How to Read “うだつが上がらない”
Udatsu ga agaranai
Meaning of “うだつが上がらない”
“Udatsu does not rise” is a proverb that describes a state where one is not economically blessed, remains in a low social position, and cannot easily get ahead in life.
This expression is mainly used in situations where one laments economic hardship or low social standing. It is used to express one’s own or others’ unfortunate circumstances in situations such as when business is not going well, salary is not increasing, or one cannot get promoted.
Even in modern times, this phrase has the power to accurately express the feelings of working people. When you are making efforts but not seeing results, when you feel like you are the only one being left behind compared to others, such complex feelings can be expressed in the single phrase “Udatsu does not rise.” However, this expression contains not just mere complaints, but also positive feelings of wanting to change the current situation.
Origin and Etymology
The “udatsu” in “Udatsu does not rise” refers to fire-prevention walls found in townhouse architecture during the Edo period. These were small walls built at the boundary with neighboring houses, protruding slightly higher than the roof.
These udatsu were not merely fire-prevention equipment. Wealthy merchant houses built more magnificent and decorative udatsu, which became symbols of the house’s prestige and financial power. Udatsu were decorated with family crests and ornaments, attracting the attention of people walking down the street.
Houses without economic means could not afford the cost of building udatsu. Houses without udatsu had fire safety concerns and, more importantly, looked unsightly and were disadvantageous for business. “Udatsu does not rise” is an expression that literally originated from the meaning “unable to build udatsu.”
For people in the Edo period, udatsu were not just architectural elements but proof of social status. Houses with magnificent udatsu were evidence of prosperity, while houses without udatsu told the story of difficult economic circumstances. This architectural term gradually became established as a word describing people’s circumstances.
Interesting Facts
The udatsu of the Edo period were actually written with the kanji characters “卯建.” This combines the “卯 (u)” from the twelve zodiac signs with “建 (build),” and is thought to have contained the meaning of building in an auspicious direction.
Even today, old townscapes with magnificent udatsu are preserved in places like Mino City in Gifu Prefecture and Wakimachi in Tokushima Prefecture, serving as valuable cultural heritage that tells the story of the prosperity of merchant houses of that time.
Usage Examples
- I keep changing jobs, but wherever I go, the situation where “Udatsu does not rise” continues
- All my colleagues have been promoted, but I alone have reached middle age while “Udatsu does not rise”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the expression “Udatsu does not rise” has come to have more complex meanings. While it once simply represented economic power and social status, it now includes situations where one cannot find their own form of success within diverse value systems.
With the spread of social media, others’ successes have become more visible in modern times, so there may be more occasions to use this phrase. Many people probably compare themselves to their current situation every time they see the brilliant achievements of their peers online. However, while the udatsu of the Edo period were uniform symbols of success, modern “success” has become more personal and diverse.
With work style reforms and the emphasis on work-life balance, the idea that advancement and income are not the only values in life has also spread. Therefore, the standards for feeling that “Udatsu does not rise” differ from person to person. For some people, annual income might be the standard, while for others, the degree of social contribution or self-realization might be important.
This proverb continues to be used in modern times, but the values behind it change with the times. What’s important may be not comparing ourselves with others’ “udatsu,” but finding our own form of success.
When AI Hears This
Behind the phrase “udatsu ga agaranai” (unable to get ahead) lies the surprising reality of Japan’s stratified society during the Edo period. Udatsu were firewall structures installed between neighboring houses, but elaborate decorative udatsu transcended mere functionality to become “status symbols” – much like luxury designer handbags today.
What’s fascinating is how udatsu functioned as “inequality visualization devices” that instantly revealed a household’s economic power. Merchants and craftsmen competed to build increasingly impressive udatsu, displaying their success to anyone walking down the street. This mirrors the modern psychology of posting photos from expensive restaurants on social media.
Even more remarkable is that udatsu had a clear “ranking system.” The number of roof tiles, intricacy of decorative work, and height all served as wealth indicators, allowing neighbors to assess a family’s financial status at a glance. It was essentially a “residential report card” displaying economic standing.
This phenomenon reveals how human desire for recognition remains constant across centuries. In the Edo period, it was rooftop decorations; today, it’s social media posts. While the methods of expression have changed, the fundamental need to “be acknowledged by others” remains unchanged. “Udatsu ga agaranai” isn’t simply about career advancement – it’s a phrase that reflects the universal psychological structures of human society.
Lessons for Today
What the proverb “Udatsu does not rise” teaches us in modern times is that the definition of success changes with the times. For merchants in the Edo period, udatsu were absolute proof of success, but in modern times, diverse value systems exist.
What’s important is not just worrying about others’ “udatsu,” but finding goals that are truly meaningful to yourself. The lives of others that seem to shine on social media actually have their own struggles and worries. It’s important not to be misled by superficial success and to continue walking your own path.
Also, this proverb doesn’t just express dissatisfaction with the current situation, but also includes the desire for change. When you feel that “Udatsu does not rise,” it might be a chance for new challenges and learning. Even small steps, if continued, will surely open up a path. Let’s find your own “udatsu” and build it up steadily.
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