A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  It is up to you to affirm or deny yourself, to support or hinder your own path. It is up to you to decide whether you feel happiness or discontent in this moment. It is up to you to choose whether to prioritize the well-being of others or chase after your own ego. It is up to you to choose whether to suppress negative emotions or allow them to control you. It is up to you to take positive action or waste energy on trivial complaints. It is up to you to learn from past mistakes or let them hold you back indefinitely. It is up to you alone to decide whether to encourage your growth or obstruct it. When viewed this way, it becomes clear that by cultivating your inner self, you not only build healthier relationships with others but also bring lasting benefits to your own life. Fortunately, everyone is given the same opportunity to improve from within—it is simply up to you whether you seize it.

  “Don’t overlook the real world by going too far in pursuing the ideal world.” This quote comes from Konosuke Matsushita (1894–1989), one of Japan’s most renowned entrepreneurs. His message was clear: do not leave the resolution of pressing, real-world problems to others. Instead, face them directly and work through them yourself, guided by true independence and autonomy, rather than simply talking about ideals or dreams. Only after addressing reality should the pursuit of ideals follow—never the other way around. This perspective reflects a defining quality of a great business leader like Matsushita, who consistently solved complex management challenges while upholding his company’s ideals. Such an attitude of practical yet principled thinking is valuable not only for entrepreneurs but also for idealists and realists in any field.

  In our busy daily lives, our attention is constantly pulled outward by an endless stream of information, often leaving us stressed by the complexity of trying to process it all. In such moments, turning inward and focusing on regulating the mind and body can positively influence the autonomic nervous system and restore balance. There are many ways to do this—through meditation, hobbies, or physical activities—but for me, cleaning my bathroom each morning and writing essays play this role. Cleaning not only clears the space around me but also gives me the sense that my inner self is being put in order. Writing, in turn, helps me organize thoughts and emotions, bringing clarity and calm. Both practices allow me to reset, preparing me to return to daily life with renewed focus and purpose. What practices do you rely on to reset your mind and body?

  If we avoid overcomplicating problems and instead grasp their structure and key features in a simple way, solutions often become easier to find. For example, a former Japanese cabinet advisor whom I deeply respect is often regarded as a genius for his sharp insights in monetary and fiscal policy, foreign affairs, security, and other areas. Over the past few years, I have followed his views closely, rarely missing any statement he has made through various media—perhaps a reflection of my own persistent personality. Recently, I noticed that he frequently uses the phrase, “It’s a piece of cake!” in ordinary conversation. This habit seems to help his subconscious reduce psychological resistance to new challenges, thereby increasing his chances of successfully overcoming them.

  Hideki Yukawa (1907–1981) was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1949 for his groundbreaking research on elementary particles, including his successful prediction of the pion. He became Japan’s first Nobel laureate. Beyond his scientific achievements, Yukawa left behind thought-provoking words that continue to inspire. One of his famous quotes, “Think of the future as the past,” has always intrigued me, though its meaning is not entirely clear. A close friend of Yukawa once suggested that it might imply holding a strong conviction about one’s vision for the future—a plausible interpretation. This resonates with me because vividly imagining a goal as if it has already been achieved can strengthen the resolve to make it real. Complementing this, Yukawa also said, “I’d like to make my everyday life a step forward.” While the first quote speaks to the power of conviction in shaping the future, this second one reminds me that progress also depends on small, steady actions in daily ...

  Kitaro Nishida (1870–1945), one of Japan’s most influential moral philosophers, once said, “Flowers bloom with single-hearted dedication, without hesitation or comparison to other flowers. These pure qualities of flowers deeply move our hearts. The same principle applies to our lives.” He further explained, “If you cannot yet identify your own flower—your mission or calling—embrace the challenges placed before you. By following the voice of your heart, you will come to know.”

  Solo brainstorming is an inexpensive and accessible way to train your mind—you only need a pen, paper, and a little time. Making it a long-term habit offers many benefits, but one of the most significant is its ability to strengthen problem-solving skills. When faced with a challenge, ideas for solutions quickly emerge from different angles. If one approach fails, another soon follows, greatly increasing the likelihood of success. Over time, this process builds confidence and fosters a positive mindset: the belief that with effort, solutions are always within reach.

  When I was working, I didn’t realize that simply commuting on foot and by train meant I was walking about 6,000 steps each day—enough to count as moderate exercise. After retirement, however, I began walking mainly for health, this time without a specific destination. Good weather helps, but on a scorching midsummer morning when the temperature climbs past 30 degrees Celsius, 3,000 steps feel like my limit, and I sometimes consider skipping my walk. At such moments, I look back and realize that my daily commute had forced me to walk, and that habit quietly supported my health. In my late 50s, I often saw elderly people enjoying their morning walks while I rushed to work, and I envied their freedom. Now that I am one of them, I find myself envying those who stride briskly toward their offices. Perhaps this constant sense that the grass is greener on the other side is a human weakness—but it is also a charming trait. Either way, walking remains essential for maintaining independenc...