A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  Rice harvesting season has commenced in Japan. Historically, the Japanese population has subsisted on rice, resulting in the emergence of several rice-related proverbs. One such adage is “Minoru hodo koube wo tareru inaho kana,” whose author remains unknown. This adage can be translated into English as “The more a rice plant bears fruit, the more its ear of rice bows its head downward.” Its essence is akin to the idiomatic expressions “The boughs that bear most hang lowest” or “The more noble, the more humble.” Numerous Japanese individuals nurture an innate desire to embrace this principle. Interestingly, due to shifting dietary preferences in Japan over recent decades, there has been a noteworthy transformation. Specifically, in terms of monetary consumption within multi-person households, the consumption of bread surpassed that of rice in 2013, and this disparity has consistently widened over time.

Against a backdrop of deflation since the mid-1990s, Japan's economy has been in a slump. However, with the recent acceleration of global inflation, the value of the Japanese yen has been decreasing. This is partly due to Japan's recent monetary policy and expansionary fiscal policy, which have filled the GDP gap. As a result, the unintended effect of a beggar-thy-neighbor policy (where one country's economic and trade policies adversely affect its trade partners) has been generated. Japan's GDP has moderately expanded by an annualized 0.7% in January-March 2023. Therefore, there is concern that the upcoming series of anticipated tax increases may dampen the recovery trend in Japan's economy and become a significant public concern.

A couple of years before and after retiring from my career, I sometimes unintentionally heard the advisory words: 'Make way for the younger generation to give them full play' and 'Don't set ambitious goals after retirement to avoid sowing seeds of unnecessary stress and risks.' Maybe because of that, consciously or unconsciously, I have followed the rules of these words as a risk-averse retiree. I would be lying if I said nothing is missing in such an easy life choice. However, yesterday I happened to watch a dialogue video featuring a Japanese cognitive scientist, a Carnegie Mellon Ph.D. holder, discussing coaching. According to him, setting life goals beyond one's comfort zone, somewhere in the scotoma (a blind spot in one's vision), would be more effective in achieving them because it helps maximize brain and mind function, breaking the familiarity of conventional routines and creating new routines to achieve goals. This theory may give me a supportive pu

  It is a well-known story in Japan that Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of PANASONIC, used to ask each interviewee the same question during graduate recruitment interviews: "Are you a fortunate person?" The intentions behind this question may vary, but it is commonly recognized that he believed those who could answer "Yes, I am" were the individuals who would attempt to tackle any challenges with a sense of gratitude for facing difficult circumstances. If this is indeed the case, they would undoubtedly be able to grow as individuals by proactively learning lessons from the various experiences that would occur from that point onward.

On a crisp sunny spring day following a cool, heavy rainfall, the gentle sunlight energizes and enlivens all living things on Earth. What a lovely day! This daily transformation in the natural environment serves as a reminder that everything is constantly changing, and nothing remains the same. Thus, it is highly beneficial for those who can focus on being intensely aware of the ever-changing beauty of Mother Nature. Thanks to a pro-retirement lifestyle, it has unintentionally led me to experience a spiritual awakening to this natural beauty.

Biologically, there are things that can be heritable and non-heritable from parent to child. The memory of the cerebral cortex is one example of a non-heritable trait. While there is no specific evidence, I feel that I understand its reason based on Charles Robert Darwin's "Origin of Species": "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent; it is the one most adaptable to change." This means that lessons learned from past successful experiences can often hinder the adaptation to new changes, as no two changes are the same. Due to this fact, all children need to acquire new knowledge and lessons in the modern age.

  "Those individuals who know hardship of making things would never blame a failure on others” is a quote by Masaru Ibuka, a co-founder of SONY. When I first heard it, I didn't grasp a clear idea of its true meaning. However, after pondering it several times, I vaguely understood its significance. In essence, the genuine craftsperson, due to the inherent nature of creating things themselves, gains a profound understanding of the principles of cause and effect in craftsmanship through countless direct practical experiences in the workshop. This, in turn, cultivates their sense of self-accountability as well as an unblemished honesty, free from any inclination to bargain.

It used to be widely said that the interdependent bilateral relationship, developed particularly by the private sector's trade and investment, together with the cooperation of government and non-government sectors through overseas development assistance (ODA), could considerably help maintain peace and security between the countries involved. This ethical doctrine-based belief was one of the strongest pillars of my job commitment. Unfortunately, from recent observations of the unsettled state of the world, it cannot always be applicable. I cannot help but regard it as the most challenging issue for ODA cooperation, at least in the first half of the 21st century.

Each foodstuff has a proper time of year when it is considered ripe and most flavorful. In Japan, we refer to this peak flavor period of seasonal foodstuff or ingredients as 'Shun,' which people have regarded as important for good health. Additionally, 'Shun' also signifies the optimal time to perform certain tasks. For example, it is suitable to sow seeds of a specific seasonal fruit during this period to ensure a good harvest. I believe that 'Shun' exists in every aspect of human life. In other words, there are key moments when we must devote our best energy to the things we are responsible for and deeply passionate about, at each stage, in order to lead a fulfilling and satisfying life.

Japanese term: "Antenna wo haru" is literally translated into English as "Put up an antenna," which means "At all times, keep your eyes open to everything related to the fields that you are involved in." So, this term is often used as an advisory phrase in a particular situation where someone feels the urge to consciously collect a variety of relevant information for tasks or to keep on learning about something they are interested in, in order to avoid limited views. "Antenna wo haru" has definitely been a guiding principle in my post-retirement life so far.

I n order to achieve desired results by doing things, we must first engage in an internal dialogue. Through this series of conversations, we often find the necessary answers by asking ourselves relevant questions, starting with "What do you really want to do?" Our minds are adept at grasping abstract concepts and images. However, when it comes to documenting them as a tangible plan, we cannot rely on abstractions alone; we must break them down into concrete and actionable steps for practical implementation. From this perspective, writing technique holds great significance in effectively transforming ambiguous thoughts into tangible realities. The more we refine our writing technique, the more smoothly we can realize our goals and aspirations. Additionally, writing helps improve our thinking and communication skills when interacting with others.

In Japan, we often come across short daily or monthly messages like precepts for living or Buddhist phrases on bulletin boards at Buddhist temples. Today, I happened to see an attractive message at a temple. The message says, "When things don't go your way, it offers the best opportunity for self-development." Although it sounds familiar to me, I would like to take this occasion to deeply imprint it on my mind once again. A bulletin board at familiar sanctuaries like temples is still a very effective analog communication method with ordinary people in the digital era.

People cannot make progress in their lives without gaining new awareness on various occasions. So, what can we do to constantly improve ourselves by enhancing our internal self-awareness? One of the easiest answers to this question is to put ourselves in unfamiliar places or situations that allow us to see ourselves from different perspectives. For example, let's imagine you are transferred from a familiar department in a company to a specialized department with highly competent staff. As soon as you arrive at the new department office, you will automatically be compelled to assess your current position in relation to the capabilities of the high-standard staff. This process of self-discovery becomes the crucial first step in elevating your own standards. However, whether you choose to view it as a stepping stone or not ultimately depends on your willpower and self-motivation.

There is no one who hasn’t experienced personal, hopeless defeats in life. This applies not only to ordinary individuals but also to successful individuals who may appear to have smoothly sailed through their entire life journey. That's because every difficult step towards success inevitably involves personal defeats to some degree. In that sense, being alive itself might be the ultimate challenge for every human being. As life challengers, it is significant to have a strong sense of personal mission supported by a specific purpose dedicated to someone who truly needs our support (as we are social animals). Those who have overcome defeats by faithfully carrying out their missions are really courageous. Needless to say, we are not given a specific life purpose respectively but have to find it on our own .

I suppose everyone has experienced achieving one or more miraculous outcomes in life as a result of their relentless efforts. Such an image of a miraculous outcome must have strongly imprinted on one's mind and will remain as a treasure for the rest of their life. In my case, during the first date of the anniversary events for a Japanese organization, I had an unforgettable and marvelous experience that always reminds me of the spirit of 'Never give up until the final moment.' Allow me to share the miraculous weather phenomenon that occurred just one day before the events. An extremely powerful typhoon was predicted to hit Tokyo, but luckily, it veered away from the city. This sudden change in the typhoon's course can only be described as miraculous. Thanks to this, we were able to have over 1,000 attendees at the International Symposium on the scheduled date. Such an experience is truly a treasure for a meaningful life.

From my subjective perspective, as the global information society has advanced in recent decades, Japan has gradually become inundated with predominantly negative information, particularly disseminated by mainstream media. This trend may be attributed to their preoccupation with unproductive daily ratings races for survival in the midst of structural transformations within the information and communication industry. However, the persistent circulation of such unfounded or irrelevant negative information unnecessarily demoralizes the Japanese population, especially the younger generations. In Japanese, the term 'Kei Ki' literally translates to the economic climate, where 'Kei' signifies 'State' and 'Ki' represents 'Prana' or 'Life-Force.' A negative state of life-force can only yield negative outcomes. Therefore, in addition to addressing crucial matters pertaining to authentic risk management, it is essential to promote the dissemination

Japan has been widely recognized by many foreign visitors as one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world. The main reasons for this recognition can be attributed to three significant elements: order, respect, and honesty, which are deeply ingrained in Japan's unique culture, cherished since the late Stone Age (38,000 – 16,000 years ago). For most Japanese people, these elements are like the cost-free, invisible air we breathe every moment. However, as the saying goes, 'You don't know what you've got until it's gone.' If these three elements happen to be even remotely disrupted due to certain reasons, Japanese people will realize the immense value of these cultural inheritances deeply rooted in their society.  

There are plenty of places that we have only visited once in a lifetime and that we probably won’t remember for the rest of our lives. The place in the following photo might have been one of those places. But fortunately, the photo I had taken there reminded me of the happy moment, like a refreshing breeze that blew from the beautiful lake at the time. That’s part of the awesome memories I associate with this photo.

Post-retirement life is a good time to embark on a spiritual journey in search of truth, based on the knowledge, wisdom, and experience we have diligently accumulated day by day. Fortunately, in my case, the appetite for seeking truth and discovering something new in a variety of fields has been slowly but steadily increasing since retiring from my career. Dear friends of around my age, I hope you all will stay healthy in mind, body, and spirit throughout this pleasant journey.

It's pretty rare for me to take landscape photographs that look like beautiful paintings with my ordinary smartphone, of course, with no desire at all. I would say that such photographs are rather the products of chance. According to experts, the less-shaded flat light of a cloudy day is ideal for restraining the appearance of three dimensions and compelling that of two dimensions, like paintings. Interestingly enough, a lot of people prefer paintings that look like photographs and vice versa.

With respect to the proverb 'Necessity is the mother of invention,' I am more familiar with the revised version, 'Inconvenience is the mother of invention.' This is because I have frequently observed that people are prone to take the convenient or easy way out by human nature. In this regard, what we have to keep in mind is that when something convenient is easily gained, something else is lost insidiously. For example, the printing machine invented by Gutenberg has helped explosively disseminate information about human knowledge and expertise throughout the world. However, someone has said that it became a cause of weakening the memory function of humans. For another example, the invention of the motor vehicle brought about a dramatic change in human mobility, but riding a motor vehicle all the time has made people out of shape. There are plenty of other examples as well. Therefore, we sometimes have to be careful to consciously work out a balance between something con

A former Japanese cabinet advisor whom I highly respect and admire is often referred to as a genius because of his outstanding intelligence and shrewdness in monetary and fiscal policy, foreign policy, security policy, and other areas. Over the past couple of years, I have tried not to miss a single opinion he has expressed through various media. Perhaps I have a very persistent personality myself. Recently, I realized that he has a favorite phrase, "It's a piece of cake!" in the course of his ordinary conversations. The repetition of this phrase probably helps his subconscious mind function to lower psychological resistance to taking on new challenges, which may improve the odds of overcoming new challenges every time. That's just my assumption.

The other day, I realized for the first time in my life that there is a wide variety of beautiful flowers that bloom during the spring season. Today, I also picked up on the fact that various fresh green leaves that emerge during spring are a stunning beauty that can boost our spirits and hopes. Such awareness might be a partial benefit of the post-retirement years. Needless to say, these realizations come only with peace. Therefore, I cannot help but acknowledge the great value of peace.

Earning a living by doing what you love is indeed a dream job that many people aspire to. It combines fulfillment and financial security, creating a sense of satisfaction. However, in reality, not everyone is able to achieve this ideal scenario. Often, individuals find themselves faced with a trade-off between higher earnings and more personally fulfilling work. Nevertheless, even if you find yourself making a compromise when choosing a job, it doesn't mean you have to completely give up on pursuing your dream job. There is still room for creativity and initiative within an organization. You can actively propose attractive and profitable business plans or seek opportunities to incorporate aspects of your passion into your work. By doing so, you can create a more fulfilling job experience and move closer to your dream job, even within the constraints of the trade-off decision.

The Japanese proverb, "Ashita wa ashita no kaze ga fuku," is literally translated into English as "The winds of tomorrow will blow." This can be paraphrased as "Tomorrow is another day" or "Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow." It generally implies the encouraging advice to maintain a positive attitude towards life and to embrace each day as it comes.

One of the popular Japanese proverbs, “Shippai wa seikou no moto,” is literally translated into English as “Failure is the basis of success,” which means that every failure is a stepping stone to success. According to today’s breaking news, the Japanese lunar exploration company, ispace, attempted to land its first cargo (launched by a SpaceX rocket last December) on the moon, but the cargo was likely to crash on the surface last April. ispace’s CEO, Hakamada, said, “Despite not completing the mission, we have acquired a great deal of data and experience to make it work next time.” This must be the hardest moment for them due to the unexpected failure. But this is the exact case of “Shippai wa seikou no moto.” I wish them every success in their future endeavors.

Approximately 35 years ago, the internationalization of Japanese management was a highly debated topic. This was prompted by the rapid appreciation of the Japanese yen against the US dollar, which led many Japanese manufacturers to relocate their production sites overseas. During that time, the weaknesses of Japanese management, such as slow decision-making, unclear job descriptions, and limited delegated authority, were frequently highlighted. It was also emphasized that Japanese managers struggled to effectively collaborate with talented foreign white-collar workers due to a lack of cross-cultural and international leadership expertise. Subsequently, Japan entered a period known as the 'Lost Decades,' characterized by deflation and stagnating economic growth that spanned three decades. To the best of my knowledge, little progress has been made on the issue of developing international/global leadership in Japan since then.

Hideki Yukawa (1907-1981) was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1949 for his groundbreaking research on the theory of elementary particles, which included the successful prediction of the existence of the pion. He became Japan's first Nobel laureate. One of his famous quotes, 'Think of the future as the past,' was intriguing, and its true meaning was not entirely clear. However, one of Yukawa's close friends suggested that it might imply having strong conviction for one's future vision, which offers a plausible interpretation. Another quote of Yukawa that resonates with me is 'I'd like to make my everyday life a step forward,' as it reflects my own sentiments in these present times.

Since ancient times, the Japanese people have held the belief that souls or spirits reside within all things, although this religious belief has diminished over time due to modern mass production. As a result, memorial services have been held in Japan for even bent, broken, or worn-out items such as needles, knives, combs, and more. One such memorial service, called "Hari Kuyo," is still practiced today at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, serving as an expression of sincere respect and gratitude for the hard work and service provided by these objects. This longstanding tradition highlights the importance of seeing all things as reliable and friendly partners. Therefore, the Japanese people dispose of needles respectfully instead of simply throwing them away. This perspective is reflected in Japanese animated cartoons such as Astroboy and Doraemon, where the Japanese people are depicted as unlikely to become adversarial with Artificial Intelligence (AI) but rather inclined

"If you build it, he will come" is a famous quote from the 1989 baseball movie, "Field of Dreams," starring Kevin Costner. When I took the initiative, planned, and organized the anniversary events for the establishment of an Japanese organization, I modified the quote to say, "If you build it, people will come." This was done to ensure that the events would be attractive enough to fill the large halls in Tokyo to their full capacity. Since then, "If you build it, people will come" has become my secret mantra, serving as a reminder that I am capable of overcoming significant challenges.

  Wisteria, known as “Fuji” in Japanese, has begun to bloom much earlier than usual this year in Japan. It was a personal first for me to take close-up shots of wisteria flowers. The fragrance of the flowers is surprisingly strong and intoxicating. Until now, I had never fully realized the wide variety of beautiful flowers that bloom with each passing season in life.

If every individual in a nation is leading a healthy and fulfilling life while feeling a sense of responsibility towards nation-building, the nation will undoubtedly become unified and thrive in a positive manner. Consequently, people from other nations will greatly admire this exceptional nation. To bring our current state closer to this ideal, there is no doubt that we need to dedicate ourselves to the development and implementation of a new educational system that effectively nurtures and utilizes individual talents and skills required in both present and future societies.

  According to the wave-particle duality theory in quantum mechanics, the entire universe, including human beings, is composed of elemental particles that exhibit both wavelike and particle-like characteristics. Additionally, music consists of sound waves organized into three primary elements: rhythm, melody, and harmony. If we draw an analogy between music (waves) and human life (wavelike), these elements could be likened to living at an appropriate tempo, diversifying daily activities, and cultivating a harmonious relationship with our surroundings. If we lead our daily lives by consciously overseeing these elements, it could bring about a sense of contentment, much like the effect of music.

When I hear the term "exponential acceleration," I think of a rapid and significant increase or growth in a particular phenomenon. In the context you provided, it brings to mind the remarkable and explosive expansion of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically with regards to OpenAI's AI chatbot, ChatGPT. The fact that ChatGPT reached over 100 million users within just two months highlights the incredible speed at which this technology is being adopted. However, it is important to note that such exponential growth also raises concerns and challenges. Some countries have already implemented partial bans or are considering restrictions due to the potential risks associated with the software. While it is clear that we will increasingly rely on revolutionary AI software in the near future, it is crucial to establish appropriate rules and regulations that take into account ethical and moral considerations. This urgent need emphasizes the importance of careful deli

When it comes to problem-solving, there is a Japanese saying, “Don't miss the forest for the trees,' which means 'Don't fail to see the big picture.” Needless to say, this advice holds great significance in helping us better understand the problems we face and develop optimal solutions. However, in reality, many individuals who are accustomed to the division of labor and have a tendency to fixate on details often struggle to see the big picture, which leaves them trapped. Therefore, it is crucial to train and cultivate the habit of seeing the big picture in order to become astute citizens.

Plants utilize photosynthesis to absorb chemical energy from sunlight. Similarly, when humans expose their bare skin to sunlight, it promotes the production of vitamin D in the skin, leading to increased serotonin levels that contribute to feelings of happiness and energy. Plants not only release oxygen but also emit bioelectricity, negative ions, and more. Negative ions, known for their potential to elevate serotonin levels, are just one example of the incredible interactions occurring between human beings and their natural environment. These interactions reinforce the strong realization that humans are an integral part of nature.

  While venturing into an unfamiliar space, such as a different country, typically demands a measure of courage and determination, it is undoubtedly worth attempting as long as we maintain a learning attitude. This is because we can gradually and organically come to comprehend both the commonalities and dissimilarities related to culture, values, briefs, societal systems, and more, much like water seeping in. Additionally, this experience prompts various questions to arise in our minds, simultaneously broadening our horizons. As a result, we can develop multi-faceted perspectives and insights that enable us to perceive things accurately and enrich our lives. Thus, taking concrete actions, particularly driven by curiosity and a learning attitude, holds great significance in leading a fulfilling life.

  As we age, our understanding of life deepens. For instance, if I were to meet my younger self today, I would likely perceive him as immature and self-centered. I might feel inclined to point out his weaknesses and offer him valuable advice. However, I also recognize that it is through the lessons learned from various experiences later in life that he would truly grow. Taking this into account, it is far more beneficial to accept him as he was, which ultimately leads to accepting myself as I am.

J iro Shirasu (1902-1985) was a prominent figure in Japan's post-World War II independence and economic development. He played a significant role in establishing the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as it exists today. Throughout his life, Shirasu cherished the principles of a samurai's honor and the concept of Noblesse Oblige. It is said that Shirasu was the only Japanese individual who boldly confronted Douglas MacArthur, the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, due to his disregard for principles during the allied occupation of post-war Japan. Opinions on Shirasu among the Japanese people remain divided. 'If you live by principles, you will never go astray' is one of his famous quotes.

Some people argue that human history is a continuous struggle for power, stemming from human nature. However, it is also a fact that humans have endeavored for thousands of years to construct and uphold peace through collaborative efforts, albeit without complete success. Given the present circumstances, including the potential misuse of advanced technologies, it becomes even more crucial to contemplate and implement the most effective means or mechanisms for maintaining a balance of power in international relations, in order to prevent exacerbating situations that hinder global peace.

Kitaro Nishida (1870 - 1945), one of the most influential moral philosophers in Japan, expressed ideas such as, “Flowers bloom with single-hearted dedication, without hesitation or comparison to other flowers. These pure characteristics of flowers deeply touch our hearts. This principle applies to our lives.” He further elaborated by saying, “If you cannot identify a specific flower (mission or calling) for yourself, embrace the challenge of anything presented before you, following the voice of your heart, and you will come to know.”

  “Real happiness lies in the completion of work using your own brain and skills.” This quote by Soichiro Honda, the founder of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is one of my favorites. He was a remarkable engineer.

  Under the sunny spring weather this year, I have never experienced such a profound surge of growth energy emitted by the first fresh green leaves on the trees. Additionally, it feels as though every living being on Earth has rebounded after a long and arduous winter. Welcoming spring brings me immense joy.

The French psychologist Emile Coue (1857-1926) proposed the Law of Reversed Effort, which suggests that in a conflict between imagination and willpower, the imagination always emerges victorious without exception. To explain further, if we desire something to be achieved through willpower or the conscious mind, but even harbor a slight imagination that it will not happen, then it certainly won't. This is because our subconscious mind, which stores data, memories, and positive/negative thoughts, holds 90% of our brain's processing power beyond our conscious mind and fuels our imagination. Thus, it is only natural for the preservation of the human species that the imagination triumphs over willpower. The Law of Reversed Effort underscores the significance of positive thinking and autosuggestion.

The Broken Windows Theory is a well-known concept advocated by James Q. Wilson and George Kelling in 1982. It posits that visible signs of disorder and misbehavior, such as broken windows in the environment, have an adverse impact on people's minds and attitudes, leading to an increase in crime rates. To break free from this detrimental cycle, one of the most effective countermeasures is to continually clean up the environment with the cooperation of as many citizens as possible. This ongoing effort yields positive mental effects, such as refining the mind and uplifting the spirit. In Japan, there is a saying, 'Keeping it clean makes it less likely to get dirty,' highlighting the importance of maintaining cleanliness to prevent further deterioration."

  Technological innovation can truly succeed when the underlying idea is supported by solid philosophical foundations, addressing diverse problems and creating values of peace for humanity. The importance of establishing an environment, including a moral education system, that effectively nurtures such technological innovation is becoming increasingly urgent.

I enjoy watching a variety of videos on YouTube in my free time. Lately, I've noticed a significant increase in the number of Japanese videos focusing on retirement lifestyles. This trend serves as clear evidence of Japan's aging population. Each video provides a glimpse into our potential future lives and offers valuable tips on how to live a happy life after retirement. Through these videos, I've come to realize that many individuals approaching retirement are actively seeking a fulfilling path to follow. Naturally, there are as many different retirement lifestyles as there are people.

Unlike conventional supercomputers, quantum computers leverage quantum mechanical phenomena like superposition and entanglement, making them highly advantageous for extremely complex calculations, including total optimization calculations. With such unique capabilities, the more I learn about quantum computing, the more I begin to perceive that the human brain appears to possess functions akin to a quantum computer system, in addition to those of a conventional supercomputer system, despite their disparate computing powers. It's accurate to say that every human being is a universe within themselves.

The Riken research institute has successfully developed Japan's first quantum computer, granting online access to their collaborative researchers on 27 March 2023. Currently, there are numerous technical challenges that need to be overcome before the quantum computer can be effectively utilized. However, it is highly anticipated to significantly advance research in fields such as chemical and biological engineering, meteorology, security, artificial intelligence, and others that often involve complex calculations. Quantum computers are reputed to be over 100 million times faster than conventional supercomputers in digital simulation experiments, which is truly astounding!

If we set achievable goals and enjoy striving to accomplish them one by one, we can continue to grow and spread positivity within our surrounding communities, much like trees, regardless of our chronological age. The tree depicted below showcases its growth over the years, reaching towards the sky in different seasons.