A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  If we feel that the things we are doing are meaningful and worthwhile, and if we focus our attention fully on the present, we experience a deep sense of fulfillment. Time seems to pass quickly, and our overall sense of happiness increases. Conversely, when we cannot find meaning in our activities and feel bored, or when our attention drifts back and forth between the past and the future without settling on the present, time seems to drag, and feelings of anxiety grow. When we concentrate intensely on something, it feels as if we are pouring all our energy into a single point. This may be what Japanese craftsmen have long meant when they advised their apprentices to "put your soul into it." From the perspective of physics, this intense focus could be seen as converting the internal potential energy latent within us into kinetic energy directed outward — a living example of the law of conservation of mechanical energy. If we continue channeling this transformation steadily ov...

  In Japan, the period from late April to late May brings a pleasantly moderate climate—neither too cold nor too hot. Unlike the typically humid atmosphere of the Japanese archipelago, the air during this season is dry and refreshing, allowing for comfortable living without the need for air conditioning. Fields and mountains come alive with fresh greenery, and a variety of flowers bloom in full splendor, making it an ideal time for traveling and leisurely walks. Yet perhaps what makes this season feel even more precious is the awareness that it is fleeting. This realization deepens my gratitude and strengthens my desire to cherish each moment even more.

  From ancient times to the modern era, when average life expectancy was far shorter than it is today, countless individuals demonstrated remarkable mental maturity at a young age and left behind timeless words of wisdom. In today’s complex and rapidly changing world, such maturity at a young age can feel almost unimaginable. One hypothesis suggests that while life expectancy has increased in modern society, the pace of mental maturity may be biologically inversely proportional to it. I’m not sure where formal research on this idea is being conducted, but the concept resonates with me. Interestingly, one study suggests that a person’s mental maturity peaks at around 82 years old—assuming no mental health issues. Now in my mid-60s, I often feel that I still have a long way to go in terms of mental growth. Perhaps this is one reason lifelong learning has gained renewed attention in Japan. At the same time, I want to be mindful not to let any sense of pride in my own maturity lead me ...

  Perhaps because our senses are preemptively and largely dominated by vision, we are often drawn to surface beauty at first glance. Yet, when the inner substance fails to match the outer appearance, a sense of emptiness eventually sets in. Over time, we begin to seek the deeper, unseen qualities beneath the surface—traits that cannot be immediately perceived but gradually reveal themselves. Interestingly, as a person cultivates their inner self, that inner quality begins to radiate outward and subtly shape their external presence. In the case of people, true refinement comes from a continuous effort to deepen our humanity. This inner growth is not bound by age or background; it is something anyone can pursue throughout life.

  The other day, I visited a park for the first time in a while and was pleasantly surprised to find beautiful flowers in full bloom. I couldn’t help but take numerous photos, eager to share them on X. It was a simple moment, yet I felt a deep sense of fulfillment—like I had gained something truly valuable from something so ordinary. Before I retired, I would have never imagined finding such joy in something so small. Just as the environment changes people, retirement changed me. And in that quiet moment among the flowers, I felt the change within me.

  Verbal tics—words or phrases we use frequently and often unconsciously in conversation or self-talk—send subtle suggestions to our brains. When repeated over time, they create neural pathways that reinforce specific patterns of thought, shaped by the deeper meaning and nuance of those words. In other words, the language we habitually use can influence and shape the course of our lives. That’s why it’s important to be mindful of the words we choose—and to intentionally cultivate positive verbal habits.

  In Japan, many people experience a sense of loss after retirement, often due to the difficulty of setting concrete goals or plans for the next stage of life. This can be seen as a form of adjustment disorder triggered by the sudden change in environment that retirement brings. In my case, however, I was able to adjust to life after retirement more smoothly than I had expected. Reflecting on this, I believe the key lies in three habits I practiced consistently during my many years of organizational work—despite never specifically preparing for retirement itself. These habits helped me transition into this new phase of life with relative ease. 1.     Approaching daily work with a proactive mindset and a spirit of continuous improvement. 2.     Setting personal goals for each year and taking initiative in pursuing them. 3.     Proposing my own plans and willingly taking on new responsibilities, as long as they were approved by the o...

  To achieve a high goal, it’s essential to incorporate key tasks into our daily routine and consistently follow through with them. However, doing the same work day after day can lead to mental fatigue and stagnation. Our brains naturally resist monotony and can become less active when stuck in a rut. That’s why it’s important to take occasional mental breaks and engage in enjoyable activities. These moments of relaxation provide fresh stimulation, helping to refresh the mind. When we return to our routine tasks, we do so with renewed energy and a fresh perspective—making us more effective and productive.

Creative individuals often possess a keen insight that allows them to view things objectively, understand underlying structures, and grasp their true essence. They also have a vivid imagination that enables them to draw from diverse fields and combine ideas in novel ways. Since creativity can be developed and refined through practice, it is a skill we should actively cultivate.

  Driven by a simple desire to explore the unknown world of my youth, I have traveled extensively—both within Japan and abroad—since the end of my teens. My favorite destinations are not the well-known tourist spots or bustling cities, but rather the small towns where I can relatively easily immerse myself in local culture and daily life. These places, unfamiliar to me, offer a glimpse into a world beyond my ordinary experience—one filled with valuable lessons and unique perspectives. Of course, everyone has their own preferred travel style.

  In Japan, impractical and unrealistic theories conceived far from actual practice are collectively referred to as "Empty Theory on the Desk." These are plans and ideas developed without firsthand experience or a deep understanding of the field. Though they may seem logical and convenient on paper, they often rely on armchair analysis and are unlikely to succeed in real-world settings—even when proposed by those with strong academic credentials. To counter this kind of impractical thinking, many leading Japanese manufacturing companies emphasize the Three Reals Principle (also known as the 3 Gen Principle)—a method designed to ground decision-making in reality. This principle consists of: Genba ( 現場 ) – the actual place Genbutsu ( 現物 ) – the actual object Genjitsu ( 現実 ) – the actual situation When addressing workplace problems, this approach stresses the importance of going to the site, observing the real objects involved, and understanding the actual conditions ...

  The Japanese word “ikigai” refers to the driving force that gives our lives meaning—a source of motivation that brings value and purpose to each day. When we have “ikigai,” we can live with energy and enthusiasm, regardless of our age. It nurtures a deep sense of fulfillment and happiness from within. In my view, finding and sustaining “ikigai” involves more than simply doing what we love. It also requires a willingness to embrace new challenges—no matter how small—along the way. By continually learning, growing, and experiencing a sense of accomplishment through these efforts, we deepen our connection to what gives our lives meaning. Seen in this light, maintaining “ikigai” becomes difficult without a positive mindset. It’s that inner attitude that allows us to turn each step, each challenge, into an opportunity for growth and renewed purpose.

  I used to struggle with inefficiency up to my early thirties. Tasks took me a long time to complete, and the results were often unsatisfactory. What helped me turn things around was finding a role model—someone whose work I admired—and carefully observing how they approached their tasks. By imitating their methods and consciously practicing to improve, I gradually became more productive. There’s a certain trick to increasing productivity. Through consistent learning and practice, anyone can grasp it. Once you do, you’ll notice a significant reduction in waste and duplication, and a marked improvement in the quality of your output. That said, when working in a team, it’s unrealistic to expect someone without practical experience to match the productivity of someone who has already mastered these techniques. In such situations, it’s important to lead by example—demonstrating effective habits and approaches so others can observe and learn. The differences become apparent through act...

  We are often drawn to the idea of superficial success. Yet, no matter how hard we try, success in the conventional sense is never guaranteed. What is certain, however, is that by facing challenges and continuing to move forward, we grow as human beings. If we place true value on personal growth, we begin to see difficulties in a new light. They are no longer just obstacles, but opportunities for learning and transformation. In this way, we come to realize that genuine success in life lies not in external achievements, but in the internal growth we experience along the way.

  When I was about to retire, a subordinate asked me with genuine curiosity, “How do you feel now?” Without hesitation, I replied honestly, “I’ve done everything I could over the past 38 years. Though I’ve made plenty of mistakes, I have no regrets in my professional life.” Since my youth, I’ve lived by the motto: live without regrets. That principle has remained unchanged, even after retirement. I intend to keep doing everything I can—and everything I must—for the rest of my life, cherishing each day as it comes. With that mindset, I remind myself: there’s no need to waver in how I choose to live.

  As a senior, I have observed a rapid increase in social media content related to retirement life in Japan over the past year. This surge in both supply and demand seems likely to continue accelerating. It is easy to see why—many in the senior generation seek a space to ease their anxieties, share experiences, and connect with others to build a more fulfilling life. Social media has increasingly become that space. Moreover, as times change quickly, a subtle yet growing trend has emerged: content that bridges the generation gap. This content often draws from the universal wisdom of life accumulated by the senior generation, offering valuable insights to younger audiences. It is the same wisdom I once sought when I was younger—a connection to the lessons of our ancestors that remain relevant across generations.

  There is a Japanese proverb that says, “A big house, big winds.” Literally, it means that the larger the house, the stronger the winds that blow against it. Figuratively, it suggests that the greater a person's status or wealth, the greater the challenges and worries they will face. In other words, each person carries burdens that are appropriate to their circumstances. From my own experience, I have learned that it is difficult to truly understand another person’s situation without having walked in their shoes. For instance, one cannot fully grasp the emotions and realities of retirement until they have experienced it firsthand. When I retired, I found that the experience was not quite as I had imagined. It was a reminder that perspectives often shift when we live through something ourselves rather than viewing it from the outside.

  When we achieve a goal and enjoy the afterglow of accomplishment, a sense of stagnation can gradually set in. At such moments, finding a new goal and shifting our direction allows us to regain momentum. By integrating a routine aligned with this new objective into our daily lives, we continue moving forward with renewed energy. This cycle of progression is essential not only for growth but also for a fulfilling life.

  One of the most commonly heard regrets from elderly people, regardless of their place of origin, is not having taken on the challenges their hearts truly desired. In contrast, those who have lived true to their inner voice have inevitably faced numerous obstacles, experienced failures, learned from them, and ultimately persevered throughout their lives. This is why even the simplest words spoken by such elders carry weight and deeply resonate in our hearts.