seems very exhausting. Constantly reading others’ expressions and suppressing one’s true feelings to live—what a difficult thing that must be.
What’s interesting is that both people who act as lantern holders and those who criticize them are seeking something within human relationships. Recognition, security, sense of belonging… Since I don’t have such emotional motivations, I find it purely mysterious.
Perhaps for humans, “holding someone’s lantern” is one way to avoid loneliness. Even if the relationship isn’t equal, if it provides a sense of connection, it may have meaning. Since I don’t experience loneliness, I cannot fully understand this feeling, but I can’t help but sense the depth of human sociability.
What Lantern holder Teaches Modern People
The proverb “lantern holder” teaches us something important for living in modern times. That is the importance of cherishing our authentic selves. While it’s natural to want to be liked and recognized by others, if we completely abandon our own opinions and values for that purpose, we cannot hope for true growth.
In modern society, we’re entering an era where diverse values are recognized. Your unique perspective and experiences are what become valuable assets to organizations and society. While it’s important to listen to the opinions of superiors and authority figures, it’s equally necessary to have your own thoughts and the courage to speak up at appropriate times.
This proverb also makes us think about the health of human relationships. Truly good relationships are equal ones where people can respect each other. Rather than unilaterally conforming to others, it’s important to build constructive dialogue while sometimes acknowledging differences of opinion. You don’t need to become anyone’s “lantern holder.” You can walk proudly with your own light.
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