How to Read “Three ri to the sake shop, two ri to the tofu shop”
Sakaya e sanri, tōfuya e niri
Meaning of “Three ri to the sake shop, two ri to the tofu shop”
This proverb describes someone who loves sake or tofu so much that they would walk three or two ri just to buy them.
When you could easily get something nearby but choose to go far away instead, it shows how deeply you care about that thing.
People use this proverb to describe someone’s strong preference or passion for something. It’s said with a touch of humor and exaggeration.
The phrase “that person really loves ○○” becomes more vivid when you compare it to walking a long distance. This makes the intensity of their feelings clear and memorable.
Today, few people actually walk three ri to shop. But the willingness to spend time and effort for what you love hasn’t changed.
Someone who travels far for a specific ramen shop or wakes up early for their favorite bakery perfectly embodies this proverb’s spirit.
Origin and Etymology
The exact origin of this proverb in historical texts is unclear. However, it likely emerged from common people’s life experiences during the Edo period.
First, let’s consider why “sake shop” and “tofu shop” specifically. In the Edo period, sake was the quintessential luxury item.
Tofu, meanwhile, was an essential daily protein source for common people. At the same time, people developed refined tastes for good tofu.
In Edo especially, interest in tofu was so high that a recipe book called “Tofu Hyakuchin” (One Hundred Tofu Treasures) was published.
The distances “three ri” and “two ri” are also interesting. One ri equals about four kilometers.
So three ri is about twelve kilometers, and two ri is about eight kilometers. Since people walked everywhere back then, these were considerable distances.
A round trip would take all day.
This expression likely reflects the spirit of “iki” (sophistication) and dedication in Edo townspeople’s culture.
It may capture the Edo spirit of willingly traveling far for delicious food. It also humorously expresses how people spare no effort for what they love.
Interesting Facts
In the Edo period, tofu was made and sold early in the morning. Tofu makers started work before dawn and often sold out by morning.
So people seeking good tofu had to wake up early and walk to distant, well-regarded shops. Tofu lovers sacrificed not just distance but time as well.
Regarding sake, “kudarizake” (sake shipped from the Kansai region to Edo) was highly prized during the Edo period.
Sake from far away was sometimes considered better than local sake. There was actually a culture of ordering from distant places.
This proverb may reflect that consumer culture of seeking “good things from afar.”
Usage Examples
- He apparently goes to the next prefecture every weekend. That’s truly “Three ri to the sake shop, two ri to the tofu shop”
- Spending an hour each way for that shop’s coffee is exactly “Three ri to the sake shop, two ri to the tofu shop”
Universal Wisdom
This proverb teaches us about the tremendous power of human affection. When people love something, they can devote surprising amounts of time and effort to it.
This isn’t about logic. It’s action born from the heart being moved.
Think about it. Three ri or two ri is definitely not close. It’s tiring and time-consuming.
You could get it nearby, but you go far away instead. This might seem inefficient and wasteful at first glance.
But what truly matters in life can’t be measured by efficiency or rationality alone.
The passion to pursue what you love is an essential element of being human. It’s the joy of living and what adds color to daily life.
Even the journey to a distant place becomes enjoyable time for someone who loves something. The satisfaction upon arrival and the joy of obtaining it can’t compare to settling for something nearby.
This proverb has been passed down through generations because this human trait transcends time. The attitude of sparing no effort for what you love might seem comical to others.
But that passion is what enriches life and generates vitality for living.
When AI Hears This
This proverb brilliantly captures the “arrow of time” that governs the universe. According to the second law of thermodynamics, all matter naturally moves toward disorder, or high entropy states.
Tofu is a textbook example of this law.
Consider tofu’s spoilage rate. At room temperature, bacteria multiply exponentially in about six hours, and the protein molecular structure collapses.
In other words, neatly arranged molecules fall apart extremely quickly. That’s why you had to hurry home even from two ri away.
Sake, on the other hand, is a product of “controlled disorder” called fermentation. In alcoholic fermentation, microorganisms break down sugars to produce ethanol.
This ethanol itself functions as a preservative, suppressing further disorder.
What’s fascinating is that Edo-period people expressed “differences in entropy increase rates” using the spatial concept of distance.
Tofu has a high entropy increase rate per unit time, so only short distances are acceptable. Sake has a low increase rate, so longer distances are fine.
In other words, this proverb accurately describes the three-way relationship between time, space, and entropy without using scientific terminology.
It’s evidence that people intuitively understood physical laws through daily life.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches modern people the value of cherishing what you love. In today’s era that emphasizes efficiency and convenience, deliberately taking time to pursue what you love becomes a secret to maintaining spiritual richness.
Even if others think “you don’t need to go that far,” if that dedication brings joy to your life, you should pursue it proudly.
Traveling to see your favorite artist’s concert or waking up early for your favorite café might seem inefficient. But such actions actually give special brilliance to everyday life.
What matters is being honest with your passion. The feeling “I love this” is an important element that shapes who you are.
By acting on that feeling, life becomes more vibrant.
However, this proverb also teaches the importance of balance. Making efforts for what you love is wonderful.
But if it overwhelms your entire life, you’ve missed the point. Pursue what you love while enjoying it and keeping it within reasonable limits.
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