A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  We find ourselves living in a dynamic balance between the familiar, ordinary spaces of our daily lives and the unfamiliar, extraordinary spaces that arouse our curiosity. While some may grow a little bored with the monotony of their regular routines, they seek to venture into new places, creating diversions for their brains and enriching their experiences. One example of this is traveling to unknown places, particularly in foreign countries. In these unexplored environments, individuals encounter unexpected happenings, make new discoveries, and find themselves contemplating various aspects of life from different perspectives. As a result, the time spent being aware of their surroundings becomes significantly longer and more intense, leading to a profound rejuvenation of their brains and minds.

The concept of reincarnation can vary depending on the era, religion, region, and other factors. Among these variations, I personally find the idea of an eternal soul or life of a human being continuing into another life after biological death, for the purpose of personal growth and soul cultivation through learning from past inadequacies, quite appealing. Despite not being religious, I found solace in this profound concept during a period of depression, as it offered a sobering perspective. During my business trip to Mexico City in March 2009, I engaged in a captivating conversation about reincarnation with one of my Mexican friends and became deeply absorbed in the topic.

It has been noted in Japan that there is a significant potential demand for products and services catering to elderly people. Currently, nearly two-thirds of Japanese household financial assets are owned by individuals aged 60 and older. However, the majority of marketers and engineers below the age of 60 are not fully dedicated to pursuing the development and value creation of such products and services. This is primarily due to the stereotypical belief that elderly individuals are not as interested in consuming in the same way as younger generations. From my recent observations, including my own experiences, I have found that elderly people have a strong appetite for spending on various products and services that they genuinely want or need. For example, very elderly individuals may desire a consumer-friendly, limited-function version of a smartphone, while those entering retirement seek referential information on various role models who can enrich their retired life.

In any human society, similar to a flock of birds, the emergence of numerous new leaders capable of influencing and guiding followers towards newly set goals is highly anticipated across various fields. In today's fast-changing and uncertain world, primarily driven by digital transformation, there is an urgent need for a multitude of long-term, goal-oriented visionary leaders with high intelligence who possess a clear understanding of the future from multiple perspectives. Taking Japan as an example, there is a desperate longing for the rise of visionary leaders, particularly in the field of politics, where a seemingly unreformable hereditary system hampers the access of new capable leaders.  

  Generally speaking, when we were young, we often used to compare our present selves with our selves from one year prior to track our physical growth. Similarly, retirees who compare themselves in the same manner might find it hard to resist the feeling of physical decline, which could have a negative impact on them psychologically and physically. Therefore, it's better for retirees to imagine comparing their present physical strength with their strength five years into the future. This approach can help them feel a sense of being vibrant and youthful, encouraging them to focus on living in the moment. Of course, this comparison doesn't apply to mental growth, as the human spirit can be continually refined through effort and self-improvement regardless of age.

  At times, the world may appear dull and riddled with contradictions and absurdities. However, the truth is that the world is also vibrant and abundant with opportunities if we remain dedicated to bringing about change and improving the imperfect world we inhabit. Perhaps, those who seize these tremendous opportunities and leave behind a positive legacy ultimately find purpose and meaning in their lives.

No one can accurately predict their future path in life, as evidenced when we reflect upon our life journey. Therefore, rather than being consumed by anxiety about the future, it may be wiser to live by embracing the flow of life, much like a river, rather than resisting it. This is because life is filled with unexpected changes and circumstances.

According to the results of a 2007 survey on moral education conducted among Japanese parents in a specific junior high school, it was discovered that Japanese parents consistently emphasized the importance of cultivating good interpersonal relationships in their children. This emphasis can be traced back to the deeply rooted values and culture of Japan, which were nurtured during the Jomon period (from 13,000 BC to 300 BC). The following are the top four principles that Japanese parents consistently instill in their children: 1) avoiding inconveniencing others, 2) embracing compassion and mercy, 3) developing healthy lifestyle habits, and 4) always telling the truth.

Japan boasts a history of approximately 2,000 years and a distinct culture that was fundamentally nurtured during the 'Jomon' period, spanning over 10,000 years from 13,000 BC to 300 BC. During this period, ancient Japanese communities began to develop small and primitive villages throughout Japan. They also encountered numerous extraordinary natural phenomena such as heavy rain, massive earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and storm surges. Through direct worship of nature itself, they adapted to this new environment. I believe that the underlying core values and culture of the Japanese people, formed during the 'Jomon' period, continue to serve as a solid foundation today. The images below depict 'Haniwa,' which are terra-cotta clay figures from the 6th century that were discovered in the tombs of local ruling families in Japan. Interestingly, some of these 'Haniwa' figures do not resemble Japanese people but rather bear a resemblance to ancient

The range of the electromagnetic spectrum that we can perceive through visible light is quite limited. Despite our efforts, it is impossible for us to see beyond this range, which includes radio waves, microwaves, and X-rays, without the use of special devices. Similarly, the range of frequencies that we can hear is also very limited. These inherent limitations in our sensory capacities and functions lead us to acknowledge that the actual world may differ from our beliefs or perceptions as processed by the brain. With all that in mind, I eagerly anticipate further advancements in quantum mechanics.

In 1994, John Elkington, a British management consultant, introduced the 'Triple Bottom Line' model, which emphasized that companies should not solely focus on making profits but also strive to improve people's lives and contribute to the well-being of the planet for sustainable business growth. This model has played a significant role in promoting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) globally. In Japan, a similar concept known as 'Sanpo-yoshi' or 'Three-Way Satisfaction' exists. Coined by Japanese Omi merchants in the 16th century, Sanpo-yoshi emphasizes that businesses should aim to benefit all stakeholders, including the wider community, rather than solely focusing on the interests of sellers and buyers. It embodies a spirit of respect for nature. This concept has been passed down through generations.

While taking a walk on the abandoned weedy path, where I hardly expected the existence of flowers in the extremely hot summer, I suddenly caught sight of beautiful flowers among the weeds. For a moment, I felt lucky and couldn't resist taking pictures of the flowers without thinking. After returning home and viewing these pictures, maybe it's just me, but those natural flowers look more vivid and radiant than the flowers we usually plant. The feeling of such unexpected luck might have made me appear overjoyed. This experience taught me a valuable lesson: it's better not to expect things from situations that are uncontrollable or unforeseeable.

When it comes to shaping our character during adolescence, which is a transitional stage between childhood and adulthood, it is often emphasized that freeing ourselves from internal conflicts plays a significant role. Additionally, it is important to take pride in our own ancestors and history in order to have a sense of pride in our identity as human beings. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious and avoid completely denying our ancestors and history.

When viewing the world from the perspective of Japan, the current global trend of ideological divisions is causing unforeseen pressures on maintaining a nation's original sociocultural order. Throughout history, the Japanese people have cherished "Wa," which embodies the essence of spiritual and traditional culture in Japan. "Wa" represents a state of constant peaceful unity and conformity, rooted in traditional Japanese family values and integral to Japanese society. Just as "Wa" exists in the cosmos and on Earth, we can draw lessons from nature on how to live harmoniously amidst the differences among people in societies worldwide.

During my time at the beach today, I had a sense that the state of the world may be improving rather than deteriorating. Despite the current challenging times, it might seem overly optimistic to hold such a belief. However, optimism is a mindset that allows us to maintain a sense of hope and confidence, fostering the belief that things will eventually improve. Therefore, I choose to believe in the power of positive words and their ability to shape our reality.

I enjoy taking long drives to immerse myself in the breathtaking beauty of nature, including mountains, rivers, seas, and green fields. It's not just about the scenery; it's also about experiencing the local culture and embracing new experiences along the way. Driving a car, in particular, provides me with a unique sense of connection to my true self and a profound state of tranquility. It's as if I can momentarily detach myself from worldly desires and find relief from the stresses of everyday life.  

To live a fulfilling retirement life without regrets, it is indeed crucial to engage in the activities we love in the present moment. This includes revisiting and completing some of the unfinished endeavors from our past, as they may hold seeds of potential regret. Personally, I have recently purchased an acoustic guitar and rekindled my practice after a hiatus of 40 years. I encourage all of you to identify and pursue the significant unfinished pursuits in your own lives. By doing so, we can create a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction as we embrace our passions and bring closure to those outstanding endeavors.

  The need for self-expression, arising from the depths of one's soul, is essential for communicating and connecting with others from childhood, regardless of whether it is coupled with one's self-esteem needs. There is a great variety of means for self-expression, and different individuals have different strong suits among these means. Given these traits of self-expression, it can be said that the more proficient you become at utilizing some of these means, the higher the chances of building better relationships with others. However, the opposite is also true: the more proficient you become at being an active listener, the greater your chances of building better relationships with others.

Indeed, the process of deciduous trees shedding their leaves in preparation for the cold and dry winter season is a natural and vital survival strategy. While the stark appearance of leafless trees in winter may evoke impatience for the arrival of spring, it is a testament to the adaptability of these trees to changing environmental conditions. Charles Darwin's quote resonates with this phenomenon, highlighting the importance of adaptability in the survival of species. It suggests that strength or intelligence alone may not guarantee survival, but rather the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. In the case of deciduous trees, shedding their leaves allows them to conserve energy and withstand the harsh conditions of winter, ultimately ensuring their continued existence and growth when spring arrives. Nature often provides us with valuable insights and lessons, reminding us of the importance of adaptability and resilience in navigating life's challenges and changes.

  There is a great variety of inspirational and history-making speeches and rhetoric throughout human history. I have been deeply moved and encouraged by the passionately delivered words of our forbears on numerous occasions. As I continued to hear these speeches, I found myself yearning to deliver uplifting speeches and rhetoric in front of people. This desire arose from my wish to repay our forbears' favor to the people of today. Since then, I have focused all my energy on delivering speeches that touch the hearts of my audience, even though the results didn't always meet my expectations. Even after retirement, I still pursue this desire, searching for the true meaning of life.

The other day, I read a news article about the personal benefits of engaging in volunteer work focused on picking up trash (cleaning), also known as "SOUJI" in Japanese. The article featured Mr. Mitsuhide Yoshikawa, a successful Japanese recycling business CEO, who incorporates "SOUJI" volunteer work into his daily routine. In the article, he stated, "Self-confidence helps you build trust in yourself, which leads to experiencing joy and happiness more easily. Self-confidence is the result of multiplying three factors: Self-esteem, self-efficacy, and self-contribution. Engaging in daily "SOUJI" volunteer work allows him to fulfill these factors.

When we were younger, many of us tended to fall into the trap of the Blue Bird Syndrome, where we would try to chase and catch the blue-colored birds, dreaming of a magnificent future without putting in significant effort in our current familiar society or workplace. Although I understood the meaning of the Syndrome well, I found myself on the verge of falling into the trap several times, perhaps because the grass on the other side of the fence often appeared greener than my own. However, as I grew older, I became convinced that in reality, their grass situation is not as good as it seems. Given these circumstances, I have come to realize that focusing on living in the present moment is the shortest route to fulfilling our life needs, rather than searching for a non-existent blue-colored bird.

Sea waves are formed by the movement of water molecules, typically due to the friction between the wind and the surface of the sea. Similarly, sea sand ripples, which are wind-wrought patterns on the sand, are created by the movement of sand grains of various sizes. This movement is primarily caused by the force of strong winds or water at the seashore. Regardless of their mechanisms, witnessing the awe-inspiring combination of these natural wonders—sea waves and sand ripples—brings us great joy.

  Nobody knows what tomorrow will bring, so it would be much wiser to concentrate on living in the present moment instead of worrying about the future. This approach reflects the effectiveness of positive thinking. However, there are instances when utilizing negative thinking, an innate survival instinct against potential threats, can be beneficial. In particular, by strategically employing negative thinking, we can envision the worst-case scenarios effortlessly. This helps us understand potential adversities and prepares us to cope with them in advance by utilizing positive thinking. Therefore, I don't completely dismiss the positive effects of negative thinking. Context plays a crucial role, and the significance of each approach depends on how we use it.

I received several practical tips and advice regarding the nature of work, particularly the psychology of work and organization, from one of my bosses at work. These insights were incredibly helpful in managing both horizontal and vertical working relationships within the organization. One example is related to generational differences. He kindly advised me, "It is relatively easier for you to communicate with individuals who are within a 10-year age range of both younger and older than you, as you can share a set of similar values that were shaped during the same period. However, these values do not necessarily apply to individuals who fall outside of that range, even in a homogeneous nation like Japan. This is mainly because people's values often change across generations, except for timeless, universal values. Even if you find it challenging to automatically accept the differing opinions and ideas of individuals outside of your generational range, it is important to listen

One of the most impactful and practical books in my career was Barbara Minto's "The Minto Pyramid Principle: Logic in Writing, Thinking, and Problem Solving," published in 1996. The author, who was hired by McKinsey & Company in 1963, holds the distinction of being the first female MBA at the company. The pyramid principle emphasizes that our thinking becomes much more understandable to readers or listeners if we present our perspective in a well-organized pyramid structure (MECE: Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) centered around a single issue. I encountered this principle and its related techniques for the first time in my mid-30s (which I considered somewhat late). It took me nearly 10 years to become adept at applying the principle effectively. Believe it or not, this principle has proven highly effective in advancing work and solving management problems. Personally, I still strongly believe that it should be a mandatory subject in training for all youn

I learned so much from a top manager at work, whom I had the privilege of serving under for nine years. He was a big-hearted and demanding individual, but in a positive way. I was assigned numerous challenging tasks, akin to rolling sea waves, that seemed beyond my capabilities or comfort level. However, these experiences ultimately empowered me to become a capable officer who can assist and guide colleagues. One invaluable lesson I learned from him was the art of creating impactful materials, particularly in Power Point presentations. One day, he said to me, "Your Power Point presentation lacks the power to clearly convey your perspective and persuade others." This was a truly eye-opening moment that prompted me to improve the quality of my materials. Another lesson involved meeting submission deadlines for materials. he advised me, "On the deadline day, the submitted material must be flawless. Therefore, it is best to submit a material that you are one hundred percent

Looking back, I was greatly inspired by one of my big bosses at work exceptional command of multiple languages and his astonishing speed in completing tasks. One day, I happened to come across his back-to-office mission report and immediately made a photocopy of it for my reference. I genuinely wanted to learn from and emulate his report writing style, including its format. As a result of adopting his writing style, I definitely improved and became faster in writing reports compared to before. In Japan, there is a term called "Shuhari," comprised of three Kanji characters: Shu (learn), Ha (break), and Ri (create or innovate). Shuhari illustrates the three stages of the learning process, progressing from the beginner level to the professional level. At the Shu stage, you begin by faithfully following the teachings of your supervisor to acquire the basic techniques and forms. In the Ha stage, you assimilate techniques and forms from other schools or supervisors and strive to in

During my time at work, I was once assigned the task of visualizing the return on investment (ROI) in human resource development (HRD) as part of the performance evaluation for engineer and manager training. At the beginning, I sought the guidance of two experts in the related fields, adhering to the primary rule of seeking help from experts in times of trouble. However, both experts equally informed me, "There are no established, precise ROI measures that quantify the gains a company achieves from its investment in training." Nevertheless, one of the experts kindly provided a valuable clue, stating, "Many subjective data points can lead to approximate (rough) objective data." Taking their advice and comments into consideration, I proceeded to design an interview process, questionnaire, and success story survey for ex-trainees, and successfully implemented them. When it came to the success story survey, I firmly believed in my tentative theory: that numerous micro-s

Writing about personal experiences tends to be relatively easy since we have distinct images derived from our memories. However, writing about abstract thoughts that arise from a sudden flash of inspiration can be quite challenging. No matter how hard we try, we have no control over when or how inspiration strikes. Such moments of inspiration are rare occurrences. It goes without saying that any thoughts that can be readily explained are the products of repeated thinking and reasoning. I have no doubt about this.

Yesterday, I came across a seminar flyer about the study of Mr. Tempu Nakamura at a railway station. While I had heard of his name before, I didn't know much about him. So, I decided to search for information about him on Google and YouTube. According to Wikipedia and some related blogs, Tempu Nakamura (1876-1968) was one of Japan's most influential mentors or gurus of the twentieth century. His "Mind-Body Approach," which focused on the unification of mind and body for personal transformation, has had a profound impact on numerous leaders, including Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of Panasonic, Kazuo Inamori, the founder of Kyocera, and even MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani. Tempu Nakamura himself drew inspiration from Yoga philosophy and the New Thought movement, a mind-healing movement that originated in the United States in the 19th century. From my brief search, it appears that one of the key teachings emphasized by Tempu Nakamura can be summarized as follows: "

I am familiar with the Japanese word "Danshari." It is composed of three kanji characters: Dan (cutting or refusing), Sha (throwing away or disposing), and Ri (separating). The origins of these meanings can be traced back to Yoga training. Danshari is often described as the art of Japanese minimalism, which aims to liberate individuals from the stress and materialism of modern living. In Japan, the popularity of the Danshari method, which involves discarding unneeded possessions and adopting a minimalist approach to belongings, has grown rapidly since around 2010. Personally, I have aspired to embrace a minimalist lifestyle for over thirty years, having been inspired by my minimalist friends. However, I have not yet fully achieved my goal of living a truly austere minimalist lifestyle. While refined minimalists may make Danshari appear effortless, in reality, it can be quite challenging to fully implement and adhere to its principles.

It is indeed true that people find joy and fascination in witnessing the growth and development of various entities, whether it be living beings or personal progress. The process of growth holds a certain power that captivates individuals, regardless of their age or background. Moreover, individuals derive pleasure from recognizing their own growth and development, as it brings a sense of accomplishment and vitality to their lives. Around 30 years ago, my then boss at work shared valuable insight with me. He emphasized that every human being possesses the potential for continual self-improvement and growth until the very end of their lives. By consistently striving to expand one's potential, the possibilities for personal growth become limitless. However, it is important to note that the peak of physical power, intellectual power, and soul power occurs in chronological order. I still hold firm belief in his advice and aspire to follow it, acknowledging the inherent potential for gr

We are prone to accept only the truth of what our eyes can see but not the truth beyond what our eyes can see. As you know, people influence each other in a positive or negative way depending on the nature of interaction, just as wave interference occurs when waves meet while rippling out along the same medium (based on the law of entropy increase). Of course, we can't see the interaction among the waves generated by people. However, if we enhance our senses or intuition to such invisible waves by becoming more interested in people, we can feel the truth of the interaction more precisely. The same applies to the relations among countries.

Traveling to lesser-known places with a casual approach and relying on a map rather than following a rigid plan can indeed offer a different and often more rewarding travel experience. By embracing flexibility and freedom, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities and the chance to discover unique aspects of local life. One of the advantages of traveling without a specific plan is the opportunity for spontaneous exploration. It allows you to stumble upon hidden gems, encounter unexpected encounters, and immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle. By relying on a map as a general guide, you can still have a sense of direction and navigate your way, but you leave room for curiosity and the chance to follow interesting detours. Additionally, traveling without a fixed plan can foster creativity and imagination. It encourages you to think on your feet, adapt to changing circumstances, and find solutions in unfamiliar situations. This flexibility can lead to surprising and me

"What do we live for?" This has been a profoundly significant question throughout human history. Personally, my answer to this question has undergone a drastic change before and after my retirement. Prior to retiring, my response was heavily influenced by my subjective experiences and limited perspective (self-interest). However, post-retirement, my answer has taken a more altruistic turn. In this new phase, I've come to realize that as human beings, we are social animals inherently wired to connect with each other. Our collective struggle for survival is intertwined with the preservation of the human species. Simply put, our ancestors received the torch of responsibility to sustain their society from the previous generation, fulfilled those responsibilities during their time, and then passed the torch to the next generation. This passing down of responsibilities from generation to generation might hold a fundamental truth related to the aforementioned question. The shift

There are generally several life stages that change our lifestyle accordingly, regardless of individual differences in lifespan. At each life stage, we, as unique individuals, feel, think, and experience different things that make us grow as a person, depending on our perception and attitude. For leading a fulfilling life, it would definitely be wise to make an extra effort to find what we are passionately in love with and to have fun doing it within a reasonable time frame at each stage. Speaking about myself, one year have already passed since I entered the retirement life stage. Although I am still trying to establish a productive and meaningful retirement life, I have luckily found some things that I really love and have never grown bored or depressed about in my daily life.

The other day, I introduced you to two Japanese sayings whose meanings are "Do what you love and success will follow" and "Perseverance is the key to success." By combining both sayings, I concluded briefly as follows: "We can persevere in our efforts towards the things we love most until we succeed. So, initially, it is considerably important for us to find the things we love from the bottom of our hearts for our success and fulfillment in life." After a while, to my surprise, I discovered that Steve Jobs had expressed similar sentiments in his Stanford commencement address in 2005: "I'm convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work." So, once again, I want to emphasize, "Let

From time immemorial, the Japanese people have traditionally believed in the ethical doctrine that human nature is fundamentally good and have been extremely cautious about creating disorder within a group of people. As a result, the Japanese language itself is often ambiguous and, at times, even illogical in order to avoid unnecessary emotional conflicts with others. This approach works well as long as Japan remains isolated from other countries. However, as a member of the international community, this unique feature has weakened Japan's ability to engage in effective diplomatic bargaining and negotiation, especially amidst the growing uncertainty in the current unstable security situation within the regional community. It is of utmost urgency to expand the pool of capable human resources in the field of diplomatic relations.

The following thought suddenly occurred to me while I was taking a walk this morning. It may not make sense to you due to my poor logic and ideas, but let me share it anyway. Cycling, driving, and flying allow us to take a broader perspective on the region in which we live, as compared to simply walking within a limited area. However, when we attempt to create something physical within the region, we must consistently maintain a micro perspective. This is because we need to start working step-by-step from a detailed perspective while keeping the bigger picture in mind. This can be exemplified by the relationship between building a house and continuously checking the architectural design. While at work, we inevitably encounter various physical problems of different scales, and we must solve them based on the "3 GEN Principles" (GENBA: Actual Place, GENBUTSU: Actual Product, GENJITSU: Actual Situation or the Fact), which are widely practiced, such as in Toyota Motor, often with

In Japan, it is said that "To rise above the crowd, you must make an effort to work three times as hard as anyone else." This holds true when striving to become a true professional who can truly impress customers with the quality and value of their product or service. Hard work is undoubtedly a prerequisite for any job. Sometimes, customers (or people in general) seek to purify their hearts and souls through meaningful experiences. They are even willing to exert effort to receive a product or service from a true professional. A true professional invests their heart and soul into a product or service that deeply resonates with the customers' hearts and souls. 

As you may have also experienced, I went through a difficult time in my youth, struggling with self-hatred and a lack of confidence. It took a considerable amount of time for me to regain my self-esteem and lost self-confidence. This was achieved through gradually building self-acceptance, which helped me cease self-criticism and address my personal flaws. Self-acceptance allowed me to embrace my imperfections (such as deficiencies and past failures) and view myself as a unique and valuable human being in a positive manner. Even now, I occasionally remind myself to "be my own best friend" as a mantra to overcome challenging situations. I believe that self-acceptance, akin to the value of a thick-trunked tree, can be applicable not only to individuals but also to the functioning of families, organizations, communities, and nations. It provides a psychological momentum of confidence and positive encouragement, contributing to peace and prosperity.

While waiting for a connecting flight at Moscow's international airport in 1990, then my boss said to me, "You should adopt a samurai mindset." To be honest, at that time and in that place, I didn't fully grasp what he meant. However, later on, I purchased a book titled BUSHIDO, which provided explanatory notes. According to Mr. Inazo Nitobe, the original author in 1900, the code of the samurai, known as Bushido, was developed through the samurai way of life and the essence of Japan, profoundly influenced by Shintoism, Zen Buddhism, and Confucianism, over several centuries. Bushido comprises seven virtues of the samurai: 1) rectitude or justice, 2) courage, the spirit of daring and endurance, 3) benevolence, a sense of empathy, 4) politeness, 5) veracity or truthfulness, 6) honor, and 7) loyalty. The meaning of the fifth virtue is similar to that of "noblesse oblige." In Japan, we do not formally learn Bushido in schools, but rather absorb its values spontan

Enhancing the power of imagination is crucial when we create something intricate and profound in our minds. As Albert Einstein once said, "Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere." This implies that relying solely on logic has its limitations in such cases. When it comes to presenting a challenging proposition crafted with the power of imagination and persuading someone to accept it, it is essential to employ effective modes of expression. This includes not only visual elements but also logical, verbal, and numerical reasoning. By utilizing these different approaches, we can ensure that the person comprehends the entirety of our detailed proposition as intended.

It has been more than 5 years since "Japan is entering the era of 100 life expectancy" became a popular topic in our society. It is certainly positive news to witness such a remarkable increase in longevity. However, when it comes to large-scale disasters like massive volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, earthquakes, pandemics, and human-made accidents, which occur at frequencies of once-in-a-hundred-years, it becomes challenging to pass down first-hand experiences of these catastrophic events from one generation to the next. The time interval between two large-scale disasters is typically longer than a human lifespan, causing the stories shared by previous generations to gradually fade away over time. This implies that we may not be cautious enough or sufficiently sensitive to unexpected events. Japan's overall security and stability also contribute to this situation. However, it also makes us more susceptible to the "boiling frog phenomenon": if you put a frog in a p

One of my favorite quotes by Albert Einstein is "Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere." I hold this quote dear because I have personally experienced the true power of imagination through various endeavors. However, when it comes to persuading someone to accept a challenging proposition, it is crucial to utilize effective means of persuasion that encompass not only visual elements but also logic, verbal communication, and more. By appealing to both the emotions and reasoning of the individual, we can increase the likelihood of acceptance and understanding.

There are several Japanese old sayings that revolve around the concept of success. One of my favorites is "Sukikoso monono jozu nare," which is commonly translated into English as "Do what you love and success will follow." This saying may seem simple, but it carries a profound meaning for us. When we engage in activities that we genuinely love, we are naturally inclined to persist in those pursuits. In a similar vein, another favorite saying of mine is "Keizoku wa chikara nari," which can be translated as "Perseverance is the key to success." By combining these two sayings, we uncover essential tips for achieving success. It emphasizes the importance of persevering in our endeavors, particularly when they align with our passions. The initial step of finding the things we truly love from the depths of our hearts is crucial for our overall success and fulfillment in life.

When embarking on a new challenge that involves changing an existing situation and transitioning to a more desirable state, it is inevitable to encounter resistance. In such circumstances, Newton's concept of the "Law of Inertia" can be highly applicable. Let's consider a figurative example of an airplane. The well-known theory of flight states that airplane wings are meticulously designed to create a faster airflow over the top of the wings and a slower airflow below them. This design causes a decrease in air pressure above the wings and an increase in air pressure below them. The disparity in these pressures generates an aerodynamic lift force (an internal force) that acts in an upward direction to counter the force of gravity (a resistive force). In essence, if an airplane is at rest, it will remain at rest unless acted upon by the lift force, aligning with the Law of Inertia. Similarly, when undertaking new challenges, we require a strong internal force to propel

Approximately 20 years ago, I had a profound realization when my former boss imparted some advice to me. He said, "There are various types of work in the world, and one of them involves influencing and motivating others in the direction you wish to lead. For instance, if you can evoke strong emotions in a key individual through inspiring, logical, and feasible explanations, you may be able to sway the organization they belong to and allocate its resources towards achieving a noble objective." However, understanding this lesson and putting it into practice are two distinct matters. Truly mastering this lesson through practical application takes a considerable amount of time. Despite having retired, I am still actively pursuing mastery of this skill.

With the growing penetration of the internet and advancements in internet and communication technologies, the opportunities for adult learning have expanded exponentially in terms of quantity and variety. Moreover, a significant portion of adult learning resources is now available for free through the internet. Consequently, money is no longer the primary determining factor when it comes to investing in adult learning; instead, time has become increasingly essential and significant. One could argue that time holds even more value than money. On a different note, it is worth mentioning that now is the optimal time to witness the beautiful mountains in Japan.