Mabushii: When a Person Shines Like the Sun
2026-10-01
In Japanese, we use the word mabushii (眩しい) when sunlight is so bright that we have to narrow our eyes. But we also use the same word to describe people.
Mabushii: When a Person Shines Like the Sun
In Japanese, we use the word mabushii (眩しい) when sunlight is so bright that we have to narrow our eyes. But we also use the same word to describe people.
Someone’s smile can be mabushii. So can their enthusiasm, talent, or the way they live. We see something in them that shines, and we feel drawn to it.
Sometimes, that brightness also makes us aware of our own uncertainty. Watching someone pursue a dream with confidence can inspire us while making us wonder whether we could do the same. Mabushii can carry that mixture of admiration and a little hesitation.
In Japan, we also say someone “has an aura.” This describes a presence that attracts attention, even when the person says nothing. A person can have an aura while sitting quietly in a room.
To me, mabushii expresses how someone’s brightness makes us feel, while “having an aura” describes the presence they carry.
In English, we might say, “You are radiant,” or “You shine so brightly.” The words differ, but the feeling is familiar.
The sun is not the only thing that brightens our world. Sometimes, it is another person.
Disclaimer: I use AI as a tool to help create images and proofread my writing. However, the ideas, opinions, experiences, and messages in my posts are my own. AI does not generate my posts for me. It simply helps me present my own words and ideas more clearly.
Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
Uchikura & Co., LLC.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..
ABOUT THIS BLOG
I was born and raised in Japan and have spent most of my adult life in the United States. Through this blog, I share Japanese culture, language, expressions, and wisdom. My goal is not to say one culture is better, but to explore different perspectives and what we can learn from them.
Your comments are always welcome.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..
Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
Uchikura & Co., LLC.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..
ABOUT THIS BLOG
I was born and raised in Japan and have spent most of my adult life in the United States. Through this blog, I share Japanese culture, language, expressions, and wisdom. My goal is not to say one culture is better, but to explore different perspectives and what we can learn from them.
Your comments are always welcome.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..