In a woman’s life, she has perhaps no greater teacher than her mother. As she encounters and overcomes life’s various twists and turns, a woman may begin to realize her mother told her things that are important and sometimes even a little profound.
And now everyone can share in this maternal wisdom (if you speak Japanese) thanks to a new Twitter account called Haha no Meigen, or “My Mom’s Famous Sayings.”
Collected from the mutterings and exclamations of mothers all over the country, this account is sure to pull at your heartstrings. For your reading pleasure, here are a few samples of Japanese mothers’ homespun wisdom:
– People mirror each other. If you frown, people around you will frown too, but if you smile, they will smile back at you.
– After you get married, you only need to keep one eye on your husband, but while you are dating, you better keep both eyes WIDE open.
– Marry someone who’s at your level or better because sometimes a man’s inferiority complex is even worse than a woman’s.
– A guy who lives at his own pace or a guy who’s a little sketchy, fine, but never marry a liar. Eventually you will wonder if you can even trust his love for you, and that is truly hard.
– You are going to be seeing your own face your whole life, so whether you love it or hate it, you better take care of it!
– Making little girls look cute takes work.
– It’s fine to depend on men, just not your father.
– Unlucky year? For women, your whole life will be an unlucky year. If you think of it that way, you might be able to muddle through somehow.
– Women should smile because there’s no use in making a scary face.
– Nobody can stand hearing the woman they love say “But I love you!”
– If you want to be beautiful, don’t let your worries show on your face. A woman’s worries turn her into an ogre, you know.
– A woman who has never experienced pain or trouble is like a beautiful glass ball. The slightest tap will shatter her. Only a woman who has experienced every hardship will be like an unbreakable jewel.
– Women are beautiful because of the troubles they’ve lived through.
Oh, that one really gets to me! I’ve lived through some troubles at my age, but if I think of them as worthwhile experiences that are making me a more beautiful person, I get the strength to be positive and carry on.
Haha no Meigen is full of lots more of these maternal gems, both funny and touching. Sometimes strict and sometimes gentle, moms are always looking out for you and can teach you the important lessons about womanhood and about life.
Image: Twitter

Japanese mom’s advice to daughter: Ask your boyfriend for many selfish things
Dead mom walking – Does anime have a maternal mortality hairstyle trope?
What’s it like to be a working mother in China? We asked a Chinese mom
Japanese girl says she won’t get married because she loves Frieza too much, mom has epic response
Ramen restaurant in top Tokyo tourist neighborhood skips price gouging, but how does it taste?
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Ghibli Museum building becomes a cuddly cushion
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
A secluded British mansion in Chiba is a hidden holy land for afternoon tea lovers
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Fake police phone scam also highlights dumb stereotype about how foreigners speak Japanese[Video]
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Godzilla-shaped ice cream on sale in Tokyo near the sight his most adorable rampage
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japanese mom’s husband trash talks her for using frozen dumplings, maker fires back on Twitter
Chip ‘n’ who? One Japanese mom’s Disney character blunder has Twitter cracking up
You can now buy text messages from “your mom” from Japanese capsule toy machines
Japanese advice columnist shuts down mother who doesn’t want to give son permission to marry
High school students create petition to change the name of Family Mart’s “Mom’s Diner” line
Japanese mom lists 14 ways life with a spouse is different from life with someone you’re dating
Japanese man surprises his busy wife with the best gift a mom can receive
Mom makes authentic-looking Recon Corps uniform for baby daughter, Colossal Titan mask for herself
5 powerful reasons to be a woman in Japan 【Women in Japan Series】
Graduating high-schoolers in Japan tweet photos of the last lunch bentos their moms made for them
Mom in Japan finds notebook filled with messages of love from schoolgirl daughter who passed away
Japanese mom’s don’t-touch-my-baby-stroller sign stirs up debate【Video】