Is Stoic Style Still a Virtue? Japanese Wisdom for Modern Life

Why Stoic Style Still a Virtue Matters in Japanese Wisdom

There’s an old Japanese saying:“Bushi wa kuwanedo taka-yōji. （武士は食わねど高楊枝）”It roughly means, “Even if a samurai hasn’t eaten, he picks his teeth with pride.”

The idea behind stoic style still a virtue is that a true warrior doesn’t show hunger or hardship. Even when he can’t afford a meal, he acts as though he’s just finished dining—calmly using a toothpick to save face. It’s not about deception. It’s about preserving dignity.

I was recently reminded of this phrase—quite literally.

At a recent vernissage in Hong Kong, I wore a kimono. As a calligrapher representing Japan, it felt like the proper thing to do. But with the tropical humidity and summer-level heat, it was no small feat.Then came the dinner—an exquisite Cantonese feast. But alas… my tightly tied obi (kimono sash) had other plans. Half a bowl in, and I was full. Or at least, I had to pretend I was.

Is Stoic Style Still a Virtue? Japanese Wisdom for Modern Life

Fashion, like tradition, sometimes asks for a bit of endurance. And in hindsight, I think that stoic style still a virtue—choosing grace over comfort—is sometimes exactly what the moment calls for.

Maybe a little well-placed pride still has its place.

#JapaneseWisdom #SamuraiSpirit #ModernStoicism #CalligraphyLife #CulturalAesthetics #FashionWithPurpose #EleganceAndEndurance