Japanese Lifestyle Four-Character Idiom: Seikou-Udoku 晴耕雨読

It was a sports day on October 10, a national holiday in Japan, but it rained all day. Normally, people would exercise or play sports on this day, but due to the weather, maybe most people stayed home. However, this is not necessarily a sad thing. There are still plenty of things we can do at home on rainy days.

In Japan, there are “四字熟語 Yojijukugo,” which are expressions that compress ways of life and thinking into four kanji characters. I will introduce some Yojijukugo that represent ways to spend sunny and rainy days.

there is a concept known as “晴耕雨読” (seikou-udoku), which is an expression used to refer to the so-called “leisurely country living”. It describes a lifestyle where one works in the field on sunny days without defying nature and spends rainy days at home reading books or engaging in similar activities.

晴 (sei) = sunny

耕 (kou) = plow the field

雨 (u) = rainy

読 (doku) = read

The essence of 晴耕雨読 (seikou-udoku)

At its core, 晴耕雨読 (seikou-udoku) is about finding harmony between productivity and relaxation. It encourages individuals to work diligently during clear weather, dedicating their time and energy to their tasks. On the other hand, rainy days are seen as an opportunity to take a break, unwind, and engage in personal hobbies or intellectual pursuits. This practice promotes a healthy work-life balance and helps prevent burnout.

Personally, I feel dull and sleepy on rainy days. If possible, I don’t want to work on rainy days, so 晴耕雨読 is my dream life.

Take your time when it’s raining

Some people feel dull while raining. This is called “Tenki Byou” (Weather Disease) in Japan, and in recent years, there have been doctors in Japan specializing in treating weather disease. For people who have a headache and feel depressed in rainy days, it could be weather disease.

Also, it is difficult for sensitive individuals to go outside on rainy days, where people walk while bumping into each other with umbrellas, clothes get wet, and it becomes hard to hear the voices of friends in the rain. For those people who feel dull in rainy days, there are several activities at home.

Embracing leisure activities

On rainy days, people often engage in activities such as reading books, enjoying tea ceremonies, practicing calligraphy, or exploring traditional arts and crafts. These activities not only provide a means of relaxation but also offer opportunities for personal growth and self-reflection. By immersing themselves in these leisurely pursuits, individuals can recharge their minds and find inspiration for their work.

晴耕雨読 (sekou-udoku), is a natural life for humans

晴耕雨読 (seikou-udoku) serves as a gentle reminder to prioritize both work and leisure in our lives. It teaches us the importance of finding balance, managing our time effectively, and embracing moments of relaxation and personal growth. By incorporating this concept into our daily routines, we can strive for a more fulfilling and harmonious lifestyle. So, the next time you experience a rainy day, grab a book, indulge in your hobbies, and remember the wisdom of 晴耕雨読.