What Does ‘Nanakorobi Yaoki’ Mean? The Ultimate Guide to Japan’s Concept of Resilience

Summary: ‘Nanakorobi yaoki’ (七転び八起き) is a four-character idiom that translates literally to ‘seven times down, eight times up.’ It represents the quintessential Japanese value of resilience, suggesting that while failure is inevitable, the determination to recover is what defines success.

At its core, Nanakorobi yaoki reflects a philosophical acceptance of life’s struggles. It teaches that falling is not a failure, but a necessary step toward growth, provided one possesses the inner strength to stand up once more. This concept is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, often symbolized by the Daruma doll, which is weighted at the bottom specifically so that it always returns to an upright position regardless of how it is tipped.

How to Use Nanakorobi Yaoki

Unlike some business phrases used in strict professional hierarchies, Nanakorobi yaoki is an inspirational mindset. It is often used to encourage colleagues during a challenging project or to express personal resolve after a setback.

Scenario: A project team has faced several revisions after a client’s feedback.
Member A: ‘We have to start over again from the beginning.’
Member B: ‘Don’t worry, Nanakorobi yaoki. Let’s learn from these errors and make the next version perfect.’

Pro-Tip: To truly understand Japanese resilience, you must pair it with the concept of Shou-ga-nai. While Shou-ga-nai teaches us to accept what cannot be changed, Nanakorobi yaoki motivates us to change what we can through persistent effort. Together, they form a balanced approach to life that values both equanimity and grit, much like the commitment to group harmony found in Wa.