What does “jumping off the stage at Kiyomizu” really mean?

In Japanese, there's a phrase: “to jump off the stage at Kiyomizu” (清水の舞台から飛び降りる). It means to take a big risk or make a bold decision. But did you know the saying comes from a real historical practice? During the Edo period, people believed that if you survived a jump from the temple’s famous wooden stage (13 meters high!), your wish would come true. Records show that over 200 people actually jumped. About 85% survived—thanks to the trees below. Thankfully, jumping is now forbidden. But the phrase lives on in Japanese culture, reminding people to be brave—without the need to actually leap!