A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  Failing to grasp the current critical situation. Failing to identify the key issues that affect both the present and the future. Failing to understand the essence or structure of a problem. Failing to recognize what must be prioritized in solving it. Even when individuals are directly involved—as concerned citizens or stakeholders—they often treat the issue as someone else’s responsibility. They leave it to others to solve, distancing themselves from the consequences. It is only when the situation worsens significantly and begins to affect them personally that they finally recognize the severity of the crisis. By then, it is often too late. To prevent this pattern, individuals must remain alert—like keeping their antennae up—actively seeking and discerning information relevant to themselves and society. They must develop the ability to interpret events and issues accurately in real time. As more people sharpen this practical skill, society as a whole becomes more capable of respo...

  When seniors venture into a new field in which they have no prior experience, they often receive valuable advice from younger individuals who have gained expertise through hands-on experience and hypothesis-based trial and error. Despite the age difference, this guidance can be surprisingly insightful, making these younger advisors appear as sophisticated and reliable guides. As seniors listen to such advice, they often recognize parallels with the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired in other fields over the years. These connections allow them to draw meaningful comparisons with their own past experiences, reinforcing the credibility of the new information and deepening their understanding. At the same time, younger individuals who have had significant experiences of their own can greatly benefit from the wisdom of the senior generation. When both sides listen openly and learn from each other, it fosters mutual respect—and enables both seniors and young people to further develo...

  The human brain accounts for only about 2% of total body weight, yet it consumes roughly 18% of the body’s energy. To conserve energy, the brain has developed mechanisms that favor efficiency—often simplifying complex information and forming stereotypes based on limited input, particularly the first information it receives. In other words, it tends to take the path of least resistance. As a result, when filtered or biased information is repeatedly reinforced, the brain begins to treat it as the essence of truth. This makes it increasingly difficult to accept alternative perspectives or ways of thinking. However, truly grasping the essence of things—seeing beyond superficial impressions—enables us to identify root causes and underlying issues. This deeper understanding is key to more effective problem-solving, sound decision-making, and meaningful action. Even though our brains may resist the effort required, especially in complex or critical matters such as ensuring social stabil...

  It has been nearly two years and eleven months since I retired. As time passes, memories of my working life are gradually fading, making it increasingly difficult to write in detail about the lessons I learned from those experiences. In that sense, I’m grateful that I began reflecting on and recording those lessons soon after retirement—capturing them one by one as short essays, interwoven with my most recent thoughts, and sharing them with others. I am neither a great figure nor a saint of high virtue—just an ordinary person, swayed by everyday desires like anyone else. Since retiring, I’ve been striving to live with “small desires and contentment,” seeking greater peace of mind in the spiritual sense. That said, I would be truly happy if I could continue writing short essays about my daily thoughts and feelings, sharing them with you, and, in some small way, helping you live a better, more meaningful life.

  Travel offers a welcome escape from the routines of daily life. Immersed in unfamiliar surroundings, our senses become heightened, absorbing a wealth of new sights, sounds, and experiences. This mental stimulation keeps our consciousness actively engaged. At the same time, being in a new environment compels us to turn inward. We begin to see ourselves—and the world—through a different lens, gaining fresh insights and perspectives. This process not only brings a sense of renewal but also fosters personal growth and self-awareness. The vivid impressions of our journey linger in memory, becoming sources of energy and inspiration long after we’ve returned home. These afterimages serve as gentle reminders of our capacity to grow, change, and see the world anew.

  When I first opened my account on this social media platform, I was a bit anxious. I wondered whether people outside Japan would understand my thoughts and values—shaped by a life rooted in Japanese culture and limited to my own experiences. In that sense, launching this account felt like setting sail into the unknown—an ambitious and uncertain adventure. In the beginning, my follower count remained low. It took quite some time just to reach double digits, and that became my first real setback. During those early days, I sometimes found myself questioning whether my posts were resonating with anyone at all. That quiet doubt creeping in—perhaps that’s what it means to lose confidence. Still, I chose to believe in the potential of what I was sharing, even though there was no evidence to justify that belief. I continued posting every day. Gradually, one by one, people who connected with my words began to appear—and that journey has brought me to where I am now. To be honest, it’s my...

  Throughout history, countless sayings from great individuals have offered us guidance in life. However, simply resonating with these words is not enough. To truly make them our own, we must apply them repeatedly in real-life situations and achieve tangible results. Memorizing a saying, no matter how often we repeat it in our minds, does not guarantee its transformation into wisdom. Without the personal experience of putting those words into practice, they remain mere knowledge—detached from the deeper understanding that only comes through lived experience.

  Much like the growth curve in marketing, starting something new often brings a frustrating silence. In most cases, we see little to no visible progress during the early stages—especially in the first half of the introduction phase. This gap between our expectations and reality can be disheartening. Yet, we know—both from our own experiences and from the wisdom of those who came before us—that immediate results are rare. Successful new ventures typically follow a pattern: slow initial growth, followed by an inflection point where progress becomes exponential. This leads into a stable growth phase and eventually, maturity. Take, for example, a product or initiative that needs three to six months before gaining traction. During that time, patience is essential. Rather than rushing or becoming discouraged, we would do well to notice and appreciate the subtle shifts that indicate potential. As the saying goes, “Haste makes waste.” However, if no signs of growth appear beyond that expe...

  Looking back on my life, there have been moments that felt like miracles. Yet, part of me believes they were the natural outcomes of relentless effort—results shaped by cause and effect. Still, I once heard someone say, “Every seemingly ordinary day is a series of miracles.” They continued: “It’s a miracle that we were born into this world. It’s a miracle to wake up each morning and still be alive. It’s a miracle that air exists and we breathe without thinking. It’s a miracle that we can stand, walk, and go about our day...” When framed this way, it's true—daily life is filled with miracles we often overlook. When something unexpected happens, we are reminded how fragile those "ordinary" things really are. That same person added, “If we can learn to feel gratitude for these everyday miracles, we will no longer fear loneliness—and luck will begin to favor us.” It’s been nearly three years since I retired, and I still feel far from that state of mind. But as I grow older ...

  Everyone carries some form of wisdom, gained through life experiences—whether it's habits that have served them well, words that inspired them, or ways of thinking that helped them navigate adversity. Ideally, we would always remember and apply this wisdom whenever needed. But in reality, we often forget, and such insights rarely come to mind by chance. Because memory alone is unreliable, it’s far more effective to record these helpful habits, inspiring quotes, and useful mindsets in a notebook or similar place. By doing so, we create a personal resource that we can revisit whenever necessary, making it easier to put our hard-earned wisdom back into practice. I only came to appreciate the value of this approach after retiring and beginning to write essays about the lessons I’ve learned in life. It’s never too late to start, and I’m grateful to have realized this now.

When we’re not feeling well physically, our mental anxiety and stress often increase. Even those who are usually optimistic may begin to perceive minor issues more negatively and become prone to negative thoughts. From my personal experience, this may be part of a natural human defense mechanism. In other words, when the body is unwell, both physical and mental resilience decline. In response, the brain may start interpreting situations more negatively, unconsciously triggering internal systems—including the immune system—to prepare for potential threats. At such times, the best course of action is simply to rest and avoid pushing yourself. It’s especially important to recognize that, unlike during healthier moments, if you sense the onset of a negative thought spiral, it's a clear signal to pause and take a break. Rest is not a sign of weakness—it's part of the body’s intelligent response to restore balance and strength.

  Wind is one of the essential elements for tree growth. It supplies fresh oxygen and carbon dioxide—vital for respiration and photosynthesis—and promotes transpiration from the leaves, helping trees regulate their moisture. Wind also prevents excessive elongation, where stems and branches grow longer than necessary, and helps suppress pests and diseases. Moreover, as trees sway in the wind, their trunks and branches grow stronger, increasing their resilience over time. Interestingly, these benefits that wind brings to trees also apply to us humans. In our daily lives, we too encounter various "winds"—some favorable tailwinds, others challenging headwinds. By enduring, navigating, and learning from these forces over time, we develop strength, resilience, and maturity. This thought came to me as I watched trees gently swaying in the wind—quietly yet powerfully growing with each gust.

  There is a relatively new Japanese proverb that says, “A good listener is a good speaker.” It means that someone who listens to others with empathy and depth can speak in ways that truly resonate with the other person’s perspective—making them a more effective communicator. This simple idea holds powerful truth and proves effective in many aspects of human relationships. In a time when individual self-interest often takes priority, this mindset reminds us that genuine altruism can, in fact, become a virtue that benefits the self as well. It also plays a crucial role in preserving and nurturing social harmony. Of course, living by this proverb isn’t always easy. But it is a principle well worth remembering—and striving to practice—in our daily lives.

  A human lifespan is too short to fully uncover the truth. Yet, if we persist in our pursuit—carrying forward the spirit of those who came before us—the truth will gradually come into view, benefiting future generations. In this sense, we are a transitional generation. It is our profound responsibility to keep the torch burning and pass it on to those who follow. I believe this ongoing pursuit is not just a choice, but a fundamental mission of humanity.

  It is extremely difficult to predict daily fluctuations in stock prices and exchange rates, as they are heavily influenced by speculation and uncertainty. In contrast, those with years of hands-on management experience can often anticipate short-term outcomes by closely observing daily operations. This ability to foresee near-future events is invaluable for making timely adjustments and minimizing risks. In this sense, daily management serves as ongoing training in prediction. Over time, consistent engagement in the field sharpens our ability to recognize patterns and anticipate what lies ahead. Furthermore, with enough practical experience, we can gradually develop the capacity to foresee how broader shifts in politics, economics, or society may impact the organizations we belong to. By strengthening our ability to anticipate the future, we become less vulnerable to misleading or contradictory information. Ultimately, this not only benefits us as individuals but also contributes...