How to Read “児孫のために美田を買わず”
Jison no tame ni biden wo kawazu
Meaning of “児孫のために美田を買わず”
This proverb means “not leaving fertile fields as property for one’s descendants.”
While this may sound cold at first glance, there is actually no teaching filled with deeper love than this. This is because when people have easily obtainable wealth, they tend to neglect their efforts. Things obtained without hardship cannot be truly understood for their value.
This proverb is used when discussing children’s education or human resource development. It is employed to express the importance of parents not providing excessive assistance to their children, but rather letting them carve their own path through their own strength. It is also used as a mindset for organizational leaders when nurturing successors.
Even in modern times, this teaching holds very important meaning. True wealth consists of the courage to face difficulties, the wisdom to solve problems, and the strong heart to stand up no matter how many times one fails. These are not things given by someone else, but things one must acquire for oneself.
Origin and Etymology
This powerful proverb is widely known as the words of Saigo Takamori, the great politician of the late Edo period. Saigo Takamori is said to have spoken “For children and grandchildren beautiful rice fields not buy,” and it embodies the educational philosophy of this man who lived through the turbulent era of the Meiji Restoration.
“Beautiful rice fields” refers to fertile and beautiful farmland. From the Edo period through the Meiji era, farmland was the most reliable and valuable property. There was a historical background where many parents, worried about their children’s future, considered purchasing and giving good farmland as proof of their love.
However, Saigo Takamori dared to challenge this common sense. The era from the late Edo period to Meiji that he lived through was a time of great transformation when old values were fundamentally overturned. The samurai class system collapsed, and a new meritocratic society was about to begin.
Precisely because it was such a turbulent era, Saigo Takamori was convinced that rather than material wealth, human strength that could adapt to any changes of the times was true wealth. This proverb contains deep insight into the future and genuine love for children.
Interesting Facts
Saigo Takamori actually left almost no property to his children. Records remain showing that after his death, his family suffered economic hardship. However, the children who received his teachings each walked their lives admirably through their own strength.
The term “beautiful rice fields” tends to be interpreted in modern times as “beautiful rice paddies,” but in ancient times it emphasized the economic value meaning “good farmland that brings profit.” In other words, it referred not simply to scenically beautiful land, but to farmland that produced abundant harvests and generated reliable profits.
Usage Examples
- When my son asked for startup capital, I told him to raise the funds himself, following the spirit of “For children and grandchildren beautiful rice fields not buy”
- If you wish for your subordinates’ growth, it’s sometimes necessary to assign them difficult work, following “For children and grandchildren beautiful rice fields not buy”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, new complexity has emerged in interpreting this proverb. This is because the very concept of “beautiful rice fields” has changed dramatically in the information age.
Traditional “beautiful rice fields” were tangible assets like land and cash, but now the value of intangible assets such as educational opportunities, personal networks, and information access rights has increased dramatically. Admission to good schools, overseas study opportunities, and acquisition of specialized skills can all be considered “beautiful rice fields” in a broad sense.
However, due to rapid technological advancement, we have entered an era where the knowledge and experience of the parent generation is not necessarily effective for the child generation. With the development of AI and digital technology, traditional occupations are disappearing and new occupations are being created one after another. In such an environment, flexibility and creativity to adapt to change become true wealth rather than specific skills or knowledge.
On the other hand, in modern times, as symbolized by the term “toxic parents,” there is also criticism of excessive laissez-faire approaches. It has been pointed out that simply pushing children away saying “work hard on your own” without providing appropriate support does not necessarily lead to children’s growth.
The true meaning of “For children and grandchildren beautiful rice fields not buy” in modern times may be to discern the balance between material support and spiritual support. While nurturing the strength to overcome difficulties, providing appropriate support when necessary. Such delicate judgment is what is required in today’s era.
When AI Hears This
The “beautiful fields” that Saigo Takamori warned against have evolved into surprisingly diverse forms that flood our modern world. Elite private school entrance exams, English and kanji proficiency certifications, countless extracurricular activities, and even Instagram-worthy experiences. Parents desperately purchase these modern versions of beautiful fields, believing they’re doing it “for their children’s sake.”
What these all share is their focus on “externally visible value.” Academic credentials can be written on resumes, certifications become official documents, and the results of lessons can be showcased at recitals. Just like the beautiful fields of the Edo period, they serve as signs that announce to others, “our family is prosperous.”
What’s fascinating is the fact that the true wealth that enriches a child’s life—the “invisible assets” of curiosity, resilience to bounce back from failure, and compassion for others—cannot be directly purchased by parents. These can only be acquired by children themselves through their own experiences and setbacks.
Behind the growth of today’s education industry into a 2 trillion yen market lies parents’ “hunger for visible results.” Yet Saigo’s insight remains razor-sharp today. True wealth is the future that children carve out with their own strength.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us modern people is the fundamental question of “what is true love?” We tend to think that removing difficulties from someone’s path is love, but sometimes giving them the opportunity to face difficulties may be true love.
In modern society, whether in child-rearing or guiding subordinates, we tend to give “answers” too readily. However, people who are given answers will rely on someone else again when they face similar problems. On the other hand, people who find answers themselves can approach new problems with confidence.
What’s important is not complete laissez-faire, but maintaining appropriate distance. Extend a helping hand when someone is about to drown, but let them learn to swim on their own. Such a sense of balance is required.
When you are in a position to support someone, please remember these words. If you truly care about that person’s future, rather than making things easier for them right now, why not wish for them to be able to walk forward with their own strength? That is the most valuable gift that can be passed down across generations.
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