The English translation is below
海外に知られている日本の言葉には、
『一期一会』「今、この瞬間を大切にする」や
『七転び八起き』「失敗しても立ち上がるという不屈の精神」
などがあるそうですね。でも、、、ハッ！
そんな綺麗事ばかりでは世の中渡っていけません
言っちゃ悪いけど、実はそう思ってる人多いんじゃ…？
ということわざは、海外にはあまり知られていないと思うので
今回は日本のダークサイドの１つとしてご紹介しようと思います♪
①枯れ木も山の賑わい
いかに価値のない、つまらないものでもないよりはマシ、
という意味。「数合わせ」として使われることも多く
「質の低さを数で補う」というニュアンスです。
たとえば。。。行ってみてガッガリの合コンとか‼︎
失礼になるので、相手に面と向かって言ってはいけません
②飛んで火に入る夏の虫
夏の夜に明かりにつられてやってきた虫が、自ら火の中に
飛び込んで焼け死んでしまう様子から、自分から進んで
災難や危険な状況に突っ込んでいく、愚かな行為
ま、自爆行為ってヤツですね
③飼い犬に手を噛まれる
かわいがっていた部下や、世話をしていた人から
思いがけない裏切りや害を受けること。恩を仇で返す
とも言い換えられ、100％裏切った相手が悪い、という
スタンスです。
ただ…こういうタイプって、自分は完璧な飼主だと思い込んで
いそうだし、「可愛がってやったのに」「面倒を見てやったのに」
なんて傲慢さが透けて見えたからなんじゃないの？
…と考えてしまう私ってダーク♪
④旅の恥はかき捨て
旅先では知っている人もおらず、その場限りで終わるため
普段なら恥ずかしいと感じることでも平気でできてしまうこと
「旅先なら何をしてもOK」という解放感、一時定期な無責任さ
⑤長い物には巻かれろ
自分より権力や勢力の強い相手には、逆らわずに従っている方が
身を守れる得策であるということ。なんだか今の世界情勢を
表しているような気も。。。
⑥出る杭は打たれる
これは海外でも有名らしいですね（悪い意味で）
「日本の社会性」を説明する言葉として、教科書やビジネス書で
必ず紹介されるとか（涙）頭角を表す有能な人や
周囲と違う目立つ行動をする人は妬みや反感を買って
非難・妨害されやすいと言う教訓です
お〜〜！ コワ〜〜〜‼︎
欧米の「個性を尊重する文化」とは真逆の「同調圧力」を
象徴するダークな格言です。才能を嫉妬で潰す、集団の陰湿さが滲んでいて
個人的にはすごく残念で、情けないことわざだな、と思っています
。。。ここまではちょっとダークなことわざでしたが
これは序の口です。次に紹介する時は、他人への不信感
世の中の不条理、人間の悪意や残酷さを表すことわざを
紹介したいと思っています…フフフ…
Some Japanese expressions are well known overseas, such as Ichigo ichie — “treasuring this once-in-a-lifetime moment” — or Nana korobi ya oki — “fall seven times, stand up eight,” symbolizing resilience.
But… wait.
Life isn’t something you can navigate with beautiful ideals alone.
It may sound harsh to say this, but deep down, don’t many people actually feel that way?
There are plenty of proverbs that reflect those more cynical thoughts — yet they aren’t widely known outside Japan.
So this time, I’d like to introduce one side of Japan’s darker wisdom.
① Even a Dead Tree Adds to the Mountain
This proverb means that even something useless or unimpressive is better than nothing.
It’s often used in the sense of “just making up the numbers,”
or compensating for low quality with quantity.
For example… imagine going to a group date and ending up completely disappointed.
Well — even then, “a dead tree still adds to the mountain,” right?
Of course, it would be terribly rude to say that to someone’s face.
② Like a Moth Flying into a Flame
On a summer night, insects are drawn to light —
and sometimes they fly straight into the fire and burn themselves.
From that image comes this proverb:
to rush headfirst into trouble or danger by your own choice.
In other words… a self-inflicted disaster.
③ Bitten by the Dog You Raised
This proverb refers to being betrayed or harmed by someone you once cared for —
a subordinate you supported, or someone you looked after.
It’s similar to saying, “to repay kindness with betrayal,”
and it usually takes the stance that the betrayer is 100% at fault.
But…
I can’t help wondering about something.
People who use this phrase often seem convinced they were the perfect “owner.”
You sometimes hear the tone behind it:
“I was so good to them.”
“I took care of them.”
And yet… could it be that a bit of arrogance was showing through?
Maybe that’s what led to the bite in the first place.
…The fact that I think this way might be the darkest part of all.
④ What Happens on a Trip Stays on the Trip
This proverb suggests that when you’re traveling,
there’s no one around who knows you —
and whatever happens will likely end there.
Because of that, you might find yourself doing things
you’d normally be too embarrassed to do.
It captures that sense of freedom —
and perhaps a temporary kind of irresponsibility —
the feeling that “anything goes” as long as you’re away from home.
⸻
⑤ Wrap Yourself Around the Long Thing
This proverb advises that when facing someone more powerful —
someone with greater authority or influence —
it’s wiser to comply than to resist.
In other words, aligning yourself with the strong
is often the safest way to protect yourself.
Sometimes… it feels as though this proverb reflects
the current state of the world rather well.
⑥ The Nail That Sticks Out Gets Hammered Down
This one is apparently well known overseas —
unfortunately, often in a negative sense.
It’s frequently introduced in textbooks and business books
as a way to explain “Japanese social behavior.” (Yes… that one.)
The message is simple:
those who stand out — whether because of talent, confidence, or simply being different —
are likely to attract jealousy, resentment, and even obstruction.
Ohhh… scary, right?
In contrast to the Western ideal of celebrating individuality,
this proverb is often seen as symbolizing social pressure to conform.
There’s a certain darkness to it —
a sense that talent can be crushed by envy,
that the group may quietly suppress what threatens its balance.
Personally, I find it a rather unfortunate and disappointing proverb.
So far, these have been only mildly dark proverbs.
But this is merely the beginning.
Next time, I plan to introduce expressions that reveal something deeper —
distrust toward others,
the unfairness of the world,
and even the cruelty and malice hidden in human nature.
…Heh heh.
