A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  Looking back on my life, I can't help but wish I had learned and applied more of the wisdom passed down by our predecessors on how to live wisely. However, since it is impossible to turn back time and start over, I choose instead to continue learning and putting that wisdom into practice from this point forward. At the same time, I hope to share my insights with future generations, offering practical guidance on how to navigate life wisely. 　 Like many of you, I have encountered the wisdom of those before us through books, lectures, movies, sports, travel, work, and everyday interactions. Yet, few people make a habit of applying these lessons in their daily lives. True wisdom is not merely knowing what is right but embedding it into our thoughts and actions until it becomes second nature — an ingrained pattern of recognition that allows us to respond wisely without conscious effort. 　 Of course, not everything we say or do can be guided by instinct alone. It is equally important ...

  It dawned on me that truly living in the present means using time wisely. If we cherish time and also everything—including ourselves—that connects to our soul, life will feel more fulfilling. This might be one reason why the ancient Japanese believed that all things have souls.

  The sight of people working hard for others and society is both beautiful and inspiring. Witnessing such dedication naturally stirs within us the desire to do the same. Similarly, when we receive kindness, we often feel compelled to return it—either to the giver or to someone else. In this way, positive energy spreads, shaping our actions and influencing those around us. However, the opposite is also true. Negative influences can lead to discouragement and passivity. This applies not only to individuals but also to nations, which are, after all, collections of people. For instance, when a society is steeped in long-standing excessive self-criticism over its history, it can foster hopelessness, distraction, and a decline in proactive effort. Beyond human interactions, even objects and experiences may carry unique wavelengths. While perceptions vary from person to person, these subtle influences can shape our preferences. When people engage in work they genuinely enjoy, they can ma...

  Being honest with our conscience brings many benefits. Here are three key examples: First, honestly expressing our thoughts and feelings—especially through writing—opens our hearts. When we share these reflections on social media, we attract like-minded individuals from around the world who resonate with our ideas. This connection creates opportunities for meaningful exchanges, allowing us to learn from one another and expand our perspectives.   Second, because times are constantly changing, the knowledge and experience we have accumulated in the past may not always be relevant or applicable to our present circumstances. To truly understand reality, we must carefully observe the current situation, interpret it logically, and base our judgments on facts rather than preconceived notions. By maintaining an open and honest mindset, free from bias, we pave the way for continuous self-growth. Third, as people transition from childhood to adulthood, they often lose access to ...

  In today's information-saturated world, we often become fixated on external sources of knowledge. While outside information is undoubtedly valuable for building a better life and lifestyle, achieving balance requires dedicating more time to self-reflection and inner dialogue. Ultimately, each person must choose their own path and take responsibility for their journey. Along the way, our greatest supporter—or at times, our greatest adversary—will be none other than ourselves. This makes it essential to cultivate a healthy and positive inner dialogue, ensuring that we become our own best ally. Thoughtfully developed positive ideas hold intrinsic value, but when others resonate with them, they can also enrich our relationships. Instead of preaching our beliefs, we can inspire and guide others simply by embodying our principles through action.

  Since ancient times, Japan has been blessed with a rich natural environment, fostering a deep reverence for nature and ancestor worship. Rooted in the belief that all things possess souls or deities, this perspective has shaped Japanese society’s emphasis on communal harmony rather than individual independence. The prevailing idea is that humans exist within relationships—both with nature and other people—rather than as isolated beings. This communal mindset is reflected in various aspects of Japanese culture, much like in team sports, where collective victory takes precedence over individual achievements. Because the distinction between self and others is often fluid, the Japanese language naturally omits explicit subjects, relying instead on context and background for clarity. Humility has long been regarded as a virtue in Japan, likely stemming from the belief that we are shaped by our connections with nature and those around us. This has led to an enduring cultural emphasis o...

  Whether traveling abroad or moving to a new home, immersing ourselves in an unfamiliar environment exposes us to new perspectives and ideas that we wouldn't encounter in daily life, broadening our horizons. Even without physically relocating, a shift in role—such as being promoted to a superior’s position at work—places us in a different situation with new responsibilities and challenges. However, even if we do not yet hold a leadership position, we can still gain insight by imagining ourselves in our boss’s shoes. By consciously considering their perspective and asking ourselves how we would handle similar situations, we can develop a vague yet valuable understanding of their mindset. This practice of viewing our own perspectives in relation to others fosters objectivity and helps us find common ground in times of conflict. Ultimately, it is the first step in putting into practice the well-known saying: “If you want to change someone else, you have to change yourself first.”

  At each milestone in life, one chapter ends and another begins. The spiritual assets we cultivate through learning in one chapter can be carried forward to the next. Embracing new challenges fosters further learning, promotes personal growth and mental vitality, and enriches our reservoir of spiritual assets. If we remain humble rather than arrogant, we can learn from everything around us. For instance, those who seek knowledge through social media can find valuable opportunities for personal development. In nature, all things with form eventually fade from our sight, and the same is true for humans. However, by consciously acknowledging and respecting these forms—and even anthropomorphizing them—we can gain profound insights. Deep within, we recognize that a humble attitude invites golden opportunities for learning.

  Generally speaking, when we see energetic and thriving individuals, their vitality influences us, uplifting our own spirits. After retirement, encountering people of my generation—or even much older—who remain healthy and lively not only cheers me up but also instills in me a quiet courage to keep moving forward. Though we cannot see it, I believe we are deeply influenced by the positive energy that a person unconsciously generates within themselves. It radiates outward, affecting those around them. An apt analogy would be standing in the warmth of the sun on a cold winter day—an invisible yet undeniable source of comfort and strength.

  We live our lives by acting on the thoughts and ideas that take shape in our minds, yet we do so within an external world filled with restrictions and limited freedom. While imagination knows no bounds, as we grow into sensible adults, we repeatedly encounter the difficulty of turning our ideas into reality. Over time, this leads us to unconsciously suppress our own imagination, resulting in a significant loss of potential opportunities. Because of this, rather than pursuing bold, groundbreaking ideas, we tend to gravitate toward more practical and low-risk approaches—ones that feel achievable. However, true growth comes from the challenge of bringing our free imagination to life, despite the difficulties involved. Many older people still regret not having pursued what they truly wanted in life. This regret is often the result of excessive self-restraint in their thinking. To live without regrets, we must think boldly and positively about what we truly want to do, take action ste...

  Inspiration does not arise simply by willpower. Instead, it often emerges through continuous concentration on a subject. At times, by chance, various fragments of information stored in the brain connect, leading to a sudden flash of insight. In Japan, where nature has long been revered, there is a deep-rooted belief that spirits dwell in all things. This philosophy has fostered a tradition of cherishing objects, passing down the importance of care and attachment through generations. Among Japan’s highly respected craftsmen, maintaining and treasuring their tools is fundamental. By treating their tools with care, a psychological bond forms between the artisan and the object. This connection creates a sense of harmony, allowing the mind to enter a relaxed state. Such a state may activate the right hemisphere of the brain, making it easier to piece together fragmented thoughts and spark inspiration. Of course, this is just my perspective, shaped by personal experience.

  Acquiring knowledge alone is not enough to ensure success; it must be complemented by real-life experience. Experience serves as the process of transforming knowledge into wisdom through the use of the five senses. However, when dealing with concepts beyond the physical world—things that cannot be perceived through our senses, particularly those beyond visual perception—imagination plays a crucial role. In such cases, it is necessary to construct a framework and develop theories based on core hypotheses, which are then tested through experimentation and trial. This approach is essential not only for groundbreaking inventions but also for navigating the complexities of everyday life.

  When we become busy with our daily work and responsibilities, we often neglect various tasks, leading to vague worries that accumulate as stress. However, by transforming these vague worries into clear challenges or problems and addressing them promptly, we can significantly reduce stress. In the process of solving problems, we often rely on assumptions based on limited information. This is especially true in unfamiliar fields, where our initial assumptions are likely to be inaccurate. To improve the quality of these assumptions, it is essential to analyze the structure and underlying mechanisms of the problem from multiple perspectives. Moreover, solving a problem requires a willingness to take risks. Without an acceptance of potential risks in advance, we may struggle to achieve the expected outcomes.

  Avoiding or procrastinating on a problem often makes it more complicated. Therefore, it is important to cultivate a strong mindset to address issues promptly and solve them with a sense of responsibility. Many successful individuals recognize that “the real problem is the absence of a problem (a key challenge is not the problem itself, but the absence of one).” They view challenges as opportunities and have built lasting legacies by using problem-solving as a springboard for growth. To grasp the essence of a problem, it is crucial to ask high-quality questions that reveal its overall structure. Often, a third party’s inquiries help those involved gain new insights into the issue. The ability to consistently ask insightful questions comes from continuous practice and self-training. By refining this skill daily, one can develop a sharper, more effective problem-solving approach.

  Engaging in dialogue with our inner selves from the moment we become conscious throughout our lives is essential for organizing our intentions, clarifying our thoughts, and fostering personal growth. Those who cultivate the habit of having healthy and positive conversations with themselves daily tend to navigate life with greater clarity and are less likely to be overwhelmed by distractions. In general, when faced with numerous options, decision-making can become difficult and confusing. However, individuals who regularly engage in self-reflection are less prone to such confusion. By continuously refining their inner dialogue, they can determine a path forward with confidence. Once this path is established, they can pursue mastery through trial and error while embracing their individuality and unique strengths. This principle applies even in retirement, a stage often perceived as leisurely. To lead a fulfilling life after retirement, it is crucial to develop the habit of meaningf...

  The human brain is not perfect, but by understanding its characteristics and working with its natural tendencies, we can enhance our effectiveness. 1)    We may struggle to make decisions even when we have sufficient information. In such cases, we often rely on intuition or hunches. However, if we remind ourselves in advance that intuition alone can lead us astray, we can view misjudgments as valuable learning experiences rather than failures.   2)    Even familiar scenery can appear fresh when viewed from a different angle or perspective. This shift in perception can lead to new insights and discoveries.   3)    The brain naturally forgets difficult experiences over time. This ability allows us to approach life's challenges through trial and error, knowing that setbacks will fade, making it easier to persevere. 4)    Breaking down large, complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts reduces the brain’s cognitive bu...

  Problems that initially seem complex can often be simplified by fully understanding their structure and mechanisms based on reliable facts. By doing so, the essence of the problem becomes clear, making it easier to address. Furthermore, knowledge serves as a guideline for judgment and action, but it only gains true value when it transforms into wisdom. In other words, relying solely on knowledge without experience often leads to trial and error in decision-making or problem-solving. However, this very process—of testing, adjusting, and learning—is what cultivates living wisdom. Trial and error requires full engagement with the present moment, leaving no room for unnecessary concerns about the past or future. By focusing entirely on the present, learning deepens, and wisdom emerges.

  To alleviate anxiety when addressing problems related to a specific event, the first step is to gather factual information from every possible angle. If the available information is insufficient or inaccurate, identifying an effective solution becomes impossible. Moreover, even when the same information is presented, different individuals may interpret it differently. Therefore, it is crucial to minimize the influence of bias and preconceptions while analyzing the information objectively and systematically. By structuring and organizing the data clearly, we can accurately define the core problem and its underlying causes. This approach enables us to develop rational and effective solutions. Additionally, postponing problem-solving only leads to greater complexity and an accumulation of issues. Thus, taking the initiative to confront challenges proactively is essential for resolving them efficiently and effectively.

  Life is a continuous journey of challenges. Particularly when facing major obstacles, overcoming them is nearly impossible without daily training, accumulated experience, careful preparation, or the support and cooperation of others. Moreover, people find greater motivation when their efforts benefit others rather than solely themselves. As social beings, we are inherently driven to maintain order, sustain society, and pass it on to future generations. This aligns with the theory of species conservation, which emphasizes our role in preserving and strengthening human connections. To achieve deep self-fulfillment, individuals must fully utilize their abilities, contribute to the well-being of others and society, and receive recognition for their efforts. This process not only satisfies our needs for self-actualization and social belonging but also affirms the significance of our existence. From this perspective, the difficulties and setbacks we encounter are not mere obstacles but...

  When rereading a book I’ve written, I often find myself thinking, “Did I really think this deeply?” or “If I now adopt this perspective, things might go more smoothly.” Sometimes, I even wonder, “Did I once have such good habits? Perhaps I should try making them again.” Over time, the wisdom we acquire and the actions we take based on it tend to fade from memory. That’s why it is essential to write down our insights and revisit them after some time has passed. In doing so, we allow our past self to become our teacher, guiding us forward once again.

  Our inner and outer interactions are deeply interconnected, forming a continuous cycle of cause and effect. Our inner thoughts shape our outward actions, and in turn, the external world reflects back upon our inner state. Whether we are aware of it or not, the frequency of our consciousness resonates beyond us, influencing the world around us, and its echoes return to shape our inner reality. Given this dynamic relationship, it is essential to focus on what is healthy and meaningful in the present moment—both the things that should be done now and those that can only be done now within the flow of time. Moving forward requires a conscious effort to balance inner harmony with outer harmony, embracing the inevitable trial and error, as well as the twists and turns that come with growth and learning.

  Whether or not people have a consciously defined purpose in life, those who find happiness in the present moment share a common trait: they appreciate the small joys of everyday life. This sense of gratitude often leads them to discover their "Ikigai"—a deeper sense of purpose. When purpose is driven by strong ambition or personal desire, individuals may experience significant stress if things do not go as planned, especially when their goals are self-centered. In contrast, those who find purpose through altruistic endeavors tend to maintain a relaxed mindset. Because they are not seeking personal gain, setbacks do not burden them with the same level of stress. For those who pursue purpose through achievement, it is essential to vividly envision their success, create a structured plan, and move forward with steady determination. By maintaining unwavering belief in their ability to reach their goals, they can navigate challenges with resilience and clarity.

  Whether or not people have a consciously defined purpose in life, those who find happiness in the present moment share a common trait: they appreciate the small joys of everyday life. This sense of gratitude often leads them to discover their "Ikigai"—a deeper sense of purpose. When purpose is driven by strong ambition or personal desire, individuals may experience significant stress if things do not go as planned, especially when their goals are self-centered. In contrast, those who find purpose through altruistic endeavors tend to maintain a relaxed mindset. Because they are not seeking personal gain, setbacks do not burden them with the same level of stress. For those who pursue purpose through achievement, it is essential to vividly envision their success, create a structured plan, and move forward with steady determination. By maintaining unwavering belief in their ability to reach their goals, they can navigate challenges with resilience and clarity.

  To achieve a high goal, success begins with having a clear vision of that goal and thoroughly preparing in advance based on it. When an organization strives for great success, it must be structured in a way that ensures smooth operation without overly relying on a few talented individuals. Like in team sports, success comes from fostering a system where the entire organization functions cohesively and maintains a positive atmosphere. Additionally, when seeking cooperation from external organizations, it is crucial to employ human-centered approaches that inspire and engage the key individuals within those organizations. By winning their trust and aligning them with a shared, noble purpose, the entire external organization can be motivated to move forward together. Ultimately, success requires a foundation of trust and a common higher purpose that unites both internal and external teams. It also demands the resilience to overcome obstacles and the determination to push forward tow...