Essential Japanese Business Sayings for New Entrepreneurs

Hi, my name is Taisei Koshida, and I am a certified public accountant and tax accountant.

I aim to assist non-Japanese business owners who need help with reading or writing in Japanese. If you find the Japanese tax return system challenging, I can help you with your tax filings.

If you are unclear about traditional sayings for the Japanese business Scene, you might find this blog helpful.

Tana-bota (棚ボタ)

There is a saying “tana kara botamochi” (棚からボタ餅) which means it’s very fortunate to receive a botamochi that falls from a shelf. This saying is often abbreviated as “tana-bota” (棚ボタ). It is used to describe a situation where something unexpectedly lucky occurs due to external factors.

When it rains, it pours (泣きっ面に蜂)

This saying is used when a series of unfortunate events happen one after another.

Blessing in disguise (怪我の功名)

It refers to a situation where an unintentional act or mistake unexpectedly leads to a positive outcome. For example, it might be used when a wrong turn leads to a chance meeting with an acquaintance, which subsequently results in beneficial business opportunities.

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