There is a Japanese proverb, 武士は食わねど高楊子、of which literal translation is “Samurai uses (show off) a toothpick, even he hasn’t eaten meal,” meaning a Samurai glories in his honorable poverty. Samurais were esteemed as a warrior class, but many of them lived on meager salary. I’m curious to know if there is a similar saying in English.
Yahoo Japan Glossary lists “Better go to bed supper-less than rise in debt” as the equivalent expression, but I don’t think it well conveys the notion of Samurai’s self-esteem and honorable endurance of poverty.
By the way, “have eaten” meant “to fare well," in the Oriental world, as I heard that Chinese people used to exchange "你, 吃了飯么?" – “Did you eat (finished) meal (breakfast)?” each other as a day-to-day salute up until early 20 century. I wonder this concept and expression – having had a meal implies to fare well – applies to western culture and English language or not.
Best Answer
In addition to the phrase suggested by Elian, I feel that keeping a stiff upper lip, is close to the meaning of the Japanese proverb you quote.
The Phrase Dictionary further expands on its meaning, saying
Which makes me think the phrase may in some ways reflect the martial (?) philosophy of the samurai, although maybe not which as much weight on honour or wealth as the question implies the Japanese phrase has.
Related phrases suggested by the Phrases Dictionary, which have more to do with keeping a sunny disposition, are "keep your chin up" or "keep your pecker up".