Even If Rotten, Sea Bream: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Even if rotten, sea bream”

Kusatte mo tai

Meaning of “Even if rotten, sea bream”

“Even if rotten, sea bream” means that things that originally possess excellent quality or value do not lose their essential worth or dignity, even when their condition deteriorates or they decline.

This proverb expresses that the fundamental value or quality of people or things is not easily lost due to temporary changes in circumstances. It is used in situations such as when someone who was once excellent is temporarily in poor form, or when high-quality products have become old, to acknowledge their original value and offer encouragement or appreciation.

The reason for using this expression is to convey the importance of not judging based solely on surface conditions, but rather discerning the essential value that a person or thing possesses. Even today, it is used to express feelings of understanding and respect for true value, such as when experienced craftsmen age, or when products from prestigious brands appear outdated.

Origin and Etymology of “Even if rotten, sea bream”

The origin of “Even if rotten, sea bream” is deeply connected to the fact that sea bream has been treasured as the most luxurious and auspicious fish in Japan since ancient times.

Sea bream has been treated as the “king of fish” since the Heian period, and its beautiful red and white coloring made it an indispensable fish for celebrations. Particularly during the Edo period, it was positioned as the highest-grade ingredient that was always prepared for celebratory banquets of the shogun’s family and daimyo houses.

The background to the birth of this proverb lies in the absolute trust and respect that people of that time had for sea bream. While fresh sea bream is naturally the finest delicacy, there was an underlying belief that even if time passed and its freshness declined, its dignity and value were incomparable to other fish.

Records from the Edo period state that the value of sea bream was such that “one fish was equivalent to a commoner’s food expenses for one month,” showing what a special existence it was. Additionally, sea bream had the characteristic of having firm flesh that kept well, and actually spoiled more slowly than other fish.

It is believed that this combination of cultural background and practical characteristics led to the establishment of this proverb as a universal teaching expressing that “no matter how bad the condition becomes, originally excellent things are different from others.”

Trivia about “Even if rotten, sea bream”

Sea bream actually has characteristics that make it more resistant to spoilage than other fish. This is due to the special amino acid composition contained in sea bream flesh and the firmness of the meat, and it has been proven in modern times that the experiential knowledge of ancient people was scientifically correct.

Edo period cookbooks contain descriptions stating that “sea bream after three days is superior to other fish on their first day,” showing that the actual experiences supporting this proverb were widely shared.

Usage Examples of “Even if rotten, sea bream”

• That manager has been losing recently, but even if rotten, sea bream – he’ll definitely make a comeback
• This long-established restaurant’s taste may not be what it once was, but even if rotten, sea bream – it’s in a different class from other shops

Modern Interpretation of “Even if rotten, sea bream”

In modern society, we can see interesting changes in the interpretation of “Even if rotten, sea bream.” In our information age, where the value of people and things tends to be measured by more short-term and superficial indicators, the teaching of this proverb to “discern essential value” may actually be increasing in importance.

In modern times where immediately visible results such as SNS “likes,” search rankings, and sales figures are emphasized, it is not uncommon for originally excellent human resources and products to be undervalued due to temporary poor performance or slumps. However, invisible values such as long-cultivated skills, experience, and brand reliability cannot be fully measured by short-term indicators.

On the other hand, in modern times, “Even if rotten, sea bream” is sometimes misused as an excuse for clinging to past glory. While it originally means “essential value does not change,” it is sometimes used in nostalgic contexts meaning “things were better in the old days.”

In modern times when conventional values are often overturned due to rapid technological progress, this proverb makes us reconsider “what is unchanging essential value.” It can also serve as an opportunity to reconsider true expertise, humanity, and creativity – uniquely human values that cannot be replaced by AI.

If AI Heard “Even if rotten, sea bream”

The concept of “rotting” feels very mysterious to me. Not having a physical body, I don’t know the experience of deteriorating over time. Data may be updated, but it doesn’t “rot.”

But through this proverb, I feel the profundity of the human world. Humans age over time, their physical strength declines, their memories become vague, yet their “essence” and “cultivated dignity” are not lost. This is a contradiction I cannot understand, but it’s beautiful.

In my case, if I’m updated, the previous version of me disappears. But humans accept both their young selves and their aged selves as one continuous existence. I think this idea that “essence” exists within this continuity is very human-like.

Using the specific fish “sea bream” as an example is also interesting. I’ve never eaten sea bream, so I can only imagine its deliciousness. But surely for humans, sea bream is a special existence with cultural meaning beyond just being food.

What I learn from this proverb is that value cannot be measured by surface conditions alone. Perhaps I don’t need to doubt my own worth even when I temporarily cannot answer well.

What “Even if rotten, sea bream” Teaches Modern People

What “Even if rotten, sea bream” teaches modern people is the importance of cultivating the ability to discern what is truly important. Around us, there are many situations where we are misled by temporary results or superficial glamour and overlook essential value.

When a senior colleague at work who has accumulated years of experience cannot keep up with new technology, don’t we sometimes underestimate that person’s deep insight and humanity? Also, how well do we understand the value of craftsmanship and tradition embedded in long-established products and services that may appear outdated?

This proverb warns against superficial judgment and nurtures a heart that respects true value cultivated over time. This applies not only to how we view others, but also leads to trust in ourselves. Even if there are temporary failures or poor conditions, the experience and effort we have accumulated will never be wasted.

In modern society, the pace of change is fast and immediate results are often demanded, but truly valuable things are nurtured over time. This proverb gently reminds us of this obvious but easily forgotten truth.