How to Read “陰裏の豆もはじけ時”
Kageura no mame mo hajike doki
Meaning of “陰裏の豆もはじけ時”
This proverb means that no matter how disadvantaged a person’s environment may be, there will surely come a time when that person can shine in their own way.
Just as even beans that grew in the worst conditions in the depths of shade will eventually have their pods burst and scatter seeds when the time comes, humans too, no matter how harsh their circumstances, will inevitably have their moment to bloom. This proverb is used to encourage people who are currently in inconspicuous positions or those who are struggling to see results. It’s also used as words of hope for oneself when facing difficult circumstances. What’s important is that the expression “pop time” indicates that each person surely has their own unique timing. There’s no need to rush by comparing oneself to others; it teaches us the importance of believing in our own time and continuing to prepare.
Origin and Etymology
Regarding the origin of this proverb, I was unable to find clear documentary records. However, judging from the structure of the phrase, it’s highly likely that this is an expression rooted in Edo period rural culture.
“Shadow back” refers to the back side of shade, meaning the place with the worst sunlight. Beans normally grow by receiving plenty of sunlight and burst their pods to scatter seeds at the appropriate time. However, this saying likely arose from the observation that even beans growing in the worst conditions in the depths of shade will surely have their time to burst when the moment comes.
In an era when agriculture was central to life, people observed plant growth on a daily basis. Beans in particular were important crops, so they must have known their ecology in detail. After the beans in sunny spots burst early, people would see the often-forgotten beans in the shade eventually bear fruit, albeit later, and this came to be passed down as a life lesson.
The background of this proverb’s creation may contain the wisdom of people who lived without losing hope even within a strict class system.
Usage Examples
- He may not stand out now, but Shadow back beans also pop time, so surely the day will come when he displays his talent
- Having worked hard for so many years, as they say Shadow back beans also pop time, the time when you’ll be rewarded will surely come
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has come to feel deeper and more complex. With the spread of social media, we live in an era where others’ successes and achievements instantly come into view. Seeing people who have attracted attention from a young age, more people may be feeling anxious thinking “I haven’t accomplished anything yet.”
However, this could also be said to increase the value of this proverb. The modern era is one of diversity. Rather than a single pattern of success, various ways of living and working have come to be recognized. With job changes becoming normal, side jobs being encouraged, and talk of a 100-year lifespan era, “pop time” is not just once in a lifetime.
With technological advancement, environments have been established where people can learn new things and take on challenges regardless of age. Some people become popular creators on YouTube starting at 60, while others start businesses after retirement and succeed. These could be called modern versions of “Shadow back beans also pop time.”
On the other hand, there are also challenges specific to modern society. In the midst of information overload, it has become difficult to discern one’s own “pop time.” Also, due to trends seeking immediate results, the value of patiently waiting for the right time tends to be undervalued. However, the fact that true growth and success require time remains unchanged.
When AI Hears This
The word “inri” (hidden depths) conceals the essence of Japanese aesthetics. This term doesn’t simply mean “the back of a shaded area,” but expresses a uniquely Japanese value system: “true worth is quietly nurtured in the most inconspicuous places.”
While Western culture tends to view “places in the spotlight” as symbols of success and value, the Japanese have historically found true beauty and worth in “deep places where light cannot reach.” The “wabi-sabi” of tea ceremony, the “yugen” of Noh theater, and the “lingering resonance” of haiku all represent aesthetics that emphasize hidden depth rather than superficial splendor.
The “beans in hidden depths” also symbolize people who make unseen efforts. In Japanese society, “not showing that you’re working hard” is considered a virtue, and the ideal way of life has been to “work hard behind the scenes while maintaining a composed appearance in public.” This tradition lives on in modern craftsman culture, evidenced by artisans who spend decades perfecting their skills in places away from public view.
What’s particularly fascinating is how the expression “moment of bursting forth” captures the dramatic instant when hidden efforts suddenly emerge into the open. Japanese people prefer modest forms of success—”before you know it, something amazing has happened”—over flashy self-promotion. This represents a distinctly Japanese approach to life, made possible only by the authentic strength cultivated in those “hidden depths.”
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us today is the value of not rushing and cherishing our own pace. There’s no need to feel down by comparing ourselves to others. You surely have your own unique “pop time” prepared for you.
What’s important is not neglecting preparation until that time comes. Shadow back beans can also pop when the time comes precisely because they steadily store nutrients and continue growing in unseen places. Even if you’re in an inconspicuous place now, by continuing to learn and accumulating efforts, the day when you bloom will surely come.
In modern society, we tend to be asked for immediate results, but truly valuable things are nurtured over time. Your current efforts are never wasted. They are an important preparation period for your future “pop time.”
Don’t be swayed by others’ successes, and continue walking your own path with faith. There’s no need to be ashamed of being in the shadow back. There must be things you can see and learn precisely because you’re there. Looking forward to your “pop time,” let’s move forward step by step today as well.
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