Before It's Too Late
There is
a Japanese proverb that says, “When you want to be filial to your parents, they
are gone.” It reflects the common experience that by the time we truly
understand our parents’ love and sacrifices, they have often already passed
away. This proverb teaches us the importance of expressing gratitude and
showing filial piety while we still can. Many Japanese people later regret not
doing more for their parents while they were alive. In Japan, it is also
believed that those who are filial to their parents and appreciative of their
ancestors are blessed with good fortune. This fortune refers to the smooth flow
of energy that brings vitality to daily life, enabling positive outcomes in
work, relationships, and well-being. For these reasons, filial piety is
considered one of the essential foundations for living a fulfilling life
without regrets.
