Kids Web Japan

One day, a monkey carrying a persimmon seed noticed a crab with a rice ball in its claw. The monkey was very hungry, and so asked the crab to trade the rice ball for the seed. The crab thought this an unfair trade and refused. But the clever monkey said to the crab, "Once you eat the rice ball it will be gone forever, but if you plant the persimmon seed, it will grow into a tree and bear a never-ending supply of fruit." The crab was persuaded, and the monkey got the rice ball.

The crab planted the persimmon seed in the corner of her garden. She watered it daily, telling it, "If you don't bud quickly I'll dig you up with my hoe." The frightened seed quickly sprouted. Then the crab said, "If you don't hurry up and grow, I'll snip you in half with these scissors." The bud quickly grew into a big tree. Finally, the crab threatened the tree, "Bear fruit or I'll chop you down with an axe." The frightened tree promptly bore fruit.