A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  Since ancient times, the Japanese have lived as an agricultural people, valuing coexistence with nature and mutual support. They have long believed that success is shaped not only by one’s own efforts, but also by luck, the blessings of deities, and the unseen support of others. Influenced by Buddhism, the phrase “okagesama de” (meaning “thanks to others’ unseen support”) has been used to express gratitude and quiet joy when things go well. From this tradition emerged a value system in which the more accomplished a person becomes, the more modest and humble they are expected to be—elevating humility to an aesthetic ideal, though exceptions exist in every age. In this sense, “okagesama de” serves as a gentle check against arrogance, guiding individuals toward continued self-reflection and growth.

  It is best to travel while you can. As we grow older, especially after retirement, travel can gradually feel more like a chore, and the desire to explore often fades—though, of course, this varies from person to person. In surveys of older adults in Japan, one of the most common reflections is, “I wish I had traveled more and experienced different parts of the world.” Perhaps due to my profession and my love of travel, I have been fortunate to journey both within Japan and abroad more than the average person. As AI continues to advance, simply acquiring knowledge will not be enough. To live meaningfully alongside AI, we will need rich human experiences—moments filled with joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness across diverse environments. Through such experiences, we gain wisdom and deepen our understanding of ourselves. In this sense, travel offers far more than pleasant memories; it provides valuable opportunities for growth. For that reason, I especially encourage young people to t...

  In Japanese, there is an onomatopoeic expression, “pinpin korori.” It describes a life in which one remains healthy and independent until the very end (pinpin), then passes away suddenly and naturally, without prolonged suffering (korori). Many elderly people in Japan regard this as an ideal way to depart, reflecting a wish to avoid burdening family and loved ones in later years. In reality, however, only about 10 to 20 percent of people are able to experience such an ending. My life motto has long been to “live without regrets,” but as I grow older, I find myself consciously adding “pinpin korori” to that aspiration. The fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms—briefly in full bloom before quickly fading—embodies a sense of purity and evokes the Buddhist idea of impermanence, a cornerstone of Japanese aesthetics. In this way, the notion of “pinpin korori” carries, for me, a similar quiet elegance.

  Sometimes, when I notice a flowering plant by the roadside, I sense its quiet strength and resilience—always reaching forward and living fully in its own way. If we cultivate our powers of observation, awareness, intuition, and imagination, and use them positively, we can greatly deepen what we learn from nature.

  Looking back on my life, I am convinced that whenever I faced difficulties, they offered valuable opportunities to learn what I lacked and to grow as a person. Even now, as a senior, I cannot avoid such challenges, and I try to see them as chances for further growth. In reality, however, there are times when long-ingrained immaturity and personal shortcomings prevent me from changing my patterns of perception and behavior, likely leading to less desirable outcomes. Elevating one’s character in reason and virtue is far from easy, and it remains a meaningful challenge even in later years.

  Most people are easily motivated by immediate gains or losses. However, even when we tell ourselves that we are dedicating our time selflessly, without expecting anything in return, and striving to accumulate virtue, sustaining such motivation without a visible endpoint is far from easy. If we push ourselves too hard, we simply cannot continue. Therefore, we must act within reasonable limits, guided by wisdom and ingenuity.