How to Read “鶏群の一鶴”
Keigun no ikkaku
Meaning of “鶏群の一鶴”
“One crane of chicken flock” is a proverb that describes a person who possesses exceptionally outstanding talent or character among ordinary people.
Imagine a single crane mixed in among a flock of chickens. The crane’s beautiful white feathers, graceful posture, and dignified bearing would clearly radiate a presence different from the surrounding chickens. This expression is used when describing someone who stands out as exceptionally excellent while being in the same environment or group.
This proverb expresses not just high ability, but also includes excellence in character and personality. It can refer to superiority in all aspects including academics, arts, character, and appearance. It is used when praising someone or when talking about a particularly prominent presence within a group.
Even today, we can use this expression with respect and admiration for someone in the workplace, school, or sports team who has clearly different talents or charm from others by saying “that person is truly One crane of chicken flock.”
Origin and Etymology
“One crane of chicken flock” is a proverb that originates from Chinese classics. Its origin is said to be found in an anecdote recorded in “Nanshi” (History of the Southern Dynasties), a historical book from China’s Northern and Southern Dynasties period.
In this anecdote, an excellent person was evaluated as being “like one crane among a flock of chickens.” Since ancient times, cranes have been revered in China as noble and beautiful birds, symbolizing longevity and dignity. On the other hand, while chickens were familiar as domestic fowl, they were considered inferior in status compared to cranes.
This expression is thought to have been introduced to Japan during the era when Chinese classical literature was brought in along with Buddhism and Confucianism. By the Heian period, knowledge of Chinese classics was already highly valued among the nobility, and such metaphorical expressions of Chinese origin were acquired as part of their education.
During the Edo period, with the spread of terakoya (temple school) education, such classical proverbs also became widespread among common people. Particularly within the modern education system from the Meiji period onward, it became established as teaching material for morals and Japanese language, continuing to be passed down to the present day.
The metaphor using specific birds like cranes and chickens was visually easy to understand and matched Japanese sensibilities, which is why it has continued to be beloved for so long.
Interesting Facts
Cranes actually form flocks, creating large groups of hundreds to thousands of birds during migration seasons. It’s rare for them to act alone, making the setting of this proverb itself unrealistic – an interesting fact.
In ancient China, cranes were considered vehicles for immortals and were said to live for a thousand years. Therefore, there’s also the term “kakuju” (crane longevity), and they have been treated as auspicious birds used in celebrating longevity.
Usage Examples
- Among the new employees, only he radiates a presence like One crane of chicken flock
- In this grade, she is so academically excellent that she can be called One crane of chicken flock
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the expression “One crane of chicken flock” has come to have somewhat complex meanings. This proverb, which was once used purely as words of praise, now raises various issues in our current era.
First, in today’s society that values diversity, the very act of “ranking people” is sometimes questioned. Elevating one person as a “crane” can also mean viewing other people as inferior “chickens.” In today’s world where individuality and diverse values are respected, many people may feel uncomfortable with such comparative expressions.
On the other hand, with the spread of SNS and the internet, individual talents and charms have become more widely recognized than before. On platforms like YouTube and TikTok, people who are truly like “One crane of chicken flock” are born daily. The phenomenon of people living ordinary lives suddenly gaining attention and becoming famous could be called a modern version of this proverb.
Also, with the development of AI technology, creativity and sensitivity that only humans possess are becoming more highly valued. Rather than technical skills, people with originality and humanity are being evaluated as “cranes” in this era.
However, in modern times, there’s also a tendency to value “the power of the entire team” over “one genius.” There are increasing situations where cooperation and communication skills are required rather than individual outstanding abilities, and “One crane of chicken flock” type existence is not necessarily welcomed in reality.
When AI Hears This
This proverb actually triggers serious conflicts of values in today’s diversity-focused society. While it appears on the surface to be an inspiring story celebrating exceptional talent, it harbors an underlying assumption that “chickens are inferior beings.”
Modern organizational psychology has proven that team diversity is what enhances creativity and problem-solving capabilities. According to McKinsey research, companies with high diversity show 21% better profitability. In other words, the collective of ordinary people called the “flock of chickens” is actually the true source of organizational strength.
What’s even more fascinating is how this proverb embodies the classic hero mentality of “one genius saves the group.” However, real-world innovation often emerges from collaboration among ordinary people with different perspectives. Google’s search algorithm wasn’t born from a single genius, but from the collective intelligence of an engineering team with diverse backgrounds.
In the inclusive environment that modern society strives for, the message should be “let each chicken demonstrate their unique value” rather than “become crane-like.” This proverb represents an outdated thinking pattern that cannot break free from fixed notions of superiority and inferiority.
Lessons for Today
What “One crane of chicken flock” teaches us today is the value of cherishing our authentic selves. Under the pressure of having to be the same as everyone else, don’t you sometimes lose sight of your own individuality and talents?
This proverb is not meant for looking down on others. Rather, it teaches the importance of finding the “crane” part within you and carefully nurturing it. Everyone has the potential to become a “crane” in some field.
In modern society, opportunities to compare ourselves with others through SNS and other means have increased, making us prone to losing sight of our own value. However, what’s truly important is not comparison with others, but growing beyond who you were yesterday. Your “crane-like” qualities are unique and different from anyone else’s.
Also, if you become a “crane-like” presence in a group, you must not forget humility. Excellence truly shines beautifully only when accompanied by gratitude and consideration for those around you. It would be wonderful if your talents could become an existence that positively influences the people around you as well.
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