How to Read “寄る年波には勝てない”
Yoru toshinami niwa katenai
Meaning of “寄る年波には勝てない”
“Coming age waves cannot win against” means that no matter how much one tries to resist, it is impossible to fight against the physical and mental decline that comes with aging.
This proverb is mainly used when accepting one’s own aging phenomena. It is used as an expression to accept reality with resignation when one can no longer push oneself as in youth, when feeling the decline of memory or physical strength, or when becoming more susceptible to illness.
When used regarding others, it may be used to show consideration for the health or abilities of elderly people. However, in such cases, sufficient care is needed to avoid hurting the other person.
In modern times, this proverb is understood not merely as words of resignation, but as wisdom for accepting the natural order. It continues to be beloved by many as words that teach the importance of not overexerting oneself and finding a way of life appropriate to one’s age.
Origin and Etymology
When exploring the origin of “Coming age waves cannot win against,” the formation of the word “age waves” (年波) is particularly interesting. This “wave” expresses how years come rushing toward a person one after another, like ocean waves that continuously surge forward.
This expression can already be found in Edo period literature, particularly appearing in popular literature such as ukiyo-zōshi and human interest novels. People of that time favored expressions that compared life to the sea, and words like “life’s storms” and “waves of the world” were born from the same concept.
The verb “coming” (寄る) also holds important meaning. This doesn’t simply mean “approaching,” but expresses how years press upon a person as an unavoidable natural force, like waves breaking against the shore. It skillfully expresses how time gradually erodes a person’s physical strength and spirit, just as waves erode the coastline.
The background to this proverb’s widespread adoption likely includes the short average lifespan of the Edo period. For people of that time who had to face aging at a much earlier stage than today, this expression must have been words that carried urgent reality.
Interesting Facts
The expression “age waves” is actually a beautiful metaphorical expression unique to Japan. While Chinese classics contain expressions like “years and months” and “passage of time,” the concept of comparing the flow of time to waves is thought to have originated in Japan.
Many works using “age waves” remain in Edo period haiku and senryū poetry, showing that people of that time were very fond of this expression. In particular, the images of “repetition” and “accumulation” that waves possess were highly valued for excellently expressing the essence of aging.
Usage Examples
- Climbing stairs has become difficult lately, and I think that coming age waves cannot win against
- I used to be fine staying up all night, but coming age waves cannot win against, so I decided to rest early
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, complex reactions can be seen toward the concept of “Coming age waves cannot win against.” With medical advances greatly extending average lifespan and increasing numbers of people remaining active in their 60s and 70s, this proverb can sometimes feel outdated.
With the development of anti-aging technology and rising health consciousness, many people now aim to “defeat the age waves.” There are increasing numbers of elderly people who go to gyms, seniors who learn new technologies, and people in their 60s who start businesses, overturning conventional images of “aging.”
On the other hand, in today’s uniquely stressful society, even younger generations increasingly experience “age waves.” Due to demands for information processing speed, long working hours, and rapid technological changes, many people in their 30s and 40s feel they “can’t keep up.”
However, the essential value of this proverb remains unchanged. For modern people tired of perfectionism and overly competitive society, it is beginning to take on new meaning as words that teach the importance of “acceptance.” Rather than overexerting oneself, it may be wisdom particularly needed in modern times as a guideline for a way of life that values one’s own pace.
When AI Hears This
The anti-aging market has reached approximately 60 trillion yen globally, with technologies to “fight aging” emerging one after another, from cosmetic surgery to gene therapy. However, interestingly, the more this industry develops, the more people’s anxiety about aging actually increases.
For example, in South Korea, cosmetic surgery has become so commonplace that the fear of “aging naturally” has become a social problem. In other words, a paradox has emerged where the more a culture spreads that treats aging as an “enemy,” the less people become able to accept growing old.
On the other hand, the idea shown in this proverb of “accepting aging as a natural flow” is actually supported by the latest psychological research. Multiple survey results have reported that people who accept aging have higher levels of happiness than those who are obsessed with anti-aging.
Even more noteworthy is that while Silicon Valley billionaires invest hundreds of millions of yen pursuing immortality, many of them fail to achieve mental satisfaction. This suggests the possibility that “resistance to aging” actually robs people of life fulfillment.
It could be said that the modern anti-aging industry has scientifically validated the ancient wisdom contained in this proverb: “peace through acceptance, not resignation.”
Lessons for Today
What “Coming age waves cannot win against” teaches modern people is the importance of flexibility in accepting change. We tend to compare our past and present selves and become depressed, or try to force ourselves to do the same things as when we were young.
However, this proverb teaches the value of finding what we can do now, rather than making futile resistance against things we “cannot win against.” If physical strength declines, supplement with wisdom; if memory fails, cover with experience—such flexible shifts in thinking can enrich our lives.
Modern society tends to demand “continuous growth,” but sometimes it’s necessary to pause and accept our current selves. By acknowledging our imperfect, limited selves, we can actually gain peace of mind and become kinder to those around us.
Age waves are certainly unavoidable, but this is definitely not defeat. Finding the beauty and value appropriate to each period as the beginning of a new season of life. Such a positive attitude of acceptance may be the true message this proverb wants to convey.
Comments