As someone dedicated to mastering a second language, I understand the challenge of pushing through the frustrating language-learning plateau. Motivation is key to staying on track.
Whether you’re wrestling with complex grammar or striving for the confidence to speak fluently, a spark of wisdom from an inspiring voice can reignite your passion.
Today, we’re exploring five motivational quotes from renowned Japanese figures—icons whose words can uplift your mindset and enhance your practical language skills.
Let’s dive in!
1. Hayao Miyazaki (宮崎駿) – The Power of Energy Over Talent
才能は大抵の人が持っているけど、才能があるかないかではなく、それを発揮するエネルギーがあるかどうか。
Talent is something most people have, but it’s not about whether you have it or not—it’s about whether you have the energy to bring it out.
Miyazaki, the legendary animator behind films like Spirited Away, reminds us that raw potential isn’t enough; it’s the drive to act on it that counts. For language learners, this is a nudge to channel your energy into daily practice rather than doubting your innate abilities. Feeling stuck? Remember, fluency comes from consistent effort!
Useful expressions from the quote:
- 大抵の人 (taitei no hito) – Most people
- 発揮する (hakki suru) – To demonstrate one’s ability
2. Yoko Ono (ヨーコ・オノ) – Healing Yourself and Others
自身を癒すということは、自分以外の人々を癒すことと関係があります。
Healing yourself is connected with healing others.
The avant-garde artist and peace activist Yoko Ono highlights the link between personal growth and empathy. In the context of learning Japanese, this inspires us to see our progress as part of a broader community—encouraging connection through sharing experiences with fellow learners or native speakers, fostering mutual support and growth.
Useful expressions from the quote:
- 癒す (iyasu) – To heal oneself
- 関係がある (kankei ga aru) – Is related to / has a connection
3. Marie Kondo (近藤麻理恵) – Letting Go of Attachments
何かを手放せない理由を深く掘り下げると、過去への執着と未来への恐れの2つしかありません。
When you dig deep into the reasons why you can’t let go of something, there are only two: attachment to the past and fear of the future.
The tidying expert Marie Kondo applies her philosophy beyond physical clutter to emotional baggage. For advanced learners, this serves as a powerful metaphor for letting go of ineffective study habits or fears of making mistakes in conversation, creating space for newfound fluency.
Useful expressions from the quote:
- 手放せない (tebanasenai) – Can’t let go
- 掘り下げる (horisageru) – To dig down (for deeper examination)
4. Shohei Ohtani (大谷翔平) – Reframing Failure as Progress
周りからは失敗に見えることでも、僕からしたら前へ進むための段階という場合があります。決して、後ろに下がっているわけではない。
Even if something looks like a failure from the outside, from my perspective, it can be a step towards moving forward. It’s definitely not stepping back.
Baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani shares his resilient mindset, turning setbacks into stepping stones. This is perfect for learners facing plateaus—viewing grammar slip-ups or awkward chats as essential stages in your path to confidence.
Useful expressions from the quote:
- 前へ進む (mae e susumu) – To move forward
- 決して…ではない (kesshite…de wa nai) – Definitely not…
5. Hiroyuki Sanada (真田広之) – Choosing Risk for Growth
何かを決める時はリスクもありますが、“やりたいことに飛び込んだ自分”と、“飛び込むのを諦めた自分”の10年後を比較してみてどっちがいいか考えました。
When deciding something, there are risks, but I compared myself in 10 years after jumping into what I wanted to do versus giving up on jumping in, and thought about which one was better.
Actor Hiroyuki Sanada, known for roles in The Last Samurai and Shōgun, advocates envisioning long-term outcomes to embrace opportunities. Apply this to your Japanese studies: Imagine your fluent self in a decade, and take that leap into immersive practice.
Useful expressions from the quote:
- …に飛び込む (… ni tobi komu) – To jumped in
- 比較する (hikaku suru) – To compare
There you have it—five gems of wisdom to fuel your Japanese adventure.
These quotes aren’t just inspirational; they’re gateways to richer vocabulary and more authentic expression. Pick one phrase today, weave it into a journal entry or chat with a language partner, and watch your confidence grow.
If these resonated with you, reply and share which quote hit home hardest—I’d love to hear!
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