1.
the future is unpredictable; you never know what lies ahead; one inch ahead is darkness
A proverb meaning that even the very near future is impossible to foresee. Literally 'one sun (about 3 cm) ahead is darkness.' Used to express that anything can happen and one should be prepared for the unexpected.
一寸先は闇だ。
The future is unpredictable.
A well-known Japanese proverb (諺). 一寸 is an old unit of measurement (about 3 cm), so the literal meaning is 'even 3 cm ahead is total darkness.' Often used in politics — a classic quote in Japanese political commentary. Frequently invoked after unexpected events such as natural disasters, sudden illness, or business failures.