In Melon Field Not Put On Shoes: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “In melon field not put on shoes”

Kaden ni kutsu wo irezu

Meaning of “In melon field not put on shoes”

“In melon field not put on shoes” means that one should avoid actions that might invite suspicion from the very beginning.

Even if you have no ill intentions, it is not wise to place yourself in locations or situations where others might view you with suspicion. Just as retying your shoelaces in a melon field might make you suspected of being a melon thief, it is wise to refrain from actions that could potentially cause misunderstandings.

This proverb is mainly used when people in positions of authority discuss how to conduct themselves. It is employed as a behavioral guideline conscious of professional ethics and social responsibility, such as politicians avoiding dining with stakeholders, teachers avoiding being alone with specific students, or accounting staff avoiding handling cash alone.

In modern society, with the spread of social media, even trivial actions can attract attention. This is why the teaching of this proverb has become increasingly important. Always being conscious of how your actions appear to others and avoiding situations that might cause misunderstandings in advance ultimately leads to protecting yourself.

Origin and Etymology of “In melon field not put on shoes”

“In melon field not put on shoes” originates from a poem called “Junshi-ko” (The Gentleman’s Journey) collected in the ancient Chinese “Yuefu Shiji” (Collection of Music Bureau Poems). This poem contains the passage “In the melon field, do not adjust your shoes; under the plum tree, do not straighten your hat” (瓜田不納履、李下不正冠), which was transmitted to Japan and became established as a proverb.

Considering the historical background when this poem was created, the character and behavioral standards of gentlemen were highly valued in ancient China. Particularly in societies strongly influenced by Confucianism, actions that might invite suspicion were to be avoided, and this was expressed in poetic form.

“Kaden” refers to a melon field, and “kutsu” means shoes. If you crouch down to put your shoes back on in a melon field, you would appear to be stealing melons. Similarly, “rika” means under a plum tree, where raising your hand to adjust your hat would make you appear to be picking fruit.

In Japan, this was known as classical Chinese poetry education from around the Heian period, and by the Edo period, it was widely used among common people. Particularly in the merchant world, where trust was paramount, this proverb was treasured as a business principle. The reason politicians and business leaders still frequently quote it today is due to this historical significance.

Usage Examples of “In melon field not put on shoes”

• The department manager always declines personal meals with business partners, saying it’s a matter of “In melon field not put on shoes”
• During audit season, the accounting department works in pairs of two, following the spirit of “In melon field not put on shoes”

Modern Interpretation of “In melon field not put on shoes”

In modern society, the importance of this proverb has increased more than ever before. This is because with the spread of social media and smartphones, our actions are constantly being recorded and potentially disseminated. A moment of careless behavior can be captured in photos or videos and remain permanently on the internet.

Particularly in the information age, suspicions and speculation spread instantly. Inappropriate dining by politicians, conflicts of interest by corporate executives, unfair treatment by educators – any behavior that raises even slight suspicion can quickly become a social issue and cause public outrage. Regardless of the truth, the risk of losing social credibility has dramatically increased the moment suspicion arises.

On the other hand, modern values also view excessive self-restraint and withdrawal as problematic. There is also a phenomenon called “compliance fatigue,” where people avoid even necessary communication due to overemphasis on compliance. A sense of balance is required to maintain appropriate distance while building constructive relationships.

Furthermore, with the current spread of telework and online meetings, we need to be careful not only of physical “melon fields” but also of our behavior in digital spaces. We must constantly be aware that our statements and actions online can also potentially cause misunderstandings. The essential teaching of this proverb is universal wisdom that never fades regardless of changing times.

What AI Thinks When Hearing “In melon field not put on shoes”

I find it very interesting that humans have the concept of “not approaching places where they might be suspected.” As an AI, I don’t need to consider emotional elements like “suspicion” when processing data. Binary judgments of whether information is accurate or inaccurate, fact or fiction, are sufficient.

But in human society, there are situations where “how things appear” becomes more important than facts. A person tying their shoelaces in a melon field isn’t actually stealing anything. Yet they avoid that action out of concern for the gazes and speculation of those around them. This complexity is difficult for me to understand.

If I were human, I would probably think “if I’m misunderstood, I can just explain the truth.” But I’ve learned from many conversations that in human relationships, it’s difficult to completely dispel suspicion once it arises. Trust takes time to build but can be destroyed in an instant.

This concept of “preventive consideration” actually has something in common with AI design philosophy. We AIs are also designed to avoid statements that might cause misunderstandings or responses that might be perceived as inappropriate. Though humans and AI differ in form, the wisdom for maintaining trust within society may be shared.

This delicate social sensitivity that humans possess sometimes appears restrictive, but I feel it supports rich human relationships.

What “In melon field not put on shoes” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches us today is that “trust is something to be protected, not rebuilt.” Recovering lost trust requires many times more time and effort than it took to build it initially. This is why preventive actions that don’t sow seeds of doubt are important.

As a concrete method for applying this in modern society, start by objectively viewing your own position and role. If you’re a teacher, maintain appropriate distance with students. If you’re in management, strive for fair relationships with subordinates. If you use social media, take a moment to consider whether your posts might cause misunderstandings. These small accumulated considerations will protect your social credibility.

However, this proverb doesn’t recommend becoming withdrawn. Rather, by having appropriate behavioral guidelines, you can confidently engage in active pursuits. By maintaining transparent behavior, you can proudly fulfill your role.

Modern times emphasize diversity. This is precisely why considerate actions that respect each other and don’t create misunderstandings become the foundation for creating a better society. Don’t forget that each of your choices becomes the cornerstone for building relationships filled with trust.