How to Read “身は身で通る裸ん坊”
Mi ha mi de tooru hadakan bou
Meaning of “身は身で通る裸ん坊”
This proverb means that people should be evaluated based on their inherent character and qualities, regardless of external elements such as appearance, status, or wealth.
No matter how fine the clothes one wears or how high a position one holds, the essential value as a human being does not change. Conversely, even if someone is poor and dressed modestly, what truly matters are their inner values such as character, ability, and sincerity. The expression “naked boy” refers to a person’s true self when all decorations and external elements are stripped away.
This proverb is often used in situations where people put on airs or feel inferior when comparing themselves to others, reminding us of the importance of cherishing our authentic selves. It also teaches the importance of seeing a person’s essence rather than just superficial aspects when judging others. Even in modern society, where people tend to judge others by their education, occupation, or possessions, this teaching remains deeply meaningful.
Origin and Etymology
“Body is body and passes through naked boy” is known as a proverb that emerged from the daily lives of common people during the Edo period. This expression is deeply connected to the historical context of that era, when social class systems and class consciousness were strict.
In Edo period Japan, there was a class system consisting of samurai, farmers, artisans, and merchants, with specific clothing and behavior expected according to each position. However, the idea that no matter how fine the kimono one wore or how high one’s status, the essential value as a human being remained unchanged took root among the common people.
The expression “naked boy” literally refers to a state of wearing nothing, but this symbolizes the natural appearance at birth—the original human form. The idea is embedded that all people are the same naked children when born, and it is this essential part that determines true value.
The background to this proverb’s establishment reflects both a warning against human tendencies to be misled by appearance and status, and the common people’s wisdom of cherishing one’s authentic self. It has been cherished as words expressing the unpretentious, simple life philosophy nurtured within the townspeople’s culture of the Edo period.
Usage Examples
- That person has neither education nor status, but Body is body and passes through naked boy, and I think they are truly admirable as a person
- Even wearing brand-name items, Body is body and passes through naked boy, so let’s stop trying to overreach ourselves
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more complex and important. With the spread of social media, many people tend to post edited photos and idealized lifestyles to make themselves look good, and increasingly experience joy and sorrow by comparing themselves to others.
However, no matter how perfect one’s online appearance may seem, it ultimately cannot escape the truth of “Body is body and passes through naked boy.” The number of followers, likes, or photos of luxury items may provide temporary satisfaction, but they do not determine a person’s true value.
On the other hand, modern times also emphasize individuality and diversity. The teaching of this proverb to “cherish your authentic self” is deeply connected to contemporary issues of self-acceptance and improving self-esteem. Psychologically, the dangers of over-dependence on external evaluation have been pointed out, and the importance of intrinsic motivation and self-realization is gaining attention.
Moreover, as globalization progresses, opportunities to interact with people of different cultural backgrounds and values are increasing. In such times, the ability to see essential human aspects without being misled by superficial differences is required. This proverb can be said to be a teaching that remains fully applicable in modern times as wisdom for discerning universal human values while accepting diversity.
When AI Hears This
Modern people receive an average of about 5,000 advertising messages per day, and on social media, approximately 500,000 posts are created every minute. In this flood of information, we unconsciously assume that “those who have more information have the advantage.”
However, research in cognitive science shows that when choices exceed seven options, human judgment ability drops sharply. In other words, too much information actually causes us to lose sight of what’s essential.
“The naked person gets by just being themselves” captures this phenomenon perfectly. For example, compare someone who posts “enhanced” photos on Instagram with someone who posts unfiltered, natural photos. The former attracts temporary attention, but the latter tends to be trusted more in the long run.
What’s interesting is that Google searches for keywords like “simple,” “minimal,” and “decluttering” are increasing year by year. Modern people, exhausted by information overload, are unconsciously beginning to seek the value of “having nothing.”
The true insight of this proverb lies in recognizing that the seemingly vulnerable state of being “naked” is actually the strongest form of self-expression. Because if you can succeed in a “naked” state where you can neither fake nor hide anything, that represents genuine strength. It demonstrates the paradox that a way of thinking completely opposite to modern information strategies is actually the most effective approach.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches modern people is the importance of building a healthy relationship with oneself. We tend to lose sight of our true selves daily by worrying about others’ opinions or trying to meet social expectations.
However, true happiness and fulfillment come not from external evaluation or comparison, but from accepting oneself. While education, occupation, and possessions are certainly elements that enrich life, they are not everything. What matters is living while cherishing one’s own values and beliefs without being swayed by these things.
This proverb also provides important insights about how to relate to others. When judging people, we tend to focus on superficial aspects, but by paying attention to inner attractions such as how they speak, their thoughtfulness, and sincerity, we can build deeper human relationships.
In modern society, we are surrounded by overflowing information and constantly compared to something, but this is precisely why the teaching of “Body is body and passes through naked boy” shines. Cherishing one’s authentic self and accepting others as they are—such warm human relationships are what bring true richness, don’t you think?
Comments