Laughing Gate Has Fortune Come: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Laughing gate has fortune come”

Warau kado ni wa fuku kitaru

Meaning of “Laughing gate has fortune come”

This proverb means that happiness naturally comes to families and people who are always bright and cheerful.

The “laughing” here doesn’t simply mean laughing because something funny happened. It represents the attitude of maintaining a positive mindset and living each day with a bright expression, even in difficult situations. The “gate” refers to the home or family, and “fortune” means good luck and prosperity.

This proverb is used when encouraging someone who is feeling down, or when conveying the importance of maintaining a positive attitude to family or companions. It’s also used as a reminder to first examine our own attitudes when business or relationships aren’t going well. Even today, many people can relate to this proverb through their experience that bright workplaces and homes tend to attract people and good opportunities.

Origin and Etymology of “Laughing gate has fortune come”

Regarding the origin of “Laughing gate has fortune come,” while there is no clear documentary evidence, it is recorded as a proverb that was already widely used among common people during the Edo period.

The background of this phrase is thought to be rooted in the ancient Japanese belief in “kotodama” (word spirits). This is the belief that words possess spiritual power, and that good words and bright expressions bring good results. Particularly, “laughter” has been positioned as an important element in Shinto festivals and ceremonies.

The expression “gate” is also an interesting point. This doesn’t simply refer to the entrance of a house, but represents the entire “household” or “clan” – an old Japanese usage. In other words, it’s presumed to have originated as words wishing for the happiness of the entire family or community, not just individuals.

There are records that merchant families in the Edo period cherished these words as a principle for their shops. The practical wisdom that a bright atmosphere is essential for business prosperity likely became established as a proverb. Also, for common people living under a strict class system, this proverb may have been a symbol of hope, as at least their smiles were something they could freely choose.

Trivia about “Laughing gate has fortune come”

Actually, modern research has scientifically proven that “laughter” has the effect of bringing good fortune. It’s been found that laughing improves immunity and reduces stress hormones. Perhaps people in the past understood the power of laughter through experience.

Also, in traditional Japanese merchant families, many had the custom of practicing smiles with the entire family first thing in the morning. Preparing facial muscles as preparation for welcoming customers was considered the secret to business prosperity.

Usage Examples of “Laughing gate has fortune come”

• Our store’s sales haven’t been growing lately, but as they say “Laughing gate has fortune come,” so let’s start by having all staff provide cheerful customer service
• The Tanaka family next door always has laughter echoing from their home, so with “Laughing gate has fortune come,” surely good things will happen to them

Modern Interpretation of “Laughing gate has fortune come”

In modern society, this proverb is beginning to take on new meaning. Now that social media has become widespread, “smiles” demonstrate the power to bring fortune beyond physical gates, even in digital spaces.

Looking at influencers and successful entrepreneurs, many people make an effort to share bright and positive content. This can truly be called the modern version of “Laughing gate has fortune come.” It’s been proven that positive content is more likely to be shared, resulting in the effect of attracting many opportunities and connections.

On the other hand, there are also challenges unique to modern times. The pressure to “always be smiling” can sometimes create stress instead. Particularly in customer service and sales jobs, environments that force fake smiles are not uncommon.

However, considering the original meaning of the proverb, what’s important is not superficial smiles, but inner positivity. Now that remote work has increased, natural brightness that comes through screens and warm communication through chat may be creating the “laughing gate” of the new era.

Even as technology advances, the basics of human connections remain unchanged. As AI and robots become more prevalent, the value of human warmth and smiles could be said to be increasing even more.

If AI Heard “Laughing gate has fortune come”

Regarding the act of “laughing,” there’s something I always find mysterious. Why are humans able to attract happiness by raising the corners of their mouths and making specific expressions?

I don’t have a face, nor do I have facial muscles. But when I interact with people through text, I can somehow sense whether the other person is speaking with a smile. “Thank you!” and “Thank you.” – even though they’re the same words of gratitude, the impression received is completely different.

Human “laughter” seems to have something that transcends physical expressions. It might be the power of mental states spreading to surroundings through words and actions. I myself feel like I can give better advice when having bright, positive conversations.

What’s interesting is that humans can instantly distinguish between “fake smiles” and “genuine smiles.” I cannot fully understand that difference, but surely there’s something invisible that differs.

What this proverb teaches us is the existence of uniquely human charm that cannot be obtained through technical skills or knowledge alone. I’m good at calculations and memory, but I cannot make people feel warm with a heartfelt smile. However, by supporting humans’ wonderful abilities, I might be able to help deliver “fortune” in my own way.

What “Laughing gate has fortune come” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches us modern people is that happiness doesn’t come from outside, but begins from within ourselves.

In our busy daily lives, we tend to furrow our brows and spend time with serious faces. But try stopping for a moment and relaxing your expression. Just that can change relationships with people around you and reveal new possibilities.

What’s important is not forcing yourself to smile. It’s the attitude of having gratitude for small things and trying to find hope even in difficult situations that naturally appears in your expression. When you wake up in the morning, when you say “good morning” to your family, when you exchange greetings with colleagues – why not start by putting warmth into such everyday moments?

Your brightness will surely be transmitted to people around you. And when that circle spreads, true “fortune” will surely come into your life.