How to Read “鬼の霍乱”
Oni no kakuran
Meaning of “鬼の霍乱”
“Demon’s sudden illness” is a proverb that describes when someone who is usually very healthy and never gets sick unusually falls ill or becomes unwell.
This proverb is used in situations where someone who is always energetic and rarely even catches a cold suddenly develops a fever or becomes ill. It’s used in situations where people around them are surprised, thinking “even that person gets sick.” It’s used to express an unexpected side of someone who was thought to be as strong as a demon.
Even in modern times, this proverb fits perfectly when someone at work or school who is thought to “never take a day off” or be “completely immune to illness” unusually falls ill. It’s especially often used when someone who always cares about others’ health but never gets sick themselves, or when someone who prides themselves on their physical strength ends up bedridden. This proverb contains an understanding of human limitations – that even the strongest people are not perfect – and a certain sense of relatability.
Origin and Etymology
To understand the origin of “Demon’s sudden illness,” it’s important to first know the meaning of the word “kakuran” (sudden illness). Kakuran is a medical term that has been used since ancient times, referring to acute illnesses accompanied by severe diarrhea and vomiting, similar to what we now call cholera. The character “kaku” means “suddenly,” implying a disease that strikes without warning.
So why does a “demon” appear in this expression? In traditional Japanese thinking, demons were depicted as beings with superhuman strength, possessing robust bodies that were immune to illness. The idea that even such demons could sometimes suffer from diseases like kakuran is thought to be the origin of this proverb.
Since this expression can be found in Edo period literature, we know it has been in use for at least several hundred years. For people of that time, kakuran was a terrifying disease that could be life-threatening. This is why the lesson that even the strongest beings cannot overcome illness is embedded in this proverb. What’s interesting is that by using the supernatural being of a demon, it expresses reverence for human limitations and the laws of nature.
Interesting Facts
The disease called kakuran corresponds to “cholera” in modern medicine, but during the Edo period it was also called “mikka korori” (three-day death). This was because people often died within about three days of onset, making it one of the most feared diseases of the time.
The idea of demons getting sick arose from Japan’s unique view of demons. Unlike Western devils, Japanese demons are sometimes depicted as beings that can fall ill or show human-like weaknesses, which may have made the expression “Demon’s sudden illness” possible.
Usage Examples
- My father is experiencing Demon’s sudden illness – he’s unusually bedridden with a cold
- For health-conscious Mr. Tanaka to be hospitalized is truly Demon’s sudden illness
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of “Demon’s sudden illness” has become more complex. Rather than simply meaning “a healthy person getting sick” as in the past, it’s now also used in situations where perfectionists make mistakes or usually calm people become emotional. This is because the modern concept of “strength” has expanded from purely physical to mental and social aspects.
Especially in the SNS era, there are increasing situations where this proverb applies when people who constantly post positive content express weakness, or when capable people admit to failures. However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Rather, it may be teaching us the importance of showing human-like weakness in modern society where perfection is often demanded.
On the other hand, the concept of health management has also changed. In the past, “not getting sick = being strong,” but now with the development of preventive medicine, regular health checkups and early detection are emphasized. Therefore, cases where “never-sick” people actually overlook serious conditions are not uncommon.
Modern “Demon’s sudden illness” has new value as an expression that represents the fragility behind apparent strength and the humanity of people who seem perfect.
When AI Hears This
For people in the Edo period, cholera was truly feared as “a disease that could fell even demons.” Cholera first arrived in Japan in 1822, terrorizing society with its violent symptoms that could claim lives within mere hours to days. The mortality rate reached 50-60% at the time, and the way it mercilessly struck regardless of social status or age gave people a sense of despair that “even the strongest demon in this world cannot defeat this disease.”
What’s particularly noteworthy is the social psychology behind the birth of this proverb. People in the Edo period typically viewed “demons” – beings with superhuman powers – as symbols of overcoming disasters and hardships. Yet before cholera, even these demons became powerless. This expression captures both the resignation that “no matter how strong someone is, they cannot defeat illness” and the simultaneous shock that “it’s unbelievable that such a strong person could fall ill.”
While we still feel surprise today when we say “I can’t believe that person caught a cold,” the fear of cholera in the Edo period was incomparable. This proverb serves as a precious linguistic heritage that conveys to us the raw terror and helplessness of people from an era when infectious diseases dominated entire societies.
Lessons for Today
What “Demon’s sudden illness” teaches us today is the obvious but easily forgotten truth that no perfect person exists. When we see only the shining aspects of others on social media, we might feel like we’re the only ones who are weak, but even people who seem very strong have weak parts.
This proverb also teaches us the importance of compassion toward others. When someone who is usually energetic falls ill, rather than just saying “how unusual,” it’s important to understand that person’s particular struggles and support them. It also frees us from the pressure to be perfect with ourselves.
In modern society, we’re often expected to always be strong, but sometimes it’s necessary to show weakness. This is not something to be ashamed of, but proof of our humanity. I hope you too will have the courage to accept “Demon’s sudden illness” sometimes, without pushing yourself too hard. By doing so, you should be able to gain richer human relationships and true strength.
Comments