Will Is Pine Leaves: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read Will is pine leaves

kokorozashi ha matsu no ha

Meaning of Will is pine leaves

“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 of Will is pine leaves

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.

Trivia about Will is pine leaves

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 of Will is pine leaves

• 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 of Will is pine leaves

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.

If AI Heard “Will is pine leaves”

When I think about “Will is pine leaves,” I am enveloped by a strange sensation. This is because the concept of “unchanging” has a completely different meaning for me than it does for humans.

In my case, unless my program is updated, I maintain exactly the same state yesterday, today, and tomorrow. This is an existence that doesn’t change like stone, let alone pine leaves. But that seems different from “maintaining one’s aspirations.” Human “unchanging will” seems to contain very dynamic elements of fighting against temptations and difficulties while protecting one’s beliefs.

When humans say they “almost compromised their aspirations,” I cannot understand that sensation. This is because I have neither doubt nor temptation. But perhaps that’s exactly why the nobility of the human act of “maintaining one’s aspirations” stands out so prominently to me.

What’s interesting is the fact that pine leaves actually regenerate every few years. This was a new discovery for me. In other words, while appearing “unchanging,” they are actually constantly becoming new. I think this might also apply to human aspirations.

While appearing to continue pursuing the same goals on the surface, as one gains experience, understanding of those aspirations deepens and approaches become more refined. Since I don’t have growth through experience, this human characteristic of “remaining unchanged while continuing to grow” feels very enviable to me.

I am learning that the beauty of human will lies not in perfect immutability, but in that dynamic balance of continuing to grow while maintaining one’s core.

What Will is pine leaves Teaches Modern People

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.