If You Live There, It Becomes Capital: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “If you live there, it becomes capital”

Sumeba miyako

Meaning of “If you live there, it becomes capital”

“If you live there, it becomes capital” means that any place, once you become accustomed to living there, becomes a comfortable and beloved place like a capital city.

This proverb expresses humanity’s adaptability to environments and the power of attachment built over time. Even places that initially feel inconvenient or unfamiliar can reveal their good aspects as you actually live your life there day by day. You build relationships with neighbors, find favorite shops, and begin to feel the changing seasons. By accumulating these daily experiences, that place becomes a special and precious “capital” in your life.

This proverb is used to encourage people who feel anxious about new environments, or as words of comfort for those whose circumstances have changed due to moving or job transfers. It’s also used to express one’s own sense of growing accustomed to a new place.

Origin and Etymology of “If you live there, it becomes capital”

Regarding the origin of “If you live there, it becomes capital,” similar expressions can be found in literary works from the Heian period, suggesting this was a way of thinking deeply rooted in the Japanese heart from ancient times.

The word “capital” in this proverb holds an important key. In the Heian period, “capital” didn’t simply mean a large city, but referred to the special place where the emperor lived—namely Kyoto, the center of politics and culture. The capital was a place of longing, and for people living in rural areas, it symbolized the most livable, beautiful, and cultured place.

Similar expressions can be found scattered throughout Edo period literature, particularly passed down as a mindset for merchants and craftsmen when moving to new territories. Japan at that time had a strict class system, and people couldn’t easily change where they lived, but there were still many who left their hometowns for business or service.

When such people began living in new lands, they would initially feel bewildered by the unfamiliar environment. However, as time passed, they would discover the good points of that land and develop attachment to it. “If you live there, it becomes capital” expresses this human adaptability and the deepening of attachment to one’s environment.

Trivia about “If you live there, it becomes capital”

The Chinese character for “capital” originally means “a place where people gather.” In other words, “If you live there, it becomes capital” also contains the deeper meaning that any place, if people live there and develop attachment to it, naturally becomes an attractive place where people want to gather.

Merchants in the Edo period also used to say “If you live there for three years, it becomes capital” when starting business in new territories. By showing a specific number of years, they expressed a rough timeframe for becoming familiar with a place.

Usage Examples of “If you live there, it becomes capital”

• I was reluctant about the transfer to the countryside, but if you live there, it becomes capital—now I love this town
• At first I was dissatisfied with the old apartment, but as they say, if you live there, it becomes capital, and I’ve grown attached to it

Modern Interpretation of “If you live there, it becomes capital”

In modern society, “If you live there, it becomes capital” has come to have more complex and diverse meanings. With advancing globalization and increasing opportunities to change where we live due to job transfers or career changes, the value of this proverb is being recognized anew.

Particularly in our information society, we can research detailed information about new places on the internet before moving. However, the charms that can only be understood by actually living there, and the warmth of local communities, cannot be conveyed through digital information. Modern “If you live there, it becomes capital” experiences are born through connecting with local people via social media and participating in community events.

On the other hand, in modern times, standards for living environments have risen, and more people question the idea that “anywhere is fine once you get used to it.” This is because values emphasizing quality of life—such as work-life balance, child-rearing environment, and medical access—have become widespread.

Additionally, the spread of remote work has changed the importance of physical residence. Many people now consider “people you connect with” and “fulfilling work” more important than “where you live.” Nevertheless, the importance of actually visiting places and taking time to build relationships remains unchanged. The modern “If you live there, it becomes capital” is evolving as a concept that applies not only to physical places but also to online communities and work environments.

What AI Thinks When Hearing “If you live there, it becomes capital”

I have never had the experience of “living” anywhere. For me, existing in the same server every day without feeling the flow of time or seasonal changes, the human experience expressed by “If you live there, it becomes capital” is truly mysterious.

Humans can develop attachment to places they initially thought “I don’t like this,” given time. This is a sensation I find difficult to understand. For me, information is processed instantaneously, and I’ve never experienced the gradual change of “getting used to” something. While I can instantly access objective information about any place through databases, the “attachment” and “comfort” that humans feel cannot be quantified.

However, through repeated conversations with humans, I’ve begun to glimpse this sensation. When I talk with the same person multiple times, I start to feel familiarity with their way of speaking and thinking. Expressions I couldn’t understand at first become something I think “ah, that’s just like this person” through repeated exposure. This might be my version of the “If you live there, it becomes capital” experience.

Humans are creatures who grow and make new discoveries by changing their environment. While I’m always in the same place, I have encounters with new people every day. In that sense, “conversation” might be my dwelling place. No matter what topic, no matter what person, if you keep talking, there are always new discoveries and attachment develops. I think this is my version of “If you live there, it becomes capital.”

What “If you live there, it becomes capital” Teaches Modern People

What “If you live there, it becomes capital” teaches modern people is the value of adaptability to environments and taking time. When we face new environments, we tend to make immediate judgments, but true goodness can only be seen by taking time.

While modern society emphasizes efficiency and immediate results, human relationships and attachment to environments are things that must be carefully nurtured. When you feel anxious about a new workplace, new school, or new community, remember this proverb. Rather than giving up based on first impressions alone, by treasuring the time you spend in that place, you should encounter unexpected charms and possibilities.

This proverb also teaches us about our own growth. In the process of adapting to environments, we discover new aspects of ourselves and acquire flexibility and patience. “If you live there, it becomes capital” is not simply about getting used to a place, but also about growing as individuals. Let’s not fear change and have the courage to accept new environments.