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, Cultural, Humor

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.

[Arthur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently read "Even Cats & Rice Ladles: The wise and witty world of Japanese sayings" by Yoshie Omata. In my opinion, this book offers a fascinating look into the Japanese language. It collects a great selection of expressions and idioms that reveal a lot about the customs and culture of Japan.

I was impressed by how the language shows a deep appreciation for nature, which has always played a crucial part in Japanese life. The book beautifully explains poetic concepts that do not really exist as a single word in other languages. For instance, "komorebi" describes the beautiful image of sunlight filtering through the trees. Another great example is "kachoo fuugetsu", which literally translates to flower, bird, wind, and the moon. I learned that this phrase represents the beauty of nature and the essential elements of Japanese aesthetics.

Besides poetic observations, I also found amusing and brief life lessons in this collection. The book's title actually comes from the saying "neko mo shakushi mo", meaning even cats and rice ladles. Since both are very common in Japan, I discovered that this phrase simply means everyone. Another funny idiom is "saba o yomu", which literally translates to reading mackerel. I found it very interesting that it describes the habit of falsifying numbers for your own advantage, such as lying about your age. On a more reflective note, the phrase "juunin toiro" translates to ten people, ten colours. I think it is a lovely reminder that everyone is different and that we should be proud of our unique colours.

I really appreciate how Omata made this book accessible, whether you are learning Japanese or just interested in the culture. For each expression, I could read the romaji, which is the Roman spelling to help with pronunciation, alongside a literal translation and a clear explanation of what the phrase actually means. Furthermore, the charming illustrations by Nastia Sleptsova make the book visually beautiful.

Overall, I highly recommend this book because it truly helped me to explore and appreciate many different aspects of Japanese culture.

[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