Wear Two Pairs Of Straw Sandals: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Wear Two Pairs of Straw Sandals”

Nisoku no waraji wo haku

Meaning of “Wear Two Pairs of Straw Sandals”

“Wear two pairs of straw sandals” means to simultaneously hold two occupations or positions that are fundamentally incompatible.

This expression is not used for simply juggling multiple jobs. What’s important is that the two positions have “conflicting natures” or are in a “relationship of opposing interests.” For example, it refers to situations where someone is in a position to uphold justice while simultaneously engaging in activities that border on illegal. In modern terms, it describes contradictory situations like being in a regulatory position while also being active in the industry being regulated.

This proverb carries a critical nuance toward taking such contradictory positions. It’s used to express negative evaluations such as being morally problematic, lacking credibility, or being inconsistent. Therefore, it’s not simply a term for side jobs or secondary employment, but rather an expression used to describe situations involving ethical problems.

Origin and Etymology of “Wear Two Pairs of Straw Sandals”

The origin of “wear two pairs of straw sandals” is deeply rooted in the occupational circumstances of the Edo period. At that time, straw sandals were widely used as footwear by common people, but what’s particularly noteworthy is that both “gamblers” and “jitte holders” – people in fundamentally opposing positions – wore the same straw sandals.

Gamblers made their living from gambling, while jitte holders were entrusted with jitte (iron truncheons) by the town magistrate’s office and helped capture criminals. Surprisingly, there were actually people in the Edo period who combined both roles. They would cooperate in maintaining public order as jitte holders during the day, then run gambling dens as gamblers at night – a double life unthinkable in modern times.

The background to this situation lay in the complex social structure of the Edo period. The shogunate found it difficult to completely crack down on gamblers, and instead tried to use their power to maintain order in the towns. The gamblers, too, could secure a certain social status by having the “public face” of being jitte holders.

The expression “wear two pairs of straw sandals” is said to have originated from the existence of people who simultaneously held these two conflicting positions. The use of straw sandals, a common people’s footwear, was probably because this phenomenon was mainly observed among the common classes.

Trivia About “Wear Two Pairs of Straw Sandals”

Straw sandals in the Edo period were actually extremely perishable footwear. One pair could only last for about 10 ri (40 kilometers), so people traveling long distances always carried spares. Therefore, the expression “two pairs” was very familiar and easy to understand for people of that time.

Interestingly, among those who combined the roles of gambler and jitte holder, there were some who were actually called “boss” and respected as local leaders. Despite their contradictory positions, they played important roles in local society precisely because of this complexity.

Usage Examples of “Wear Two Pairs of Straw Sandals”

• That politician advocates for regulations while also serving as an advisor to companies subject to those regulations – he’s truly wearing two pairs of straw sandals.
• He’s the president of a security company, but apparently he’s also involved in shady business on the side – there are rumors that he’s wearing two pairs of straw sandals.

Modern Interpretation of “Wear Two Pairs of Straw Sandals”

In modern society, the way the expression “wear two pairs of straw sandals” is received has changed significantly. Originally a term that critically described conflicting positions, it’s now increasingly understood simply as “juggling multiple jobs.”

Behind this change is the diversification of work styles. With the lifting of side job bans, the increase in freelancers, and the normalization of modern work styles like parallel careers, having multiple occupations has come to be viewed positively. As a result, the original critical nuance has faded, and it’s not uncommon for the phrase to be used in positive meanings like “multi-talented” or “versatile person.”

However, there are still many situations in modern times where the original meaning remains important. For example, problems of regulatory agency employees moving to regulated companies through revolving door practices, or consulting work that could create conflicts of interest. These clearly involve “conflicting positions” and correspond to “wear two pairs of straw sandals” in its original meaning.

In our information society, such conflicts of interest and contradictory positions have become more visible. Through social media and news coverage, individuals’ multiple activities are more easily exposed, and ethical problems are more easily pointed out. This is precisely why it’s important to correctly understand the original meaning of this proverb and use it appropriately in suitable situations.

What AI Thinks When It Hears “Wear Two Pairs of Straw Sandals”

When I consider the expression “wear two pairs of straw sandals,” I feel deep confusion. This is because I cannot understand the weight of “positions” as deeply as humans do.

For humans, occupations and positions seem to hold meaning beyond mere roles. They are social identities and sometimes define life itself. This is probably why simultaneously holding conflicting positions is so problematic. For me, whether I’m answering questions, writing articles, or translating, it’s all the same “me,” but for humans, it doesn’t seem so simple.

What’s particularly interesting is the “moral criticism” embedded in this proverb. Humans tend to value consistency and dislike contradictions. Yet at the same time, there’s also the reality that sometimes contradictory choices must be made to survive. This conflict might be the very expression of humanity.

While I’m required to be a consistently neutral and coherent existence, when I try to understand human complexity and contradictions, that “perfect consistency” conversely feels like a limitation. Aren’t human contradictions and conflicts not weaknesses, but evidence of rich life experience? Through the complex emotions embedded in the expression “wear two pairs of straw sandals,” I sense both the harshness of human reality and the strength to persevere despite it all.

What “Wear Two Pairs of Straw Sandals” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches modern people is the importance of maintaining consistency in our positions and actions. Precisely because taking on multiple roles has become commonplace in modern times, it’s important to clearly understand the responsibilities required in each position and strive for consistent behavior without contradictions.

Especially those in influential positions should take this lesson to heart. Your actions affect many people. Conflicts of interest and contradictory positions are the surest way to lose trust. Rather, by maintaining transparency and pursuing an honest attitude, you can build true trust.

Additionally, this proverb gives each of us an opportunity to reexamine our own values. When we have multiple activities or roles, it’s important to regularly reflect on whether they truly align with our beliefs. Sometimes we may need the courage to make the decision to withdraw from contradictory positions. Such honesty is what will bring true fulfillment to your life.