Japanese sayings that refer to water Deep philosophies expressed in short phrases. Let's examine some common Japanese sayings that refer to water. This term refers to a business with an income that rises or falls depending on the popularity of the business with customers. The origins of the term date back to the Edo period (1600-1868). At that time, tea shops that opened along the river banks at Ryogoku hid their real business, which involved women acting as hostesses in the rooms therein. Officially, the shops sold cold water in the summer and were called mizu-jaya, or water shops. Only those in the inner circle are included; others are excluded. To speak eloquently. To be surprised at unexpected news or events. To discard your troubles of the past; to let bygones be bygones. To turn something to benefit oneself. Something done in vain; a futile exercise. A metaphor of the impossible. To do something in vain. Each has a feeling for the other. The way to deal with people depends on their attitude, so adopt their attitude when dealing with them. It is no use crying over spilt milk. What is done cannot be undone. Like water flowing nonstop to the sea, wise men who are well informed are able to deal with problems smoothly and easily. Once the cause of a quarrel is removed, people quickly become friendly again. Like water conforming to a container's shape, people change to match their friends and surroundings. If you come across as too clean, people will keep their distance. TOP All images Copyright. 1997 Kansai International Public Relations Promotion Office. All Rights Reserved.