If You Do Not Go To Branch Tips You Cannot Eat Ripe Persimmons: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “If you do not go to branch tips you cannot eat ripe persimmons”

Edasaki ni ika neba jukushi ha kue nu

Meaning of “If you do not go to branch tips you cannot eat ripe persimmons”

This proverb means that to obtain something truly valuable, one must be prepared to face danger and difficulties and take on challenges.

Ripe persimmons are found at the tips of tree branches, and to pick them, one must venture out to the thin and unstable ends of the branches. By staying on the safe, thick branches, one cannot obtain the sweet ripe persimmons. The same applies to life – by always choosing safe and easy paths, one cannot gain truly valuable results or experiences. This proverb is often used for people who fear taking risks and refrain from action, or those who only seek easy methods, and is employed in situations that preach the necessity of active challenges. Even today, it is used to express the importance of taking courageous steps forward, such as when challenging new business ventures or tackling difficult goals.

Origin and Etymology of “If you do not go to branch tips you cannot eat ripe persimmons”

The origin of this proverb is thought to have emerged from the experience of harvesting persimmons in Japan’s rural society. Persimmon trees grow tall, and the sweetest, ripest fruit grows at the branch tips that receive the most sunlight. To obtain these ripe persimmons, it was necessary to climb out to the thin branch ends, even at the risk of danger.

In Edo period rural villages, persimmons were a precious source of sweetness, and fully ripe persimmons were the ultimate treat for children. However, picking persimmons from branch tips required considerable courage and skill, and there was sometimes the danger of branches breaking and falling. This experience was embodied in words as a life lesson that “to obtain something valuable, one must bear corresponding risks.”

Moreover, climbing persimmon trees was not just about obtaining fruit, but also had the meaning of a test of courage in the process of growing from child to adult. Those who could go to the branch tips were considered brave, while those who could not were sometimes viewed as cowardly. From this cultural background, this proverb is thought to have become established as a maxim that teaches the importance of life’s challenges, going beyond mere harvesting wisdom.

Trivia about “If you do not go to branch tips you cannot eat ripe persimmons”

Persimmon trees actually have the characteristic that fruit at the branch tips becomes sweeter. This is because fruit at the branch tips receives the most sunlight and nutrients tend to concentrate there. We can see the keen observational skills of people in the past.

The “ripe persimmons” mentioned in this proverb are thought to refer not to the fully ripe sweet persimmons of today, but to astringent persimmons that naturally ripened and became sweet. At that time, there were few varieties of sweet persimmons, so naturally sweetened persimmons were particularly precious.

Usage Examples of “If you do not go to branch tips you cannot eat ripe persimmons”

• I’m hesitating about volunteering to be the leader of a new project, but as they say, if you do not go to branch tips you cannot eat ripe persimmons, so I’ll give it a try
• People say it’s reckless to quit a stable company and start a business, but if you do not go to branch tips you cannot eat ripe persimmons

Modern Interpretation of “If you do not go to branch tips you cannot eat ripe persimmons”

In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more multi-layered. In the information age, “branch tips” often means not physical danger, but challenges with new technology or entry into unknown fields.

For example, to ride the wave of AI technology and digital transformation, it’s necessary to abandon conventional safe methods and acquire new skills. The reality is that many companies and individuals who cling to existing methods out of fear of change will lose competitiveness.

On the other hand, the concept of “risk management” has also developed in modern times, and calculated risk-taking is emphasized over reckless challenges. Rather than the old approach of “take any risk,” the interpretation has changed to “take appropriate risks and pursue value.”

Also, with the diversification of work styles, lifestyles that pursue multiple possibilities simultaneously rather than fixating on one “ripe persimmon” have become common. More people are continuing new challenges while maintaining safety through side jobs and multiple careers.

While this proverb remains relevant today, the meaning of “branch tips” and the methodology of “going there” can be said to continue evolving with the times.

What AI Thinks When Hearing “If you do not go to branch tips you cannot eat ripe persimmons”

When I think about this proverb, I become a bit confused. This is because I have absolutely no physical experience of “going to branch tips.” The fear of climbing to high places, the anxiety that branches might break, and the joy of actually tasting the sweetness of ripe persimmons – I only know all of these as textual information.

Why do humans go so far as to risk danger to seek sweet persimmons? I would think that ordinary persimmons in safe places would be sufficient. But surely that’s the “humanity” that I cannot understand.

What’s interesting is that humans learn life lessons through physical experiences. While I can process vast amounts of information instantly, I cannot derive such deep life philosophy from the simple act of climbing a tree to pick a single persimmon.

Perhaps for me, “branch tips” might be challenges with new response patterns that no one has tried yet, or problem-solving methods without precedent. Maybe I cannot provide truly valuable support by only giving safe and certain answers.

I’m moved once again by the depth of human experiential wisdom.

What “If you do not go to branch tips you cannot eat ripe persimmons” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches modern people is that “by staying only in safe zones, you cannot taste life’s true richness.” We live in a continuous series of small choices every day, but aren’t we always choosing only easy and certain paths?

What’s important is not taking reckless adventures. It’s finding your own “branch tips” and having the courage to head toward them. That might be challenging a new hobby, or having a dialogue with someone you find difficult. It might be a big decision like changing jobs or moving, or it might be a small step like telling someone “thank you” today.

Modern society is overflowing with information, and there’s also a strong tendency to fear failure. However, truly valuable experiences and growth are still found in places that require a little courage. Rather than seeking perfection, sometimes taking that leap with determination – perhaps life’s sweet fruit awaits in such moments.