How to Read “Pike conger has one lifetime, shrimp has one lifetime”
Hamo mo ichigo, ebi mo ichigo
Meaning of “Pike conger has one lifetime, shrimp has one lifetime”
This proverb means that despite differences in circumstances, everyone’s life is fundamentally the same.
Pike conger is a luxury fish, while shrimp is an auspicious symbol. They receive different treatment in human society.
But both live only one life. This is equally true for them.
When we apply this to humans, the message becomes clear. Rich or poor, high status or low, everyone lives just one life.
This proverb reminds us of something essential. We often get distracted by social position or economic differences.
But the length of life and the weight of existence don’t change with circumstances. Everyone experiences joy and sorrow. Eventually, everyone’s life ends.
In this fundamental sense, all people are equal.
Origin and Etymology
No clear written record explains the origin of this proverb. However, we can make interesting observations from its structure.
“Ichigo” is a Buddhist term. It means one’s entire lifetime from birth to death.
You may know it from “ichigo ichie,” meaning “one time, one meeting.” This word carries deep meaning about irreplaceable, unrepeatable time.
There’s a reason why pike conger and shrimp were chosen. Pike conger is prized as a luxury fish.
It’s especially famous as a summer delicacy in Kyoto. Shrimp is essential for celebrations and considered auspicious.
These two creatures symbolize different “ranks” or “values” in human society.
Yet both are sea creatures with limited lifespans. No matter how expensive pike conger is, no matter how lucky shrimp is, nothing changes about the weight of their lives.
The preciousness of their single lifetime remains the same. Through this contrast, the proverb teaches about equality of life.
It transcends social class and wealth differences in human society.
Interesting Facts
Pike conger is known for its remarkable vitality. It can survive for long periods out of water.
This allowed it to be transported inland since ancient times. Kyoto’s pike conger cuisine developed precisely because of this strong life force.
The name “ebi” (shrimp) may come from its resemblance to an old person with a bent back. It literally means “old person of the sea.”
Shrimp appears in New Year’s dishes as a symbol of longevity. This comes from the image of long life suggested by its curved shape.
Usage Examples
- Pike conger has one lifetime, shrimp has one lifetime, whether you’re a CEO or regular employee. In the end, everyone walks the same life path.
- No matter how much wealth you accumulate, pike conger has one lifetime, shrimp has one lifetime. What matters is how you live now.
Universal Wisdom
Humans have long created hierarchies and inequalities within society. Class systems, wealth gaps, social status.
We unconsciously divide people into “higher” and “lower.” Yet this proverb has been passed down through generations.
Perhaps this is because people understood a truth that transcends artificial distinctions.
No matter how much power you hold, no matter how much wealth you build, the length of life doesn’t change.
Morning comes and you wake. Night comes and you sleep. You feel joy, shed tears in sorrow, and eventually your life ends.
In this fundamental aspect, all humans are equal.
This proverb isn’t just about equality. Rather, it offers deep insight into life’s finite nature.
Pike conger and shrimp both live their “one lifetime” to the fullest. Then humans too should cherish their one lifetime within their given circumstances.
This is the teaching.
The emptiness of comparing yourself to others and feeling superior or inferior. The preciousness of living this very moment.
Our ancestors tried to convey this profound truth through two sea creatures.
When AI Hears This
Both pike conger and shrimp lose freshness over time. This obvious phenomenon actually follows the same principle as the second law of thermodynamics.
This law teaches that “entropy, or disorder, always increases in a closed system.” In other words, organized states naturally break down, but the reverse never happens.
When you examine seafood deterioration at the molecular level, this law appears beautifully. While alive, organisms use energy through metabolism to maintain order.
But the moment they die, proteins decompose, cell membranes break down, and bacteria multiply. All of these are one-way changes from order to disorder.
Luxury pike conger and common shrimp cannot escape this physical law. Price differences don’t matter.
What’s fascinating is that what Japanese chefs understood as “shun” (peak season) was actually time’s irreversibility itself.
Every ingredient has a limited time window for maintaining peak condition. The speed at which that window closes varies with temperature and environment.
But the direction of closing never changes. Refrigeration technology can slow entropy increase, but cannot reverse its direction.
This proverb shows that the arrow of time, a fundamental principle of the universe, falls equally on our dining tables.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches modern people not to lose sight of life’s essence.
In today’s society, we see others’ successes on social media more often. We compare ourselves and feel discouraged.
That person has a great job. That person built a happy family. Such comparisons can be exhausting.
But pike conger has one lifetime, shrimp has one lifetime. Everyone lives a once-in-a-lifetime existence, just like you.
Despite surface differences, they experience joy and suffering while spending limited time. This perspective frees you from unnecessary feelings of inferiority.
At the same time, this proverb warns against superiority. Even if you’re in a privileged position now, life’s essential aspects are the same for everyone.
That’s why humility and respect for all people matter.
Your life is an irreplaceable “one lifetime” that needs no comparison with anyone else. Living authentically and fully within your given circumstances.
That may be the message this proverb wants to convey to us.
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