Once in a Thousand Lifetimes: The Meaning of Senzai-ichigu
- Fuh-mi
- Apr 7
- 1 min read
What Does 'Once in a Thousand Lifetimes' Mean?
There is a Japanese proverb: “Senzai-ichigu (千載一遇)” —“Once in a thousand lifetimes.”
It refers to an exceptionally rare and precious opportunity.
But is it truly once in a thousand years?

Opportunities and Awareness: The Essence of Senzai-ichigu
In business, what one person overlooks as a coincidence, another seizes as a decisive turning point.
Opportunities don’t knock for everyone—they reveal themselves only to those who are prepared to notice them.
In that sense, “Senzai-ichigu” isn’t just about chance. It’s about awareness—and the will to act when the moment comes.
Calligraphy and the Power of the Present Moment
As someone who works with calligraphy and words, I sometimes feel it deeply—a person, a word, or a moment that must not be missed.
Calligraphy teaches us the importance of presence. Every stroke is a decision, every word a reflection of the moment it was created.
Whether we recognize something as a once-in-a-lifetime chance depends entirely on how wholeheartedly we are living this moment.
Are You Ready for Your Senzai-ichigu?
What does “once in a thousand lifetimes” mean to you?Have you already encountered it? Or… are you ready to?
Opportunities are fleeting, but they are also abundant for those who cultivate mindfulness, awareness, and the courage to act.
Reflect on your own "Senzai-ichigu." Are you prepared to recognize and embrace the rare opportunities that come your way?
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