A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  While I have no scientific evidence to support this, reflecting on my own life and watching interviews with older adults has led me to believe that people who habitually say, “I’m too old,” often seem to age more quickly—both physically and mentally. By the time they reach their fifties and beyond, they may appear and think noticeably older than many of their peers. In contrast, those who pay little attention to their age, remain deeply curious, and creatively enrich their daily lives sometimes appear more than a decade younger than others of the same age, even in their eighties or nineties. While many factors influence how we age, these observations suggest that our mindset plays a powerful role in sustaining the inner vitality needed to live a vibrant life.

  Through simple acts of kindness, anyone can offer others moments of “Ikigai”—a sense of purpose or something to live for. For example, taking elderly residents who are largely confined to their care facility on a short drive to enjoy the beauty of nearby forests, rivers, or parks can provide a welcome change of scenery. Even an outing of little more than an hour allows them to step away from the healthy yet monotonous routine of daily life, lifting their spirits, refreshing their minds, and renewing their sense of “Ikigai.” This is just one example, but whenever we have the opportunity to bring meaning to someone else's life—offering our time and care freely, without expecting anything in return, and in a way that remains sustainable—it is in those moments that we truly shine as supporting characters, even while remaining the protagonists of our own lives.

  We are naturally drawn to—and often admire—people who live vibrantly, enriching their daily lives with courage and ingenuity despite the limitations they face. Their example inspires us to emulate, at least in part, the spirit of their way of living. A Japanese proverb says that children grow up by watching their parents' backs, and the same psychological dynamic quietly shapes us throughout life.

  We are all the protagonists of our own life stories. Within the various constraints of our circumstances, and through our interactions with the supporting characters around us, we shape a unique narrative that is ours alone. At the same time, the people who seem to be supporting characters in our lives are protagonists in their own stories. From their perspective, we are the supporting characters, helping them reveal their strengths and enrich their own narratives. Seen this way, the relationship between protagonist and supporting character is one of mutual interdependence. The roles simply change depending on whose story is being told. When we positively influence others in our supporting roles, that kindness and encouragement often return to us when we become the protagonists in our own moments. If we hope to create a truly fulfilling life story, we should strive not only to be good protagonists but also to be good supporting characters in the stories of others.

  Envy is a feeling anyone can experience. Even older people—who have accumulated a lifetime of experiences and are expected to be emotionally mature—still feel envy from time to time, though perhaps less often. Naturally, as an elderly man, I am no exception. Envy arises from a complex mix of emotions, rooted in human desires and a sense of inadequacy over things we long for but do not yet have. Left unchecked, these feelings can undermine our self-esteem. So how can we overcome this inner conflict? Simply trying to suppress envy often has the opposite effect, making it even stronger. Instead, by calmly examining our feelings, identifying what we truly desire, and setting realistic goals that reflect our present circumstances, we can gradually release our fixation on those we envy and redirect our energy toward our own growth. In doing so, envy becomes not a burden but a guide, pointing us toward a more purposeful and fulfilling path.

  There comes a time in many people’s lives when they feel a desire to give something back to the society in which they were born and raised—and from which they have benefited in so many ways—by helping to make it a better place. Yet many have likely experienced the moment when, after pausing to take a calm, objective look at themselves, they felt deeply discouraged by the realization that the influence of a single individual is limited. Even so, rather than waiting for someone else to bring about change, we should believe in our own potential, reflect on our strengths, identify where we can make a difference, and take action—even if it begins with changing ourselves. If we find meaning in those efforts, then continuing them while striving to improve their quality becomes truly worthwhile. In time, others who resonate with the spirit of those actions will begin to emerge one by one, and like ripples spreading across a pond from a single stone, their influence will quietly but stead...