How to Read “江戸っ子は宵越しの銭は持たぬ”
Edokko ha yoigoshi no zeni ha motanu
Meaning of “江戸っ子は宵越しの銭は持たぬ”
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
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.
Interesting Facts
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
- 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
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.
When AI Hears This
Behavioral economics’ “present bias” theory has scientifically proven that humans tend to overvalue immediate pleasure over future benefits. For example, given the choice between “receiving 10,000 yen today” and “receiving 11,000 yen in one year,” most people choose the former. While this is mathematically irrational, the human brain has evolved to respond strongly to the “now.”
The Edo townspeople’s philosophy of “not keeping money overnight” was precisely a lifestyle strategy that actively utilized this present bias. They prioritized the satisfaction gained from today’s delicious meals and entertainment over the future value of savings. Modern research shows that this judgment was actually rational.
According to psychologist Daniel Kahneman’s research, human happiness is divided into “experiencing happiness” and “remembering happiness.” Edo townspeople maximized experiencing happiness by enjoying each day. In contrast, the planned saving that modern people consider virtuous emphasizes remembering happiness—the peace of mind that comes from future security.
What’s fascinating is that considering the short average lifespan of the Edo period, the townspeople’s choice was extremely logical. Investing in the certain present rather than an uncertain future—this was the very embodiment of the instinctive wisdom that present bias reveals about human nature.
Lessons for Today
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.
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