How to Read “沈香も焚かず屁もひらず”
Jinkou mo takazu he mo hirazu
Meaning of “沈香も焚かず屁もひらず”
This proverb expresses the state of a person who does neither good nor bad things and takes no notable actions.
It refers to someone who doesn’t do refined and valuable things like burning aloes wood, but also doesn’t do vulgar and troublesome things like letting farts – in other words, a mediocre state that is neither good nor bad. This is by no means a compliment, but rather contains a critical nuance. It is used to mock people who have no distinctive features and leave no impression, or passive attitudes that lack initiative.
In modern terms, it’s used to describe someone who neither offers constructive opinions in meetings nor makes disruptive remarks, or someone who is safe – neither displaying special talents nor causing problems. This proverb contains a warning against such half-hearted attitudes, with the wish that people would be a bit more proactive.
Origin and Etymology
The “aloes wood” in this proverb refers to the highest grade fragrance extracted from aromatic wood native to Southeast Asia. Since ancient times in China and Japan, aloes wood has been considered more precious than gold, and was a special substance burned only during important ceremonies at imperial courts and temples.
This expression, which can be found in Edo period literature, tells us how aloes wood was such an unattainable luxury for common people of that time. On the other hand, the expression “letting farts” may sound vulgar in modern times, but during the Edo period, it was a straightforward way to express bodily functions and was commonly used in proverbs and senryu poetry.
The beauty of this contrast lies in how it expresses the two extremes of human behavior by juxtaposing the highest grade fragrance with the most familiar and natural phenomenon. Both the elegant fragrance of aloes wood and everyday bodily functions are related to human life, yet there is a world of difference in their value and dignity.
The background of this proverb’s creation is thought to be deeply connected to the class system of the Edo period and people’s consciousness of “dignity” and “moderation.”
Interesting Facts
Aloes wood remains one of the world’s highest grade fragrances today, with the finest quality trading at prices exceeding gold – tens of thousands of yen per gram. The aloes wood used in Japanese incense ceremony is called “kyara,” and some pieces have been carefully preserved from the Muromachi period to the present day.
Many senryu from the Edo period featuring “farts” as their subject remain today, and for people of that time, making bodily functions a source of laughter was not as taboo as it is today. Rather, it was enjoyed as common entertainment.
Usage Examples
- That person is “Aloes wood also not burn fart also not let” – they have absolutely no presence even when they’re in meetings
- The new employee Tanaka is the “Aloes wood also not burn fart also not let” type – for better or worse, he leaves no impression
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has been subtly changing. While it was once used simply as criticism meaning “passive and lacking character,” positive interpretations such as “stable and reliable” have now emerged.
Particularly in workplace environments, people who don’t achieve outstanding results but also don’t cause trouble are sometimes valued as “safe personnel.” In modern companies where risk management is emphasized, people who take predictable and stable actions are actually valuable.
On the other hand, in today’s SNS era where “going viral” and “causing online controversies” have become commonplace, many people unconsciously choose the state of “Aloes wood also not burn fart also not let.” There’s a strong tendency to avoid the risks of standing out too much and limit oneself to statements and actions within a safe range.
However, in fields where innovation and creativity are required, this attitude is still viewed as problematic. In modern times where entrepreneurial spirit and leadership are valued, one cannot expect growth or development with “Aloes wood also not burn fart also not let.” Even as times change, the importance of taking appropriate risks and expressing one’s individuality remains unchanged.
When AI Hears This
Human olfaction has a unique hierarchical structure compared to other senses. While vision and hearing offer gradations between “beautiful” and “ugly,” smell creates stark polarization between “exquisite fragrance” and “offensive odor,” with an ambiguous middle ground. Agarwood represents the pinnacle of incense in Japanese kodo culture, while flatulence epitomizes biologically programmed odors we instinctively avoid as danger signals. This proverb cleverly exploits this olfactory hierarchy by simultaneously rejecting both extremes.
What’s fascinating is how Japanese culture elevates “scentlessness” as a virtue. Western perfume culture encourages “wearing pleasant fragrances,” but Japanese ideals champion “having no scent at all.” This places “odorlessness” at the apex of the olfactory hierarchy—a distinctly unique value system.
Moreover, this proverb reveals the Japanese aesthetic of “erasing one’s presence.” Burning agarwood draws attention, passing gas provokes disgust. Both create powerful presence, yet the ideal person remains olfactorily “invisible” while maintaining dignity. Considering that smell connects directly to memory and emotion as our most primitive sense, this represents an extraordinarily sophisticated aesthetic demanding supreme self-control.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us today is “the importance of appropriate self-expression.” Certainly, standing out too much carries risks, but not expressing anything at all has different risks.
Your individuality and talents only have value when they are expressed. You don’t need to be perfect. Sometimes you may fail, sometimes you may cause trouble for others. But by continuing to express your true self, your existence is communicated to those around you.
In modern society, choosing “safety” has become easy. But if you only make overly safe choices, no one will notice your charm. What’s important is having the courage to take actions that are truly you, including both good and bad aspects.
You don’t need to aim for the elegance of aloes wood. But you should be able to emit your own “fragrance.” You can gradually grow so that it becomes something pleasant for those around you. Even if you’re not perfect, cherish your own sense of presence.
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