Naseba naru
nasaneba naranu
nanigoto mo
Naranu wa hito no
nasanu nari keri Uesugi Yōzan kō ei
If you try to do, it can be achieved, if you don't, it will never be achieved. Achieving nothing is due to one's own intention to not try.
Written by Uesugi Yōzan
That's a well-known maxim. The monument is in Uesugi Shrine in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture.
A little general advice for anyone interested in stone monuments in Japan:
Always be sure to check both sides and the rear of the stone for additional inscriptions. Often there is very useful information in those places. Also, when a stone has been set facing the prevailing winds for a loooong time and the writing on the front has eroded to the point if illegibility the sides and rear may be all you have to work with.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.