When a Dog Takes a Walk: A Japanese Proverb About Risk and Fortune

The Meaning of 'When a Dog Takes a Walk': A Japanese Proverb About Risk

There’s a curious old Japanese proverb:"Even a dog will bump into a stick."

It carries two opposing meanings:

One interpretation warns: “If you do something unnecessary, trouble may follow.”
The other encourages: “By walking forward, you may stumble upon unexpected fortune.”

This dual nature makes it a fascinating Japanese proverb about risk and opportunity.

Caution or Curiosity: Lessons from a Japanese Proverb About Risk

Which one do we unconsciously live by?

Do we stay cautious to avoid missteps, or take that first step—trusting that fortune often waits on the path ahead?

Caution or curiosity.Hesitation or movement.Avoiding risk—or embracing it in hopes of finding something worthwhile.

Jeff-kun and the Art of Duality: A Contemporary Take on a Japanese Proverb About Risk

Inspired by this duality, I’m creating a four-piece series featuring “Jeff-kun,” a balloon dog character based on Jeff Koons’ iconic symbol of contemporary art.

The full series will be shown in a group exhibition this May in Hong Kong.

The image shown here is from a separate piece I created earlier—an experiment in merging pop culture with the traditional hanging scroll format. Surprisingly, it quickly found its new owner after release.