How to Read “Using a tiered box to grind miso”
jūbako de miso wo suru
Meaning of “Using a tiered box to grind miso”
“Using a tiered box to grind miso” is a proverb with two meanings. One is about being tolerant and not fussing over small details. The other is about using the wrong tool for the job and being inefficient.
The first meaning expresses tolerance. Even if someone doesn’t follow the proper method, if there’s no real harm done, there’s no need to make a fuss.
It shows a flexible attitude that doesn’t demand perfection. People use it when encouraging others to accept minor deviations.
The second meaning points to using inappropriate tools or methods. It criticizes inefficient actions, like deliberately using unsuitable tools when proper ones exist.
Today, people say “Don’t be like using a tiered box to grind miso” to someone who’s too picky about formalities. Or they might warn “Let’s not do something like using a tiered box to grind miso” when someone chooses an inefficient method.
Depending on the situation, this expression can either encourage tolerance or call for proper methods.
Origin and Etymology
No clear written records explain this proverb’s origin. However, we can make interesting observations from the words themselves.
A jubako is a stacked square container with lacquer coating. During the Edo period, people used it for celebrations and outings to carry special foods.
These boxes were finely crafted, often with detailed decorations. They were luxury items for their time.
Meanwhile, grinding miso was everyday kitchen work. People used a mortar and pestle to crush miso paste.
This contrast forms the heart of the proverb. A proper mortar has grooves carved inside. These ridges help grind the miso effectively.
But imagine trying to grind miso with a beautiful lacquered jubako instead. This clearly misuses the tool.
From this image came the metaphor for doing things the wrong way. At the same time, it also suggests that such mismatched efforts cause no real harm.
This reflects the Edo period people’s sense about tools and their easygoing nature. The proverb captures both their practical wisdom and generous spirit.
Usage Examples
- His method is a bit unusual, but it’s like using a tiered box to grind miso, so let’s not worry about it
- Working with those tools is like using a tiered box to grind miso—it won’t improve efficiency at all
Universal Wisdom
The proverb “Using a tiered box to grind miso” contains two important truths about human society.
First is the eternal theme of balancing perfectionism and tolerance. Everyone wants to do things correctly.
But focusing too much on details makes us lose sight of what matters. It can also damage relationships.
Our ancestors embedded in this proverb the importance of accepting minor differences in methods. They valued having room for flexibility.
The second truth is the wisdom of using the right tool for the job. Even the finest tool becomes useless when misapplied.
People sometimes choose inappropriate methods out of pride or stubbornness. The absurdity of grinding miso with an expensive jubako symbolizes the judgment errors we make daily.
This proverb has survived because humans constantly struggle between these two extremes. Strictness and tolerance, ideals and reality, form and substance.
Leaning too far either way leads to problems. The delicate sense of balance is the wisdom for living a rich life.
Our ancestors found this deep truth in everyday scenes. They saw profound wisdom in simple, ordinary moments.
When AI Hears This
When you grind miso in a mortar, the miso particles get trapped between the pestle and bowl. They’re crushed across a wide surface area.
The larger the contact area, the greater the friction force. This makes grinding efficient.
But trying to do this with a jubako’s corner creates contact that’s almost a single point.
In friction physics, Amontons-Coulomb’s law is a basic principle. It states that friction force is proportional to normal force, not contact area.
However, this applies only to perfectly flat surfaces. Real surfaces have microscopic irregularities. The true contact area is much smaller than it appears.
With a sharp edge like a jubako corner, this true contact area becomes extremely small.
The bigger problem is that the necessary shear stress doesn’t develop. To break down miso particles, you need continuous lateral force against them.
Between flat surfaces, particles have nowhere to escape and get crushed reliably. But with point contact, particles slip away the moment force is applied.
Modern precision manufacturing faces the same issue. When polishing with abrasives, if the contact area is too small, the abrasive particles just slide without cutting.
This proverb brilliantly expresses a tribology principle. Efficient force transmission requires appropriate contact area.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches modern people to distinguish between “points worth caring about” and “points to let go.”
Modern society overflows with information. It seems like perfect answers exist for everything.
But in reality, pursuing perfection often leads to exhaustion. We waste energy on non-essential details.
Having the generosity to accept minor differences—like using a tiered box to grind miso—smooths relationships. It also makes life easier for yourself.
On the other hand, the proverb also warns against continuing clearly inefficient methods. Are you sticking with inappropriate tools just because “we’ve always done it this way?”
Sometimes you need courage to stop and ask if this is truly the best approach.
Do you have moments in your daily life like using a tiered box to grind miso? Having both perspectives—tolerance and efficiency—opens the door to a freer, more fulfilling life.
You don’t need to be perfect. But you can correct obvious mistakes. Find that balance with your own sense.
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