Even Cats and Rice Ladles: Wise and Witty World of Japanese Sayings

by Yoshie Omata

Explore the wonderful world of Japanese sayings. Did you know the Japanese have a word for when you’re not hungry but want to eat (because your mouth is lonely)? Or that there’s a word to express the way sunlight filters through the leaves of trees? Discover 50 lighthearted expressions you never knew you needed in your life, in this charming collection of 50 illustrated translations.

Genres: Nonfiction

112 pages, Hardcover

Published November 7, 2023

Reviews

[Rhea Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very charming and concise book, with beautiful illustrations and calming vibes. I feel like I learned a lot of lovely phrases, and enjoyed getting a better understanding of how Japanese people use language.

Not only a lovely book to own yourself, but a lovely gift for someone who is into Japanese culture.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming and intriguing, although some of the more subtle sayings were hard to understand even after reading the explanation. The illustrations are lovely in beautiful restrained colours. I like the fact that phonetic pronunciations were given, so you could try saying the phrases out loud, they often have internal rhymes. A must read for lovers of things Japanese.

[Vidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a quick read. I thought it was filled with many thought provoking saying, but nope it's just an explanation of Japanese sayings. Fortunately, I got it through sale, if not I will be really upset to pay full price for it.

It's a good coffee table book, I guess, if you are waiting for someone or somehing. But since I buy it not for that purpose but to read it for me, I'm left feeling disappointed.

[Daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quality Rating: Four Stars
Enjoyment Rating: Four Stars

A beautifully illustrated collection of Japanese sayings and idioms the capture moments of the human experience. Some can be loosely put alongside English sayings and others are totally unique and magical in their own way. While short, it’s a lovely reading experience and something so pretty to return to every now and then.

[Simone Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely look into Japanese idioms and culture. This will be another valuable resource that I can refer back to when learning Japanese. I wasn't the biggest fan of the art as it sort of reminded me of alegria art - which I'm sick of seeing - but it served its purpose.

[Sarah Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

An uplifting read which reminded me that many others share the same thoughts of this world as I do. Loved not only the wisdom, but also the illustrations. Would make a great gift for anyone, adults or children alike.

[Made Negara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this book at a small shop called Grebit in Pasmod Intermoda. Lately I’ve been interested in untranslatable Japanese concepts like komorebi or the well-known wabi-sabi. I picked this up and discovered so many more. Beautiful illustrations, too.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adored this. Beautiful sayings and illustrations to match. What a wonderful gem of a book.

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the illustrations and the short meanings behind the Japanese phrases. Easy to read but you will learn some Japanese words reading this short book.

[Karine Lelièvre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this little book. Expressions explain a bit the culture...well done