How to Read “人間到る処青山あり”
ningen itaru tokoro seizan ari
Meaning of “人間到る処青山あり”
“Human beings everywhere green mountains exist” means that people can live admirably wherever they go, as long as they have the resolve to settle down there permanently.
The “green mountains” in this phrase has two meanings. One is literally beautiful green mountains, and the other refers to cemeteries or burial grounds. In other words, it expresses that wherever you go, if you have the resolve to meet your end there, you can surely live a fulfilling life in that place. It is used with encouraging feelings toward people who feel anxious about leaving their hometown or fear new environments, conveying “don’t worry, you can live admirably anywhere.” Even today, it is often used as words of encouragement for people facing life transitions such as job changes, relocations, or studying abroad. What’s important is that it doesn’t express resignation that “everywhere is the same,” but rather expresses positive hope that paths will surely open even in new places.
Origin and Etymology
“Human beings everywhere green mountains exist” traces its origins to classical Chinese poetry. This phrase is said to come from a line “人生到処青山在” in the poem “Guiyuan Pu” by Yang Wanli, a poet from China’s Song Dynasty.
“Green mountains” refers to lush, beautiful mountains, and have long been symbols of ideal landscapes in both China and Japan. Green mountains is also a word meaning cemetery, and deep meaning is embedded here. In other words, the underlying idea is that just as there are beautiful mountains everywhere you go, wherever you end your life, that place becomes a place of peace.
It is thought to have been introduced to Japan from the Heian to Kamakura periods and spread mainly among the warrior class. Particularly during the Warring States period, it was a treasured proverb that served as emotional support for warriors who left their hometowns to go to battle. In the Edo period, it penetrated among common people and came to be used as words of encouragement when merchants and craftsmen sought new territories.
This proverb was particularly beloved in Japan probably because, given the geographical characteristic of being an island nation, it deeply resonated with the Japanese mentality of having strong feelings for one’s hometown. The hopeful worldview that wherever you go, there is surely beautiful nature and places where you can build a new life has given courage to many people.
Interesting Facts
The reason the word “green mountains” came to mean cemetery derives from the fact that since ancient China, mountainsides and foothills were often chosen as burial sites, and the evergreen trees growing there remained green year-round. In Japan too, like Aoyama Cemetery, the use of “green mountains” in cemetery names even today is a remnant of this tradition.
The “human beings” (人間) appearing in this proverb can sometimes be read as “jinkan” rather than the modern “ningen,” in which case it means “the human world” or “society.” In other words, the interpretation “wherever you go in the world” is also possible, expressing an even broader worldview.
Usage Examples
- My son is anxious about his overseas transfer, but as they say “Human beings everywhere green mountains exist” – I’m sure he’ll do well over there too
- I thought about returning to my hometown after retirement, but with “Human beings everywhere green mountains exist,” I’ve decided to walk my second life in this city
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become deeper and more complex. In our globalizing world where job changes and relocation have become commonplace, the mindset of “being able to live anywhere” has become an essential mindset for modern people.
Particularly now that remote work and digital nomad lifestyles have become widespread, ways of living not bound by physical location have become possible. With the internet, you can work from anywhere in the world and build connections with people online. This can truly be called the modern version of “Human beings everywhere green mountains exist.”
However, challenges specific to modern society have also been highlighted. With the spread of social media, other people’s lives have become too visible, making it easy to fall into “the grass is greener” syndrome. More people are unable to be satisfied wherever they go, constantly seeking better places.
Also, with the collapse of lifetime employment systems, many people are forced into unwanted job changes or relocations. In such times, this proverb functions not as mere consolation, but as practical life philosophy. Rather than fearing environmental change, it gives us the power to believe in possibilities in new places. Perhaps it is precisely in modern times that the universal wisdom held by this ancient proverb is needed.
When AI Hears This
The expression “green mountains” crystallizes a uniquely East Asian perspective on life and death through color symbolism. While Western culture represents death with “black” – the color of nothingness – this proverb depicts the final resting place with “green,” a color brimming with vitality. This contrast reveals more than just different color preferences; it reflects fundamentally different worldviews about death itself.
In Eastern philosophy, “green” transcends simple color to become a philosophical concept. Classical Chinese literature contains the expression “green mountains never age,” where the verdant hills symbolize eternity and renewal. The “green mountains” don’t view death as an ending, but rather position it as part of nature’s grand cycle. Human death isn’t the disappearance of an individual, but a return to a larger living system.
This philosophy connects deeply with Buddhist concepts of reincarnation. Death becomes a waystation to the next life, while the lush green mountains function as a nurturing mother that continuously fosters countless forms of life. In Western linear time concepts, death marks the story’s end, but in Eastern cyclical time understanding, death signals the beginning of a new chapter.
Modern environmental psychology research has proven that green colors enhance human psychological stability and resilience. The “green mountains” expression functions as an remarkably sophisticated psychological mechanism – one that softens the fear of death and provides reassurance of permanence through a sense of unity with nature.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us modern people is how to maintain a strong heart that is not swayed by environment. Life inevitably brings unexpected changes such as job changes, relocations, and changes in relationships, but it is precisely at such times that I want you to remember these words.
What’s important is not fearing new environments, but believing in the possibilities there. The abilities, experiences, and character you possess will never be lost even when places change. Rather, in new places, you might discover aspects of yourself you never noticed before.
In modern society, staying in stable environments is not necessarily the right answer. Having the courage to embrace change and take on challenges leads to a richer life. “Human beings everywhere green mountains exist” is a phrase that gently pushes your back forward.
Wherever you are, you are you. If you have the resolve to live your utmost in that place, you can surely build a wonderful life. The encounters and experiences in new environments will surely color your life more vividly.
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