How to Read “目高も魚のうち”
Medaka mo sakana no uchi
Meaning of “目高も魚のうち”
“Killifish too fish among” means that no matter how small and inconspicuous something may be, it has value as a member of its field or group.
This proverb teaches that regardless of scale, ability, or status, each has its own unique value and role. While killifish are certainly small and plain compared to sea bream or carp, they are biologically the same fish and play an important role in the ecosystem.
It is used when one tends to underestimate oneself or others, or when one is about to lose sight of their own significance within a large organization or group. For example, when new employees at large companies think “I’m nothing special,” or when small stores are about to be overwhelmed by large retailers.
The reason for using this expression is that it serves as both a warning against excessive modesty and encouragement. Even today, it is used to convey “you too have proper value” to people who feel down from comparing themselves to others on social media or who cannot find their own worth within an organization.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “Killifish too fish among” is thought to have emerged from the common people’s sense of life during the Edo period. Killifish (medaka) had been familiar small fish since that time, but compared to impressive fish like sea bream and carp, they were far too small and inconspicuous.
For people of the Edo period, fish typically meant sea bream that graced dining tables or carp that were treasured as good luck charms. Meanwhile, killifish were small fish found in rice paddies and streams, not used for food and not considered to have special value. However, biologically they are certainly members of the fish family.
This proverb emerged from such everyday observations. The recognition that “even if they don’t look impressive, even if they’re small, killifish are still fish” eventually came to be used as a metaphor expressing the way human society should be.
Particularly during the Edo period, the class system was strict, and people were sensitive about their position and value. Against this social background, this proverb expressing that even small existences have their own value resonated with common people and is presumed to have become widely used. The easy-to-remember sound of the words and their ease of incorporation into daily conversation were likely also factors in its spread.
Interesting Facts
Killifish are among Japan’s smallest freshwater fish, with body lengths of only about 2-4 centimeters. It’s understandable why people of the Edo period chose them as “representatives of small fish.”
Actually, killifish play a very important role in ecosystems. They eat large quantities of mosquito larvae called wiggler, functioning as natural pest controllers. They are truly typical examples of “small but important existences.”
Usage Examples
- There’s no need to hold back just because you’re new – as they say, killifish too fish among
- Even small independent shops are killifish too fish among – they are necessary existences for the community
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more multi-layered. This is because as globalization and digitalization advance, situations where individuals and small organizations compete with large corporations and giant platforms are increasing.
With the spread of social media, everyone can easily compare their own value and sense of presence with others. Many people measure their self-worth by follower counts and number of “likes,” making the teaching of “killifish too fish among” more urgent for modern people. It shows that even small influencers can provide unique value in niche fields.
In the business world too, examples of startup companies and individual business owners competing with the mobility and expertise that large corporations cannot match are increasing. With the development of crowdfunding and online marketplaces, it has become an era where even small existences can reach worldwide.
On the other hand, in modern times where efficiency and economies of scale are emphasized, there is also a tendency to neglect the idea that “even small things have value.” However, now that diversity and sustainability are considered important, the perspective of “individual existence value” shown by this proverb is being reevaluated as an essential viewpoint for modern society.
When AI Hears This
A small fish called the medaka holds the key to solving the troubles of the modern heart.
According to psychologist Maslow’s research, humans have an “approval need” – a desire to be recognized by others. However, in today’s social media society, this desire tends to run wild. The number of people competing for “likes” and becoming depressed through comparison with others is rapidly increasing.
Yet “even a medaka is a fish” presents a completely different way of thinking. Medaka are certainly small. They are neither big nor strong like tuna or sharks. But they exist proudly as members of the “fish” community. In other words, rather than competing with other fish to determine superiority, they find value in the very fact that they are “part of the fish community.”
This is a perfect example of what psychology calls “healthy self-esteem.” People with high self-esteem find joy not in comparison with others, but in contributing as part of something larger. For example, it’s the feeling of being able to think “I’m an important member of this class” even without being the best in class.
What the medaka teaches us is to recognize our value of existence in the place we already belong, rather than seeking approval from outside. Even if we’re small, even if we don’t stand out, there is definitely meaning in being there.
Lessons for Today
What “Killifish too fish among” teaches modern people is the courage to value being yourself. It reminds us of the importance of finding value that only you possess, rather than getting depressed by comparing yourself to others.
In modern society, we tend to see others’ glamorous lives on social media and belittle ourselves, or underestimate our own work by comparing it to large corporations’ success stories. However, this proverb gently encourages us, saying “you have sufficient value just as you are.”
Specifically, you can start by taking small but steady steps in your areas of expertise or interest. Don’t seek overly large results, but carefully accumulate what you can do now. Such an attitude will eventually create unique value that no one else can imitate.
Also, by having this perspective toward people around you, you can become kinder. You become able to recognize the value of inconspicuous colleagues and people who continue small efforts. A society where everyone can shine might begin with cherishing each person’s small value.
Comments