"time is of the essence"

 

 

We compete for every moment—

               ikkoku o arasō— 

as dawn spills gold across the plains,

each breath a bargain struck in morning’s hush.

 

We vie for each minute and each second—  

             ippun ichibyō o arasō— 

while shadows flee the sun’s fierce blaze,

hearts pounding in the space between ticks.

 

Today’s single moment is worth a thousand gold coins—

kyō no ikkoku wa senkin ni ataisuru—

so let us gather sparks before they drift to dust.

 

Time is money— toki wa kane nari—

and time is life— toki wa inochi nari—

two truths entwined in every pulsing hour.

 

Time flies like an arrow— kōin ya no gotoshi—

so sharpen your gaze, track its silent arc,

lest it pierce your dreams and vanish.

 

Treasure time— toki o oshimu—

with careful hands and eager eyes,

for in its fleeting pulse we find our only chance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

.