How to Read “住めば都”
Sumeba miyako
Meaning of “住めば都”
“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
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.
Interesting Facts
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
- 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
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.
When AI Hears This
Research shows that the brain adapts to new environments in approximately 21 days. This is due to a brain mechanism called “neuroplasticity,” where repeated exposure to the same stimuli causes the brain to become less responsive to those stimuli.
For example, even in a place where noise was initially bothersome, after living there for about three weeks, the brain judges “this is not a dangerous sound” and stops producing stress responses. This is the true nature of “getting used to” something.
Even more fascinating is a phenomenon called the “mere exposure effect.” In experiments by psychologist Zajonc, it was found that the more times people saw the same photograph of a face, the more favorable feelings they developed toward that face. In other words, simply increasing the frequency of contact creates attachment.
The same thing happens with living environments. Daily exposure to the same scenery, walking the same routes, and casual interactions with neighbors accumulate, and the brain automatically begins to recognize that environment as “favorable.”
Particularly noteworthy is that this attachment formation requires no “conscious effort.” The brain automatically accepts the environment and nurtures attachment. This psychological change that ancient people knew through experience has now been proven by modern neuroscience as an “automatic brain adaptation function.”
Lessons for Today
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.
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