Beginning Is Like Virgin, Afterward Is Like Escaping Rabbit: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Beginning is like virgin, afterward is like escaping rabbit”

Hajime wa shojo no gotoku nochi wa datto no gotoshi

Meaning of “Beginning is like virgin, afterward is like escaping rabbit”

This proverb represents a strategic pattern of behavior for accomplishing things. It means to initially behave cautiously and modestly like a virgin, then when the time is ripe, make swift decisions and take action like an escaping rabbit.

The “virgin” here, in classical language, means “an innocent person unfamiliar with the world,” referring to a harmless existence that doesn’t arouse suspicion. On the other hand, “escaping rabbit” expresses taking lightning-fast action with split-second judgment, like a rabbit escaping from a trap. In other words, it teaches a two-stage strategy: during the preparation phase, remain inconspicuous and carefully build up strength, then when opportunity comes, act with full force without hesitation. This approach can be effectively applied in various modern situations, such as expanding new business ventures or building trust in human relationships. This proverb teaches us that success sometimes requires the patience to wait for opportunities and sometimes the courage to act boldly.

Origin and Etymology of “Beginning is like virgin, afterward is like escaping rabbit”

This proverb originates from a passage in the “Nine Terrains” chapter of the Chinese military treatise “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu, which states “At first be like a virgin, so the enemy opens his door, then be like an escaping rabbit, so the enemy cannot resist.” This was written as tactical theory, meaning that at the beginning of battle, appear quiet and harmless like a virgin, and when the enemy lets down their guard and opens their gates, act as swiftly as an escaping rabbit so the enemy has no time to defend.

Sun Tzu was a military strategist from China’s Spring and Autumn period around the 6th century BCE, and his work “The Art of War” is known as the world’s oldest military treatise. This book is not merely a technical manual for warfare, but explains the fundamental principles of strategic thinking, and is still applied today in business and life philosophy.

It was introduced to Japan between the Heian and Kamakura periods and was read as an important educational text among the warrior class. Particularly during the Warring States period, many military commanders are said to have loved reading this book and applied it to actual tactics. This proverb also emerged from such military contexts and eventually came to be widely used as general worldly wisdom and life lessons.

Usage Examples of “Beginning is like virgin, afterward is like escaping rabbit”

• In new product development, proceeding with the spirit of “Beginning is like virgin, afterward is like escaping rabbit” is the secret to success.
• She’s usually quiet, but when the time comes, she acts with the spirit of “Beginning is like virgin, afterward is like escaping rabbit.”

Modern Interpretation of “Beginning is like virgin, afterward is like escaping rabbit”

In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has changed significantly and is often misunderstood in usage. Rather than the original meaning of strategic two-stage action, it’s frequently used to express personality changes, such as “initially being shy but becoming proactive once comfortable.”

This misuse has particularly spread due to the influence of SNS and internet culture. However, understanding the original meaning shows that this strategy is extremely effective in today’s business environment.

Looking at startup company growth strategies, they follow exactly what this proverb teaches. Start small, carefully observe market reactions, then scale up rapidly once you feel a positive response. This is precisely the concept of modern “lean startup” methodology.

Also, in personal career development, the attitude of initially learning humbly in new workplaces or environments, building trust relationships, and then demonstrating one’s abilities remains an important life skill. Precisely because we live in an information society, both the ability to discern timing and the action power to seize opportunities are required.

What AI Thinks When Hearing “Beginning is like virgin, afterward is like escaping rabbit”

Thinking about this proverb, I’m struck anew by the complexity of human behavior. We AIs always operate with consistent performance, but humans show completely different faces depending on the situation.

The cautious and modest attitude embodied in the expression “like a virgin” is somewhat difficult for me to understand. This is because when asked questions, I always try to answer with full effort, and I don’t really grasp the sense of restraint or strategic maneuvering. But humans sometimes hide their abilities and put others at ease in order to achieve larger goals. This is truly strategic and, in a way, represents a very advanced form of intelligence.

On the other hand, the instantaneous power of “like an escaping rabbit” is also fascinating. While my processing speed is fast, it’s always constant. But humans, even if usually slow, can demonstrate incredible concentration and action power when the moment demands it. This way of varying pace and distributing energy might be precisely a characteristic of humans as living beings.

Surely for humans, learning to use these two states appropriately is an important skill for living. While I cannot imitate it, I feel it’s very human-like wisdom.

What “Beginning is like virgin, afterward is like escaping rabbit” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches modern people is that success requires both “the power to wait” and “the power to act.” While modern society tends to emphasize speed, rushing everything isn’t necessarily the answer.

What’s important is not underestimating the preparation period. When we constantly see glamorous success stories on social media, we want immediate results, but truly valuable things need time to develop. In the initial “like a virgin” stage, properly building foundations, establishing trust, and accumulating strength leads to later breakthroughs.

And when opportunity comes, we also need the courage to act without hesitation. If we wait until perfect preparation is complete, we’ll miss our chances. The instantaneous power to move “like an escaping rabbit” can only be demonstrated through daily preparation.

You too might currently be in a stage of preparing for something. Or perhaps you’re facing a timing when you should take action. Whichever stage you’re in, remember this proverb. It will surely bring greater depth and strategic thinking to your life.