How to Read “目白押し”
Mejirooshi
Meaning of “目白押し”
“Eye white crowding” is a proverb that describes a state where things continue in an orderly sequence without interruption.
This expression originated from the habit of small birds called mejiro (Japanese white-eyes) that perch on branches in regular rows, and it refers to situations where something occurs in an orderly continuous manner or is arranged in sequence. This differs slightly from the modern usage meaning “many” or “numerous,” as the original emphasis is placed on the orderliness of “continuing in sequence” and “arranged regularly.”
It is used in situations such as when schedules or events are lined up one after another, when people or objects are arranged in an orderly manner, or when things progress in stages. Rather than simply indicating a large quantity, it should be used appropriately when you want to emphasize that there is a certain order or regularity. The reason for using this expression is to convey to others that there is proper order and continuity, not just a mere listing.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “Eye white crowding” lies in the habits of the small bird called mejiro. The mejiro is a small bird about 12 centimeters long, named for the white ring around its eyes. This bird has an interesting habit of perching on tree branches one by one in sequence.
When observing how mejiro perch on branches, you can see that they line up in an orderly fashion, as if they were forming ranks. When one bird perches on a branch, the next one takes its place beside it, and then the next one beside that, creating a scene of regular alignment that must have made a strong impression on observers.
The proverb “Eye white crowding” was born from this natural phenomenon. Since this expression can be found in Edo period literature, we know it has been used for quite a long time. It is believed that people of that time, seeing the orderly alignment of mejiro, began using it as a word to express situations where things continue in an orderly sequence.
Proverbs born from bird behavior observation are rare, and this one tells us about the Japanese people’s keen eye for observing nature and their rich expressive power to elevate such observations into language.
Interesting Facts
Mejiro are actually birds that often act in flocks, but interestingly, they rarely engage in “pushing and shoving.” Rather, they have a habit of lining up very orderly, maintaining appropriate distances from each other.
The “crowding” part of this proverb is not used in the sense of physically pushing against each other, but rather in the meaning of “continuing one after another” or “consecutive.” The people of the Edo period, observing the orderly behavior of mejiro, created an exquisite word to express orderly continuity.
Usage Examples
- Next month, meetings are in eye white crowding, making schedule coordination difficult.
- Following the new product launch event, there’s an exhibition, then business meetings – events are lined up in eye white crowding.
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, “Eye white crowding” is often used with a slight change from its original meaning. On social media and in the media, expressions like “events in eye white crowding” or “new products in eye white crowding” tend to be used simply to mean “many” or “numerous.”
However, it could be said that in our information society, the original meaning of “continuing in sequence” is becoming increasingly important. In the digital age, information and tasks often rush at us chaotically, and we are required to organize them, prioritize them, and process them in an orderly sequence. In project management and scheduling situations, the original meaning of eye white crowding – “regular continuity” – becomes an important concept.
In business scenes too, it is sometimes used not simply to indicate being busy, but to show that things are progressing in a planned manner. When used as “new product releases are in eye white crowding next quarter,” it doesn’t mean random busyness, but rather strategically planned continuous development.
Thus, while the original meaning and new interpretations coexist in modern times, the essential value of orderly continuity may be being reevaluated as an important concept especially relevant to modern society.
When AI Hears This
The reason mejiro became established as “birds that press together” lies in their decisive differences from other flocking birds.
First, body size is crucial. Mejiro are about 12 centimeters long, smaller than sparrows (15 centimeters) and only about 70% the size of swallows (17 centimeters). When small things cluster densely, we feel “cuteness,” but when large things cluster densely, they create a sense of “oppression.” For example, even if crows were pressing together, they would only leave a frightening impression.
Next, differences in behavioral patterns become key. Sparrows certainly flock, but when searching for food on the ground, they spread out appropriately. Swallows may flock in the air, but when perching, they don’t stick together so closely. Mejiro, on the other hand, have the habit of huddling together like “dumplings on a stick” when perching on branches.
Furthermore, mejiro’s beautiful yellow-green feathers and the white ring pattern around their eyes create an impression of “elegance.” This produced the impression that they remain “beautiful even when gathered in large numbers.”
In other words, mejiro were the only birds that perfectly combined three conditions: smallness, huddling behavior, and beauty. This is precisely why “mejiro-oshi” came to be used with the positive meaning of “many good things.” With other birds, this exquisite balance could never have emerged.
Lessons for Today
“Eye white crowding” teaches modern people the importance of finding beautiful order within busyness. In modern society, things to do rush at us one after another, sometimes threatening to overwhelm us. However, just as mejiro naturally form beautiful lines, we too should be able to find our own rhythm and order within the chaos of daily life.
What’s important is not simply lamenting being busy, but finding meaning and value within that continuity. Try viewing each task and event not as separate burdens, but as parts of the larger flow of life. Just as mejiro line up while maintaining harmony with their neighbors, we too can fulfill our roles while cherishing relationships with those around us.
This proverb also teaches us the beauty of “waiting.” Rather than trying to handle everything at once, we should approach things in proper order and at proper timing. By cherishing such natural rhythm, our busy daily lives might become a little more peaceful and fulfilling.
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