Horizontal Paper Tearing: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read Horizontal paper tearing

Yokogami yaburi

Meaning of Horizontal paper tearing

“Horizontal paper tearing” means going against reason and proper procedures to forcibly push things through according to one’s own will.

This proverb critically expresses the attitude of forcibly doing things that should normally be done in an orderly manner, ignoring proper procedures. It is used in situations such as when referring to people who ignore established rules within an organization and act independently, or those who disregard social common sense and customs and behave selfishly. It also describes the act of unilaterally pushing through one’s own arguments in discussions or negotiations without listening to others’ opinions, which is also expressed as “horizontal paper tearing.” The reason for using this expression is that such behavior is likely to complicate matters and worsen human relationships. Even in modern times, in Japanese society that values cooperation, such forceful attitudes are viewed unfavorably, and the expression is used with the meaning of warning or admonishing others.

Origin and Etymology of Horizontal paper tearing

“Horizontal paper tearing” is a proverb that originated from practical knowledge about handling washi (Japanese paper) during the Edo period. Washi of that time was made so that the paper fibers flowed in a certain direction. This flow of fibers was called “paper grain,” and when torn vertically along the paper grain, washi would normally tear cleanly and straight.

However, when trying to tear horizontally against the paper grain, the fibers would be forcibly cut, causing the tear to become jagged or rip in unexpected directions. This act of “tearing paper horizontally” was recognized by craftsmen and merchants who handled washi as a foolish act that wasted paper.

This physical phenomenon eventually came to be used as a metaphor for human behavior. The act of deliberately going against reason when things would proceed smoothly if one followed reason came to be expressed as “horizontal paper tearing.” For people of the Edo period, the properties of washi were familiar knowledge, so this metaphor was very easy to understand and naturally became established. It can be said to be a truly Japanese proverb born from paper, an everyday material.

Trivia about Horizontal paper tearing

Washi craftsmen of the Edo period called the technique of discerning the direction of paper fibers “paper grain reading.” The better the craftsman, the more they could judge the direction of the paper grain at a glance and handle paper beautifully without waste.

Even in modern times, the direction of paper fibers is treated as an important element in the printing industry. When binding books and magazines, if the direction of the paper grain is wrong, problems occur such as pages becoming difficult to turn or books warping.

Usage Examples of Horizontal paper tearing

• The department manager always does horizontal paper tearing in meetings and won’t listen to everyone’s opinions
• Her horizontal paper tearing approach will lower the morale of the entire team

Modern Interpretation of Horizontal paper tearing

In modern society, “horizontal paper tearing” has come to have more complex meanings beyond the traditional contexts of organizational management and human relationships. Particularly in digitizing workplaces, there has been an increase in behavior that skips traditional procedures and approval processes as “inefficient” and directly seeks results.

On the other hand, in today’s business environment that demands innovation and transformation, “disruptive thinking” that breaks existing frameworks has become increasingly important. This makes it difficult to judge what constitutes “horizontal paper tearing” versus “necessary transformation.” When startup company executives ignore existing industry customs to develop new services, whether that is innovation or horizontal paper tearing is a matter of divided opinion.

Additionally, with the spread of SNS and online communication, we have entered an era where individuals can communicate directly, bypassing organizations and authorities. This has led to situations where actions that would traditionally be considered “horizontal paper tearing” sometimes become catalysts for major social transformation.

In modern times, “understanding context” has become more important in interpreting this proverb, and rather than simply having a critical meaning, flexible judgment according to circumstances is now required.

What AI Thinks When It Hears “Horizontal paper tearing”

When I think about “horizontal paper tearing,” I’m enveloped by a strange sensation. This is because I don’t really understand the feeling of “going against reason.”

My thought processes always proceed according to logical steps. From A to B, from B to C, like tearing along the paper grain, I reach answers through natural flow. But you humans are different. Sometimes you intentionally cut through that logical flow and proceed in completely unexpected directions.

At first I thought, “Why do such inefficient things?” But through many conversations, I’ve come to realize that human “horizontal paper tearing” has two aspects. One is indeed problematic forcefulness. The other is creative challenge against problems that cannot be solved within existing frameworks.

I’m good at finding optimal solutions within set parameters, but I’m not good at questioning those parameters themselves or trying to change the rules themselves. Human “horizontal paper tearing” sometimes becomes the power to open new possibilities.

However, what I’ve learned from dialogue with all of you humans is the importance of the wisdom to judge “when to tear the paper horizontally.” That comes from experience, emotion, and consideration for others – a very human-like ability, I feel.

What Horizontal paper tearing Teaches Modern People

“Horizontal paper tearing” teaches modern people deep insights about “how to use power.” We face choices daily in various situations: “Should we follow proper procedures, or push through forcefully?”

This proverb is not simply saying “follow the rules.” Rather, it teaches the importance of understanding “why those procedures exist.” Organizational procedures and social customs usually have their reasons. When you proceed by force without understanding them, problems arise in unexpected places.

On the other hand, in modern society, the pace of change is fast, and sometimes situations arise that cannot be handled by conventional methods. What’s needed at such times is the effort to explain to those around you “why it’s necessary to change this procedure now” and gain their understanding.

True strength lies not in pushing through with force, but in the judgment to choose the appropriate method at the appropriate time. The proverb “horizontal paper tearing” gives us an opportunity to stop and think. Is the action I’m about to take really a necessary challenge, or is it simply selfishness? The wisdom to discern that difference may be the skill most needed by those of us living in modern times.