Uchikura & Co., LLC

Welcome Those Who Come, Let Go of Those Who Leave
来る者は拒まず、去る者は追わず

 

The Japanese saying 来る者は拒まず、去る者は追わず (kuru mono wa kobamazu, saru mono wa owazu) means:

 

“Do not reject those who come, and do not chase those who leave.”

 

The idea has ancient roots and is generally associated with a passage in the Chinese classic Mencius (孟子). Over time, it became a familiar expression in Japan.

 

At first, it may sound passive: accept anyone who comes and simply let people leave. But its deeper meaning is about respecting freedom—both theirs and yours.

 

When someone sincerely wants to join you, welcome them without unnecessary barriers. When someone decides to leave, respect that decision rather than trying to hold them by force.

 

This philosophy applies naturally to business.

 

Employees come and go. Customers change suppliers. Business partners sometimes choose different paths. When someone leaves, we should ask why, learn what we can, and improve where necessary. But we cannot build strong relationships by forcing people to stay.

 

The same is true in life.

 

Some people will walk beside us for decades. Others may share our path only briefly. Their departure does not erase the value of the time we shared.

 

Open the door to those who wish to enter.

 

Do not lock the door behind those who wish to leave.

 

Welcome those who come.
Appreciate those who stay.
Respect those who leave.