旅は道連れ世は情け Tabi wa michizure, yo wa nasake. On the road, a companion; in life, compassion.
Traditional Japanese proverb
Dictionaries explain the saying as the value of companionship on a journey and mutual compassion in society. Japan marks International Cooperation Day on October 6 because it joined the Colombo Plan on October 6, 1954.
Why this date: October 6 is Japan's International Cooperation Day, so a proverb about accompanying and helping one another has a direct civic connection.
Language note: 道連れ (みちづれ / michizure) is a travelling companion; 情け (なさけ / nasake) is compassion. The proverb links practical companionship with humane treatment through life.
A journey becomes more manageable when people share both company and care.
DJW practice example: 困った時は、お互いに助け合おう。 Komatta toki wa, otagai ni tasukeaō. When things are hard, let's help one another.
Sources: Kanjipedia — 旅は道連れ世は情け: https://www.kanjipedia.jp/kotoba/0007145300 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan — ODA 60th anniversary / October 6: https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/gaiko/oda/annai/60th/index.html