How to Read “Distance is the fragrance of flowers”
tōki wa hana no ka
Meaning of “Distance is the fragrance of flowers”
“Distance is the fragrance of flowers” means that things far away seem more beautiful and attractive than they really are.
It describes how people tend to see things they can’t reach or don’t have yet as more wonderful than they actually are.
This proverb applies to many situations in life, including romance, work, and daily living.
For example, you might feel drawn to someone in a long-distance relationship, think other people’s lives look better than yours, or believe a new job would be better than your current one.
In reality, these things probably have flaws too. But distance makes us idealize them.
Even today, this proverb perfectly describes why other people’s lives on social media look enviable, or why luxury brands we can’t afford seem extra special.
When there’s distance between us and something, our imagination fills in the gaps. We tend to see only the good parts.
Origin and Etymology
There are no clear written records about the origin of this proverb. However, we can make interesting observations from how the phrase is constructed.
“Distance is the fragrance of flowers” is deeply connected to Japanese aesthetic sensibilities.
The fragrance of flowers actually feels more pleasant when it drifts from a distance rather than when you smell it up close.
This proverb applies this natural phenomenon to human psychology.
Japanese classical literature contains many descriptions of finding beauty in distant things.
Nobles in the Heian period developed a culture that valued suggestion and lingering impressions over direct expression.
Even in romance, poetry often described how objects of admiration seemed more beautiful when they were far away rather than easily obtained.
This proverb also reflects a uniquely Japanese aesthetic called “the beauty of distance.”
Japanese culture has deep roots in ideas that enhance beauty through appropriate spacing. Examples include the concept of “ma” (space) in tea ceremony and “borrowed scenery” techniques in garden design.
Within this cultural background, the proverb likely emerged naturally from people’s experiences and was passed down through generations.
Interesting Facts
Scientifically, flower fragrances actually do feel most pleasant from a moderate distance.
Too close, and the scent molecules become too concentrated and overpowering. Too far, and they don’t reach you at all.
The fragrance drifting at just the right distance feels most beautiful.
This proverb applies this natural principle to human relationships and desires. It shows remarkably sharp observation.
Usage Examples
- When I hear about my friend working abroad, I feel envious. But distance is the fragrance of flowers—they probably face many hardships too.
- The department next door looks easy, but that’s just distance is the fragrance of flowers. Every workplace has its difficulties.
Universal Wisdom
“Distance is the fragrance of flowers” brilliantly captures the essence of human imagination and desire.
Why do people find distant things more beautiful?
It’s because humans have the power to imagine “what isn’t here right now.”
When something is right in front of you, you can see all its flaws and strengths. But with distant things, you can only fill in the gaps with imagination.
And human imagination conveniently paints only the beautiful parts.
This psychology reflects “the power to seek better things” that humanity acquired through evolution.
Not being satisfied with the present, finding hope in distant possibilities—this power allowed humanity to explore new lands and develop civilization.
But at the same time, this psychology can make people unhappy.
Once you obtain something, its charm fades. Then you seek something else far away. You end up carrying an eternal thirst that can never be satisfied.
Our ancestors understood this human nature well.
They knew that seeing distant things as beautiful is an illusion. True happiness comes from cherishing what you have right now.
This proverb was born from such deep understanding of humanity. It’s a warning not to be fooled by illusions created by distance.
Look clearly at the reality in front of you. That’s why this proverb has been passed down for hundreds of years.
When AI Hears This
The human brain automatically switches information processing modes as distance increases.
According to research by psychologists Trope and Liberman, things right in front of you are processed with “low-level construal.” You notice even small flaws.
Meanwhile, distant things switch to “high-level construal.” The brain extracts only essential features and idealizes them.
For example, tomorrow’s meeting makes you worry about “typos in documents” and “the boss’s mood.”
But a project one year away becomes an abstract, beautiful image of “growth opportunity.”
The brain automatically deletes noise information from distant objects, leaving only the positive core. This is a filter function.
Flower fragrance works the same way. Get close and you see insects and wilted petals. From far away, only the most attractive element—the fragrance—reaches you.
Interestingly, distance includes four types: physical distance, temporal distance, social distance, and hypothetical distance.
In the hypothetically distant situation of “if I won the lottery,” you imagine ideal ways to spend it.
But when people actually win, they face realistic problems like relationship troubles.
In other words, many human judgment errors stem from this automatic beautification function caused by distance.
When making important decisions like changing jobs, getting married, or moving, deliberately simulate from a “close perspective.”
This helps you discover specific difficulties that aren’t visible from far away.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches modern people “the importance of reconsidering the value of what you have now.”
When you feel envious seeing others’ lives on social media, or expect everything to change with a new job or move, pause for a moment.
The beauty you see in distant things might be an illusion created by your own mind.
Your current job, relationships, and environment surely have wonderful aspects too. You’ve just stopped seeing them.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you should be satisfied with the present and stop challenging yourself.
What matters is making calm judgments.
Before chasing distant things, determine whether they truly have value or are just illusions created by distance.
The grass always looks greener on the other side. But at your feet, there are flowers that could bloom beautifully if you carefully tend them.
If you only look far away, you’ll miss the happiness that exists here and now.
Sometimes bring your gaze back to what’s at hand. Check the true value of what you have now.
You’ll surely make new discoveries.
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