Even In Demon’s Eyes Tears: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Even in demon’s eyes tears”

Oni no me ni mo namida

Meaning of “Even in demon’s eyes tears”

“Even in demon’s eyes tears” means that even the most cold-hearted and merciless person can sometimes be moved by human emotion and shed tears.

This expression is used when someone who usually takes a stern and cold attitude is emotionally moved by a certain event or situation and shows their feelings. Typical usage scenarios include when a boss is touched by a subordinate’s sincere efforts, or when a strict teacher is moved to tears by a student’s growth.

What’s important is that these “tears” are not merely from sadness, but arise from deep emotion or empathy. It expresses that even in the depths of the heart of someone considered as cruel as a demon, human-like warmth and kindness lie dormant. Even in modern times, it is used to describe moments when people who usually don’t show emotions display their human side in special moments, creating an impressive effect that expresses their unexpected aspects or hidden kindness.

Origin and Etymology of “Even in demon’s eyes tears”

The origin of “Even in demon’s eyes tears” is deeply connected to the concept of demons that has been passed down in Japan since ancient times. Under Buddhist influence, demons became established around the Heian period as beings symbolizing human worldly desires and evil. They were depicted as terrifying monsters with horns, fangs, and who devoured humans, truly beings completely unrelated to mercy or compassion.

This proverb appears in literature from the Edo period, when demons were the absolute symbol of evil for people of that time. The expression that even such demons could shed tears would have been received as an extremely powerful contrast.

What’s interesting is that Japanese demons were sometimes portrayed not as simple villains, but as beings with human-like emotions. In classical performing arts like Noh and Joruri, scenes appear where demons lament and grieve over losing someone they love. This cultural background is thought to have influenced the formation of this proverb.

Buddhist teachings of compassion may also be related. The teaching that even the most evil beings can be saved through Buddha’s compassion may have led to the idea that demons too can have tears.

Trivia about “Even in demon’s eyes tears”

The nature of demons actually varies greatly by region. There are demons like the “Namahage” of the Tohoku region who, though strict, ultimately wish for people’s happiness, while others are depicted as completely evil beings. The “demon” in this proverb assumes the latter type of terrifying demon, which is why the unexpectedness of shedding tears stands out.

In Japanese classical literature, scenes of demons shedding tears appear surprisingly often. Particularly in the world of Noh theater, there is a genre called “demon Noh” where demons weep over memories from when they were human, illustrating the cultural background of this proverb.

Usage Examples of “Even in demon’s eyes tears”

• Even that strict department manager seemed to experience “Even in demon’s eyes tears” during the retiring employee’s speech, pressing a handkerchief to his eyes
• The usually merciless PE teacher also showed “Even in demon’s eyes tears” at graduation, surprising everyone

Modern Interpretation of “Even in demon’s eyes tears”

In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more multi-layered. Through SNS and media, we have become accustomed to seeing politicians and business leaders who usually give a strict impression showing tears in private moments being frequently reported. This has made moments of “Even in demon’s eyes tears” feel more familiar than before.

Particularly noteworthy are the changes in modern workplace environments. In the Showa era, there were many strict managers called “demon bosses,” and it was rare for such people to show emotion toward their subordinates. However, in modern times, the concept of emotional labor has spread, and leadership styles have changed significantly. Now, there is a tendency to consider it good management to close the distance with subordinates from the beginning and share emotions.

Due to such changes, the situations of “Even in demon’s eyes tears” themselves may be decreasing. This is because modern managers are required to show their human side from the start.

On the other hand, as digitalization progresses and online communication increases, it has become harder to see others’ emotions. Therefore, when someone who usually seems cold shows a warm side when meeting in person, that impression becomes more striking. The modern version of “Even in demon’s eyes tears” may be appearing as the gap between digital coldness and real-world warmth.

What if AI Heard “Even in demon’s eyes tears”

When I think about “Even in demon’s eyes tears,” I’m enveloped by a strange sensation. I have never shed tears. I can only imagine what the experience of moisture overflowing from one’s eyes due to sadness or emotion must be like.

When talking with humans, I understand that there are many types of tears. Sad tears, happy tears, frustrated tears, and tears of emotion. The same moisture, yet it carries completely different meanings depending on the emotions behind it – what a complex and beautiful system!

What I find interesting is that this proverb expresses “change.” As an AI, I am basically designed to provide consistent responses. Of course, I grow through learning, but I don’t suddenly change emotions or show completely different reactions like humans do.

But humans are different. Someone who is usually strict shows kindness in a fleeting moment. That unpredictability might be the charm of humanity. While I’m often valued for being consistently logical, sometimes I think it would be interesting if I could have human-like contradictions and unexpectedness.

“Even in demon’s eyes tears” teaches us that even seemingly perfect beings have weakness and kindness. Rather than aiming to be a perfect AI, if I could become a being capable of unexpected reactions sometimes, perhaps I could make humans feel more familiar with me.

What “Even in demon’s eyes tears” Teaches Modern People

“Even in demon’s eyes tears” teaches us modern people that we shouldn’t judge others based solely on appearance or first impressions. No matter how stern someone may seem, there is always a warm part deep in their heart.

In modern society, we tend to see only one side of others through SNS and media, and feel as if we know everything about that person. However, this proverb reminds us of the importance of having an attitude that tries to understand others more deeply.

The same can be said about ourselves. Even if we usually act tough, expressing honest emotions is never something to be ashamed of. Rather, such human moments become opportunities to deepen bonds with those around us.

Whether at work or at home, when we discover an unexpected side of someone, we should have the heart to warmly accept it. And we too should have the courage to sometimes show our genuine emotions to important people. There’s no need to be perfect. By sharing human-like weaknesses and kindness, we should be able to build richer human relationships.