Embracing Life's Connections: Insights from Katsuya Nomura and “Ichigo Ichie”:

 

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 possible.

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