「為せば成る
為さねば成らぬ何事も
成らぬは人の為さぬなりけり」

Naseba naru
Nasaneba naranu nanigoto mo
Naranu wa hito no nasanu nari keri

"If you try, you may succeed.
If you don't try, you will not succeed. This is true for of all things.
Not succeeding is the result of not trying."

This is from Uesugi Harunori, a famous and exemplary daimyo (Japanese feudal lord) from the Edo era (the historical period between 1603 and 1868; he lived from 1751 to 1822).

Although he is well known for applying a lot of financial reforms and politicies that saved the Yonezawa province from hunger and poverty, this poem is the teaching that stuck with the Japanese people as an example of self-discipline.

「猿も木から落ちる」- Saru mo ki kara ochiru

Literary meaning "even monkeys fall from trees", it's a proverb that means that anyone can make mistakes.

「十人十色」 - Juunin toiro

Literally meaning "Ten persons, ten colors", it means to each his own, that everyone has different tastes.

「七転び八起き」- Nanakorobi yaoki

Literally meaning "fall seven times, stand up eight", it's a proverb that conveys a lot of the Japanese nature of never giving up and keep trying during adversities, denoting their overcoming spirit.

This proverb is often linked to the Daruma, as it has a roundish base and won't fall off so easily - that's why it has become a token of perseverance and luck.