A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  Eiichi Shibusawa (1840-1931), a renowned Japanese businessman, famously said, “When one is satisfied with everything in the world, that is the time of decline.” These words suggest that the path to success and sustainability lies in continually seeking improvement without succumbing to complacency. When we achieve a goal and feel content, it is crucial to set new goals and embrace fresh challenges. This approach fosters the prosperity of individuals and organizations alike.

  When I was a student, I used to spend a lot of my spare time reading novels and watching movies. However, once I started working, my reading habits shifted towards more practical books like technical and business literature, and I rarely indulged in fictional novels or movies. However, after I retired, my motivation to read practical books suddenly decreased, and I’ve recently started watching movies again.  Watching masterpiece movies allows me to immerse myself in the protagonist's perspective, experiencing a range of emotions as the story unfolds. It's a unique feeling; whereas when I was young, I felt integrated with my brain, now I observe my brain empathizing fairly objectively. This sensation is entirely new to me. When I compare the character's actions with what I would do in their place, I gain insights into my own shortcomings and might even reconsider my beliefs.

  People who have a clear direction in life often seem content and decisive. In contrast, those who are unsure about their path may be preoccupied with others' opinions and actions, leading to a lack of self-confidence. In the latter case, it is beneficial to regularly reflect on your innermost desires and consider the path that aligns with your true self.

  As we grow older, sometimes unfulfilled wishes cross our minds, wishing that age would stop here. However, embracing the process of aging can lead to positive outcomes each year. As we journey through life, our circumstances and perspectives continually evolve, bringing new insights and learning experiences that are crucial for personal growth. I believe that life holds truths and lessons that may only become apparent in our 60s, 70s, 80s, or beyond. This is perhaps why life is often likened to a journey, as it involves constant change and growth.

  There is a famous saying that a crisis is an opportunity. However, when people are in a crisis, they are often too preoccupied with dealing with the immediate situation to see it as an opportunity. It is only after the crisis or tough times have passed, and we look back on them, that we realize the crisis was an opportunity. These famous quotes contain lessons that can only be understood by looking at life from a long-term perspective or by reflecting on the past, making them difficult for those involved in the situation to truly grasp.

  The knowledge, wisdom, and skills we acquire throughout our lives are mysterious, and there will always come a time when each of them will be useful to somebody or some organization. As we might expect, some of these are immediately useful, while others might unexpectedly become valuable decades later. Regardless of timing, it's important to recognize that when we help people or organizations with our knowledge, wisdom, and skills, we are being tested in life. By making the most of our abilities, we can contribute to society and feel that we are being put to good use. Taking a long-term perspective on life, I can say that the struggles we currently face are not wasted experiences if we can learn from them.

  Everyone accumulates wisdom through their own life experiences, yet many fail to recognize its potential to benefit others, let alone document and share it. I used to often feel lost on life's journey, grappling with various challenges, especially in my youth. I yearned for the wisdom of those who had walked similar paths before me, but finding advice tailored to my circumstances was difficult. This struggle is not unique to me; countless young people worldwide seek practical wisdom to navigate their own worries and problems. The demand for such wisdom is immense, yet the supply seems insufficient. Wisdom rooted in real-life experiences is more persuasive and practical than mere knowledge. Therefore, if more people could articulate and share their wisdom, it would undoubtedly ease the burdens of many. Perhaps, by doing so, we could even improve an international community. Personally, I am eager to continue learning from the wisdom of others.

  This morning, I suddenly thought that just as focusing on the wound from a physical injury can intensify the pain, concentrating on an emotional wound can also worsen it. Conversely, just as holding a magnifying glass up to the sun causes its rays to converge on one point, potentially igniting a fire, focusing our energy on one point can lead to significant effects. If we consciously use our concentration wisely, our power can expand in a positive direction. However, if we use our power negatively, bad things can be amplified. To live a successful life, we must control our consciousness positively in various situations. Since it is impossible to control everything perfectly from the beginning, we must learn through failure. Is it necessary to go through worries and learning experiences to call it a process of human growth?

  It is often said that encouraging others with positive words can have a positive impact on ourselves. This phenomenon is believed to occur because our subconscious mind cannot differentiate between the subject of a conversation, making the words we speak to others seem as though they are directed towards ourselves. Additionally, when similar statements are repeatedly made, they can have an effect similar to suggestions directed at oneself. In essence, affirming others can be seen as a form of self-affirmation, while denying others can be akin to self-denial. Sound itself is comprised of minute pressure fluctuations in the air. These fluctuations are transmitted to the ear, causing the eardrum to vibrate and sending signals to the brain through nerves, where they are converted into electrical signals. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that the words we speak can indeed have a great impact on us. While this conclusion may seem somewhat dramatic, it can be understood in the contex

  Many of us have faced the challenge of generating fresh ideas and solving problems at work. However, developing truly innovative ideas can be quite challenging. So, how can we efficiently generate new ideas? One effective approach is to cultivate a habit of solo brainstorming on a daily basis. Just as regular exercise strengthens muscles, consistent mental exercise can enhance your brain's ability to generate ideas under pressure. In essence, whenever you encounter a specific problem and brainstorm potential solutions, jot them down on paper. Initially, it may be challenging due to preconceived notions or mental blocks. However, with frequent solo brainstorming over several months or years, you'll find it easier to generate ideas consistently. This practice increases the likelihood of producing exceptional ideas. Personally, I've found that relaxing and brainstorming alone in a café, while enjoying a cup of coffee, helps me focus solely on generating ideas, effectively tu

  As you advance in your field and hone your skills, your perspective on your organization changes. It's like gaining a higher vantage point and seeing the bigger picture. However, if this leads to arrogance, your abilities may not be effectively utilized. It's crucial to develop personally alongside your skills to avoid becoming overly arrogant. This balance can create a synergistic effect, combining your human abilities with your specialized skills, leading to greater success. This advice is based on my experience in Japanese organizations.

  When I was in my twenties, "For a good thirties" became a sort of mantra, inspiring my efforts in my work. As I entered my thirties, "For a good forties" took over as the guiding phrase. Likewise, as I entered my forties, "For a good fifties" became the guiding phase. However, as I moved through my mid-fifties and beyond, my motivation shifted. Rather than focusing on such long-term goals, I found myself striving to "get through this week and this month well in my work." Upon retiring, my focus changed once again. I became determined to "make the most of every day," but I also became more mindful of not overexerting myself. Instead, I began to work steadily towards my next goal, making a more balanced, reasonable efforts.

  When I was employed in some organizations, particularly during my youth, I sometimes found myself as the recipient of advice from my superiors and seniors that left me feeling somewhat uncomfortable. This discomfort stemmed from their ability to identify flaws in my performance that I hadn't recognized myself. In some instances, I reluctantly acknowledged the validity of their observations with a hesitant "You're right," while in others, I denied their assessments, silently protesting, "That's not true." Regardless of my initial reaction, I certainly experienced a period of inner turmoil and despondency afterward. However, I eventually learned to channel this frustration into a catalyst for self-improvement, using it as motivation to address my weaknesses head-on. In hindsight, I now realize that the seemingly painful advice I received was, in fact, invaluable guidance that has significantly contributed to my ongoing professional development.

  Even if you strive to establish a commendable track record to garner recognition from others, sometimes those who witness your efforts fail to acknowledge them. Nonetheless, throughout life, we encounter individuals who can perceive our true abilities. Therefore, even if your current endeavors aren't highly esteemed by anyone, it's crucial to persistently enhance your skills and accomplishments without succumbing to discouragement. Through this journey, you'll also cultivate your own virtues, ultimately becoming someone universally acknowledged. If you're prepared to embark on a long-distance marathon, without being deterred by immediate evaluations, you'll find inner peace and eventually attain significant achievements. Naturally, if you find yourself amidst such circumstances, you can empathize with the desire to be promptly recognized, as I once did too.

  Eiichi Shibusawa (1840-1931), a prominent businessman involved in establishing and managing over 500 companies and organizations throughout his lifetime, earned the title of the father of modern Japanese capitalism for his dedication to enriching Japanese society rather than pursuing personal interests. Due to his mission-driven approach, Shibusawa garnered praise from many quarters. Among his numerous enduring sayings is the phrase, "Success and failure leave behind the dregs." This adage reflects the transient nature of success and failure, akin to the residue left behind in life. Despite instances worldwide where virtuous individuals face failure while unscrupulous ones appear to prosper, Shibusawa emphasized the insignificance of success and failure in the grand scheme. Temporary setbacks should not breed disappointment or pessimism. What truly matters is sustained, genuine effort, maintaining moral integrity, and cultivating wisdom over time. By adhering to these princ

  Katsuya Nomura (1935-2020), renowned for his contributions as both a player and manager in Japanese baseball, articulated a profound sentiment about life. He expressed, "I believe that life itself is about connections. It's fair to say that encounters with others shape one's life. Meeting someone in this vast world holds significance in itself." This sentiment bears resemblance to the essence of the Buddhist-influenced adage "Ichigo Ichie" (once in a lifetime), a concept deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. Essentially, the notion of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities underscores the idea that encounters and experiences are fleeting, occurring only once in a lifetime. Consequently, one should cherish these unique opportunities, including relationships, as they may never recur. Through this perspective, even connections formed through social media are recognized as meaningful. It is hoped that we can value and cherish these connections to the fullest extent

  Seikan Kobayashi (1948-2011), a Japanese author and psychology researcher, once remarked, “The true happiness exists in the moments that are generally perceived as unhappiness passing by.” From my perspective, this statement reflects the notion that genuine happiness often emerges from situations typically considered unhappy. For instance, when one recovers from a severe illness, they come to appreciate the true joy of good health, a concern often taken for granted. Kobayashi further elaborated, stating, “Thanks to phenomena perceived as unfortunate, people improve and grow.” “If you consider that what you've perceived as unfortunate up until now might actually be just the first half of happiness, the world might start to look different,” Kobayashi continued. This suggests that when we surmount initially distressing situations, our inner selves undergo positive transformation, leading to personal growth and enrichment. Therefore, if we adopt a positive outlook towards adversity,

  On the journey of life, success doesn’t always follow effort. More often than not, hard work goes unrewarded, due to many factors beyond one’s control. Yet, by continuing to put in the effort, even when faced with potential setbacks, one can maintain a sense of calm and increase the chances of eventual success.

  The Archbishop of Tendai Buddhism, Ryokan Ara (1928-2019), once shared a perspective on the mind: “All things in this world arise from the mind, and the mind can change them. Both within this house and within this world, through this mind, they can become either hell or paradise.” All people live their lives with more or less pain and worry. This is what Buddhism calls “earthly desires”. Suffering and worries bring about a variety of painful emotions such as sadness, anger, envy, and anxiety, and instill “bad habits in the mind.” Therefore, since it is difficult for people to give up earthly desires as long as they are alive, Ryokan Ara proposed to reduce earthly desires by practicing “habits of a calm mind” that are good for the mind and soul. It emphasizes that nothing in this world is fixed forever and that things are always changing, so it is important to understand the truth by looking at things in a big-picture way. What is needed here is the mindset of not being particular and

  Yoichi Takahashi, a former Japanese government cabinet counselor and quantitative policy scholar, possesses extensive knowledge in economics, diplomacy, and finance. In his book, "Introduction to Economics," he underscores that a single diagram of supply and demand can explain 90% of economic conditions and policies, including fiscal and monetary policies. Takahashi asserts that the demand-supply diagram stands out as the simplest and most versatile among economic theories. According to him, applying this economic theory to various practical examples and engaging in independent thinking enables individuals to effectively utilize it. Takahashi suggests that acquiring theoretical knowledge can be the most potent weapon for ordinary citizens in managing their economic lives. While this example pertains specifically to the field of economics, it is prudent for ordinary individuals to comprehend, experiment with, and assimilate simple and highly adaptable theories and laws that

  While it's uncommon, there are moments when I recollect something I've casually heard from an unspecified elder in the past: "Now that I think about it, that person said something like this back then. I feel like I'm in the same position as that person was back then, experiencing similar emotions and sentiments. It seems like I'm uttering words akin to theirs." In Japanese, there exists a culturally distinctive term, "Senpai," and I believe the literal translation in English would be "Senior." However, in Japanese, the term "Senpai" not only denotes someone born earlier but also carries a sense of respect. It can encompass someone who is older, more experienced, or has a longer tenure than you in various aspects such as age, status, experience, academics, skill, and more. Additionally, in Japan, the phrase "Jinsei no Senpai" (Senior in life) is occasionally used, and the situation mentioned at the beginning serves as a

  People often become more sensitive when they experience poverty or hardships that are more challenging than others. On the other hand, individuals who have been blessed with good circumstances and have lived without inconveniences tend to have dull sensibilities. This can be understood from the fact that, for example, when a person goes through a difficult situation and honestly writes about what they feel on a daily basis, their sensitivity is very acute, and the reader is moved. So, what is the state of sensitivity that is expressed there? This means that a person's five senses are in a state where they are sensitive and responsive, and what is sensed by the five senses is smoothly transmitted to the circuits that control emotions, allowing one to feel free and diverse in expressing oneself without doubting one's own heart. Their expressions are free from preconceptions and fixed ideas, and offer new perspectives, ways of thinking, and new values to those around them. As a

  I once heard that people tend to live longer when they are relied upon by others and feel a sense of responsibility and purpose towards them. Based on my personal experiences, it seems that when we engage in helping others, the motivation comes from within, driven by the belief that we play a significant role. Conversely, if we live solely for ourselves, it becomes challenging to establish a sense of responsibility or mission. In comparison to living for others, the internal energy may not be as prominent. This is an extreme example, and in reality, we are social beings. While the allocation of time devoted to self and others may vary, we generally lead our lives in ways that mutually benefit ourselves and those around us. In a broader context, "living for oneself" and "living for others" exhibit a mutually reinforcing relationship. What is done for oneself often benefits others, and reciprocally, actions taken for others can also serve personal interests. However

  While on my morning walk, I found myself deeply immersed in contemplation about the subject of my short essay. Before I realized it, I had reached the vicinity of my house. To my surprise, I couldn't recall anything about the surrounding scenery during that time. The ability to traverse the familiar path to my house effortlessly indicated that my brain's short- and long-term memory, as well as thinking functions, were undeniably operational. Conversely, when delving into essay topics, the brain's functions are confined to governing creative thinking and short-term memory. In simpler terms, I walk unconsciously while my conscious mind is dedicated to creative thinking. I had never contemplated the empirical workings of the brain in this manner, but it becomes genuinely intriguing upon reflection.

  "Those who laugh at one Japanese yen cry over one Japanese yen" is a Japanese proverb, conveying the idea that those who dismiss small amounts of money may eventually regret doing so. The proverb serves as a cautionary reminder not to underestimate the value of even modest sums. Furthermore, another saying supports this notion: "Small things are important." This phrase underscores the concept that significant achievements often stem from the accumulation of seemingly insignificant actions or elements. Thus, we should not disregard small matters solely based on their size. Both proverbs share a common theme, emphasizing the significance of being prepared to address even seemingly minor matters seriously, as they have the potential to become valuable or impactful in the future. This lesson holds particular relevance in various aspects of life, including work and interpersonal relationships. It serves as a reminder that acknowledging and handling small things conscie

  Katsuya Nomura (1935-2020), a renowned player and manager in Japanese baseball, once shared his perspective on the state of mind required to make dreams come true: “To achieve your dreams, it is crucial to maintain a constant desire for improvement. The key to sustaining this ambition is a sense of normalcy, or peace of mind. A normal mind is one that remains unchanged and undisturbed, unaffected by external factors. This mental state is cultivated through daily training, persistent effort, and the confidence gained from accumulating small successes.” In Japanese, this state of mind is known as "Heijoshin," which is the ability to perceive things as they are, without fear, doubt, surprise, or confusion. Attaining and sustaining this state may demand considerable effort, but it is certainly not impossible.

  I had vaguely imagined that once I entered my post-retirement life, I would find myself bored because of the abundance of free time each day. However, in reality, as I began to assess my desires and obligations, I came to the realization that there simply weren't enough hours in the day. Perhaps, this is attributable to my somewhat greedy disposition. Consequently, I find myself contemplating how to enhance my productivity or, at the very least, prioritize the activities I've chosen to focus on. Currently, my goal is to efficiently manage my time, eliminate waste and bottlenecks in the processes I'm engaged in, and boost my productivity—even if it doesn't quite match the level I maintained while working at the office before retiring. I never foresaw that I would be pondering productivity improvement in my post-retirement life.

  Katsuya Nomura (1935-2020), a renowned player and manager in Japanese baseball, stressed the notion that "A person can only become what they can imagine." This aligns with the principle proposed by Joseph Murphy (1898-1981), asserting that by implanting an image in one's subconscious mind, it becomes possible to attract that very image. To support this claim, Katsuya Nomura draws upon his own experiences, noting, "One characteristic of a person who becomes first-rate is the unconscious habit of giving themselves positive suggestions, thinking 'If that person can do it, I can too,' irrespective of the task. Conversely, those who settle for second-rate achievements limit their abilities by declaring, 'I am satisfied with being able to do this much.'" Furthermore, Nomura adds, "It is not because one ages that one grows old. People age when they lose their ideals and cease to make efforts in pursuing those ideals." In essence, age becomes