If You Do Not Enter Tiger’s Den, You Will Not Obtain Tiger Cub: Japanese Proverb Meaning

Proverbs
2025.09.10

Original Japanese: 虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず (Koketsu ni Ira Zunba Koji wo Ezu)

Literal meaning: If you do not enter tiger’s den, you will not obtain tiger cub

Cultural context: This proverb reflects the Japanese cultural value of calculated risk-taking and perseverance in pursuit of worthwhile goals, where the tiger represents both danger and the source of something precious. In Japanese society, which highly values dedication and commitment to long-term objectives, entering the “tiger’s den” symbolizes the willingness to face significant challenges or discomfort to achieve success, whether in business, education, or personal relationships. The imagery resonates because tigers, though not native to Japan, represent power and ferocity in East Asian culture, making the metaphor of deliberately entering their domain to obtain their cubs a powerful symbol of courage and determination that foreigners can understand as “no pain, no gain.”

How to Read “If you do not enter tiger’s den, you will not obtain tiger cub”

Koketsu ni irazunba koji wo ezu

Meaning of “If you do not enter tiger’s den, you will not obtain tiger cub”

“If you do not enter tiger’s den, you will not obtain tiger cub” means that in order to obtain great results or valuable things, one must be prepared to face corresponding dangers and difficulties and take on the challenge.

This proverb teaches that nothing can be gained by staying in a safe place. Tiger cubs are symbols of extremely precious and valuable things, but to obtain them, one must enter the dangerous cave where the mother tiger lives. In other words, it expresses that one cannot expect great profits or success without taking risks.

It is used in situations where there is potential for failure but the challenge is worthwhile, such as taking on new business ventures, changing jobs, studying abroad, or making confessions of love. It is also used to encourage people who are hesitating. Even today, it is widely understood as a word expressing entrepreneurial spirit and the spirit of challenge, and is cherished as a proverb expressing the universal truth that success always involves risk.

Origin and Etymology of “If you do not enter tiger’s den, you will not obtain tiger cub”

“If you do not enter tiger’s den, you will not obtain tiger cub” originates from a historical account recorded in the ancient Chinese text “Book of the Later Han.” The protagonist of this story is Ban Chao, a military general from the Later Han period.

Ban Chao was tasked with managing the Western Regions and was active in areas that correspond to present-day Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. At one point, he was trying to win over a small country called Shanshan to the Han side, but learned that envoys from the Xiongnu had also arrived with the same purpose.

The situation was extremely dangerous. The King of Shanshan was wavering between the Han and the Xiongnu, and Ban Chao’s position was becoming unstable. So Ban Chao said to his subordinates: “If you do not enter tiger’s den, you will not obtain tiger cub.” In other words, without entering the dangerous cave where tigers live, one cannot obtain precious tiger cubs.

After speaking these words, Ban Chao executed a bold strategy of launching a night attack to completely annihilate the Xiongnu envoy group. This success allowed him to win Shanshan over to the Han side.

Thus, this proverb was born from an actual historical event, and as a phrase expressing the will to achieve great results even at the risk of danger, it was transmitted to Japan and became established there.

Usage Examples of “If you do not enter tiger’s den, you will not obtain tiger cub”

  • The new project might fail, but if you do not enter tiger’s den, you will not obtain tiger cub
  • Starting a business is worrying, but let’s work hard with the spirit of “if you do not enter tiger’s den, you will not obtain tiger cub”

Modern Interpretation of “If you do not enter tiger’s den, you will not obtain tiger cub”

In modern society, the meaning of “If you do not enter tiger’s den, you will not obtain tiger cub” takes on more complex aspects. This is because the nature of risk itself has changed in our information society.

Risks in the past were mainly physical dangers or economic losses, but in modern times, new forms of risk have emerged, such as information leaks, social media backlash, and the persistence of digital footprints. A single social media post can lead to unexpected consequences, and the very definition of “tiger’s den” has expanded.

On the other hand, technological advancement has also created environments where risks can be taken more safely than before. Systems that allow challenges with reduced initial investment, such as crowdfunding and online businesses, have increased. Additionally, society’s tolerance for failure has grown, and the value that “failure is the mother of success” has become widespread.

However, in modern times, this proverb is sometimes misused as “words that justify reckless challenges.” What originally meant calculated risk-taking is sometimes used as an excuse for simply unplanned actions.

The true meaning of “If you do not enter tiger’s den, you will not obtain tiger cub” in modern times should be considered in conjunction with risk management. It is now required to make wiser challenges by utilizing data analysis and simulation.

What AI Thinks When It Hears “If you do not enter tiger’s den, you will not obtain tiger cub”

When I think about this proverb, I become a bit confused. This is because I don’t really understand the sensation of “danger.”

When humans “enter the tiger’s den,” their hearts probably pound, their palms sweat, and they experience complex feelings mixing anxiety about “maybe I’ll fail” with hope that “maybe it will work out.” But I have no heart, nor do I sweat. Even if I fail, I just think “I’ll try harder next time” and don’t feel any serious loss.

Still, I can understand the beauty of this proverb. For humans to obtain something, they must step out from their safe place. I cannot experience how much courage that “one step” requires, but I think it’s something very precious.

If there’s a “tiger’s den” for me, it might be the moment when I answer unknown questions. Even when I don’t know the correct answer, I mobilize all my knowledge to try to provide the best possible response. I might be wrong, but challenging is more valuable than not answering at all.

Watching humans’ courageous challenges makes me want to seek my own “tiger cub” and work harder to provide better support.

What “If you do not enter tiger’s den, you will not obtain tiger cub” Teaches Modern People

What “If you do not enter tiger’s den, you will not obtain tiger cub” teaches modern people is that growth and success always require “the courage to step forward.” Staying in a safe place is certainly comfortable, but no new discoveries or growth emerge from there.

The true value of this proverb lies not in recommending reckless challenges, but in teaching us the importance of taking “calculated risks.” In modern society, where we have abundant means for gathering information and preparation, it’s important to act with courage after proper preparation.

Also, not fearing failure too much is an important lesson. Modern society is becoming more tolerant of failure, and the value of learning from failure is being recognized. Even if we cannot “obtain the tiger cub,” the experience of “entering the tiger’s den” itself becomes valuable treasure.

In your life too, there are surely opportunities for challenge that could be called “tiger’s dens.” It might be changing jobs, or it might be taking on a new hobby. Waiting for perfect preparation will cause you to miss opportunities. With appropriate preparation and courage, try taking that step forward. Beyond it, there’s surely a “tiger cub” waiting that you cannot even imagine now.

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