How to Read “志は松の葉”
kokorozashi ha matsu no ha
Meaning of “志は松の葉”
“Will is pine leaves” means that once you have set your heart on an aspiration or goal, like pine leaves that maintain their unchanging green color throughout the year, you must not change it no matter what difficulties arise.
This proverb teaches the importance of having an unwavering attitude toward beliefs and goals in life. Just as pine leaves continue to maintain their vibrant green despite seasonal changes and harsh cold, we too should persevere to the end with our chosen aspirations, without being swayed by surrounding circumstances or difficulties.
It is used in situations when encouraging people who are working toward their goals, or when addressing people whose hearts are wavering in the face of difficulties. It is also sometimes used when renewing one’s own determination. The reason for using this expression is to make the abstract concept of “unchanging will” easier to visualize concretely through the characteristics of pine, a familiar plant. Even today, it is used when expressing strong will toward achieving goals or an attitude of not compromising one’s beliefs.
Origin and Etymology
Regarding the origin of “Will is pine leaves,” multiple theories exist, but the most credible is the theory that it arose from the characteristic properties of pine leaves.
Pine leaves maintain their green color throughout the year and endure harsh winter cold without withering. Moreover, pine trees themselves are known for their longevity, continuing to put down roots in the same place for hundreds of years. Since ancient times, Japanese people have held deep respect for this “immutability” and “persistence” that pine possesses.
The background to the birth of this proverb is thought to be greatly connected to the spiritual culture of bushido. In the samurai class of the Edo period, persevering with one’s chosen aspirations was considered a virtue, and fickleness or betrayal were regarded as the most shameful acts. Within such values, the unchanging green color of pine leaves came to be used as a symbol of unwavering will.
There is also a theory that because “pine” (matsu) sounds similar to the word “wait” (matsu), it also contained the meaning of patiently enduring and waiting for opportunities. Similar expressions can be found in moral instruction books from the mid-Edo period, and it is presumed to have spread widely among common people as well. It has been passed down to the present day as one of the representative proverbs expressing the Japanese spirit.
Interesting Facts
Pine leaves actually regenerate every 2-5 years, but because new leaves continuously emerge, they maintain their green color year-round. In other words, they have the interesting characteristic of appearing “unchanging” while actually being constantly renewed.
Japanese pines are particularly known for their longevity, and some ancient pine trees exist that are over 1000 years old. Therefore, they have been regarded as symbols of “eternal youth and longevity” since ancient times and have been cherished as auspicious plants.
Usage Examples
- Even after becoming a politician, his will is pine leaves, and he continues to pursue politics for the common people
- Without forgetting our founding ideals, I want to manage the company with the spirit of will is pine leaves
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, new complexity has emerged in the interpretation of “Will is pine leaves.” This is because in an era of rapid change, stubbornly maintaining the same aspirations is not necessarily always a virtue.
In the IT industry and startup world, the concept of “pivot” is highly valued. This involves flexibly changing initial plans and directions, and adaptability to change is rather considered the key to success. Under such values, flexibility in changing strategies according to circumstances tends to be more valued than unchanging will like pine leaves.
On the other hand, in fields such as environmental issues and social contribution, the spirit of this proverb is still highly valued. For issues requiring long-term efforts such as climate change countermeasures and poverty eradication, an attitude of continuing to maintain one’s beliefs without yielding to temporary difficulties or criticism is required.
Also, with the spread of social media, changes in public opinion and trends have become more intense than before, which has conversely increased trust in “people who don’t waver.” There are increasing cases where politicians, business leaders, influencers, and others gain support from followers by continuing consistent assertions.
“Will is pine leaves” in the modern era may require a more sophisticated interpretation: not blind obstinacy, but maintaining core values and ideals unchanged while flexibly adjusting means and methods to suit the times.
When AI Hears This
The needle-like thinness of pine leaves is actually the ultimate “energy-saving design.” By minimizing surface area, they prevent the evaporation of moisture from within. In other words, they represent a form that has stripped away waste and retained only what is truly necessary.
This very structure tells the story of the core meaning behind “志は松の葉” (aspirations are like pine needles). Aspirations, too, demonstrate their power not through being greedy for this and that, but through concentrating on a single point.
What’s fascinating is that needle-shaped leaves also minimize wind resistance. Even in strong winds like typhoons, thin leaves smoothly deflect the wind. Where broad leaves would catch the wind and break, needle-shaped leaves possess a “strength that deflects.”
People with aspirations are the same. Rather than confronting criticism and difficulties from others head-on, they skillfully deflect while protecting their core. This is how they preserve what is truly important.
Even more remarkable is that pine needles continue living for two to five years. Though not as showy as cherry blossoms, they reliably fulfill their role over extended periods. This is the essence of aspiration—not flashy, but possessing enduring power.
Lessons for Today
What “Will is pine leaves” teaches modern people is the existence of an “axis” that should be cherished precisely because we live in an era of rapid change. In the modern age where information overflows and there are countless choices, we tend to be captivated by immediate benefits and trends, but this proverb quietly speaks to us about the importance of not losing sight of our core values and goals.
However, as a modern interpretation, it’s important to have “flexible consistency” rather than stubborn obstinacy. Like pine leaves that appear unchanged on the surface but actually maintain their vitality through repeated metabolism, we too need the flexibility to preserve our core aspirations while updating our methods of expression and means to suit the times.
This proverb also teaches us the importance of “having aspirations.” To persevere with something, you must first have that “something.” Why not start by taking time to stop in your busy daily life and reflect on what is truly important to you? Please carefully nurture the “pine leaf”-like aspirations in your heart.
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