A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  If we can’t do what we want to do, we must first take care of what we have to do before making time for it. However, if we struggle with our obligations, we may find ourselves with little or no time left for what we truly enjoy. In such cases, it helps to eliminate unnecessary tasks, focus only on what is essential, and handle those tasks efficiently and effectively. This allows us to devote more time than ever to the things we really want to do. Of course, taking time to relax and do nothing is also important, but if we avoid wasting too much time that way, we can better balance what we need to do and what we want to do. When we can pursue even our favorite activities efficiently and meaningfully, our satisfaction deepens. Ultimately, wise time allocation and effective use of time lead to a greater sense of fulfillment. And when we have the mental space to focus on and enjoy each moment with a grateful heart, our daily lives become even more rewarding.

  There is a quote by the Japanese thinker Tempu Nakamura (1876–1968): “The emphasis is on applying force rather than exerting force.” This reminds me of my high school sports days, when coaches would often say, “You’re pushing too hard. Relax and be more natural.” Looking back, I now understand that a “natural state” means knowing how to apply force effectively, without unnecessary tension. Nakamura also said, “Both the mind and body are tools.” This suggests that discovering how to use these tools in a way that suits us—then refining and mastering that method—is essential not only for personal growth but also for contributing to others and society. His teachings highlight the importance of staying natural and avoiding strain to make full use of one’s strength. Through this process, we begin to grasp the deeper secrets of how to control our body and mind, while reaffirming the lifelong importance of exploring and practicing these principles.

  Until my mid-twenties, I often struggled with a negative mindset and bouts of self-loathing. However, toward the end of my twenties, I set myself a major goal and soon faced a grueling two-year ordeal. Nothing went as planned, and I found myself mentally cornered. It was during this difficult time that I came across Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill (1883–1970). Looking back, I feel my encounter with that book was not a coincidence but rather inevitable. As I read it repeatedly, a new belief and passion began to grow within me. They became my emotional anchor, helping me endure and eventually overcome the challenge. That experience turned out to be a valuable success—one that laid the foundation for my lifelong mental resilience. At the same time, I unconsciously shifted toward a more positive mindset, and people around me began to see me differently. Of course, life since then has had its ups and downs, but even 37 years later, I remain conscious of maintaining a positive out...

  There are generally two types of people who rise to the top of an organization. The first type pursues the position itself—their goal is simply to become a top manager. The second type seeks the position as a means to achieve something meaningful. The former often acts out of self-interest, while the latter views becoming a top manager as a new beginning and strives to serve others. The difference between the two becomes evident in their expressions and behavior, shaped by how they bear the weight of responsibility. Those in the latter group often radiate a quiet, genuine light from within. This may be particularly true in Japan, though it might differ in other countries.

  In Japan, there is a saying: “Narau yori narero” (Get used to it through repeated practice rather than learning), often paraphrased as “Practice makes perfect” or “Experience is the best teacher.” This proverb emphasizes the importance of not merely understanding theories, but of internalizing them—acquiring knowledge and skills through direct, repeated practice. It captures the very essence of practical learning. Closely related to this is another saying that reflects the mindset of a leader dedicated to developing others: “People will not move unless you show them, tell them, let them do it, and praise them. People will not grow unless you discuss with them, listen, approve, and leave them to their own devices. People will not bear fruit unless you watch over them with gratitude and trust them as they work.” Reflecting on my professional life, I am deeply impressed by the enduring truth of these words. This spirit has long been passed down in Japan, particularly through on-the-...

  There is an old Japanese proverb, “En no shita no chikaramochi,” often paraphrased in English as “the power behind the façade” or “the unsung hero.” It refers to those who work tirelessly behind the scenes, supporting others without seeking recognition. The word “en” originally referred to the rafters that hold up a roof or support heavy roof tiles—an unseen but essential foundation. In society, we often view things from a self-centered perspective and interpret them in ways that suit us. Yet, by observing the world more broadly and attentively, we come to realize that society stands on the quiet efforts of countless unseen supporters. This proverb serves as a reminder and a warning against the arrogance that those in higher positions within organizations can easily fall into.

  Sadaharu Oh (1940-), the home run king of Japanese baseball and later a celebrated manager, once said, “When a team or a player grows, they don’t just move up at a 45-degree angle. Growth rises so gradually that we can’t see the difference, and then it takes a sharp curve upward. Even during those gradual stages, it’s important for a manager to be patient and keep waiting.” This idea reflects both the “learning curve” in education and the “growth curve” in marketing. In any field, true progress demands persistent effort and continuous creativity. On this point, Mr. Oh also remarked, “Effort is always rewarded. If there is effort that goes unrewarded, it cannot truly be called effort.” At first glance, his words may seem strict. Yet they come from the experience of a man who endured many slumps and continually worked to bridge the gap between ideals and reality. Through unwavering perseverance, he repeatedly reached his goals. His message reminds us that genuine growth happens in ...

  Setting goals inspired by people we admire and respect is an effective way to live a meaningful life. We are fortunate if such role models are close to us, but even if they are not, we can still look up to people living in our time—or even those from the past. Of course, we may never fully catch up to them, but anyone can move closer to their example. What is often overlooked, however, is that the true person we should strive to surpass is not others, but our past self. Today, surpass who we were yesterday; tomorrow, surpass who we are today. By continuing this quiet yet steady pursuit, we can grow deeply and meaningfully—both in our abilities and in our character.

  Even in our daily lives, simply writing down a few things that happened around us—whether or not we were directly involved—can bring about meaningful change. By recording what our inner self noticed, thought about, reflected on, learned, or decided to act upon, along with the changes that occurred both externally and emotionally, we begin to uncover valuable insights. From these accumulated notes, we may discover natural patterns and truths that benefit us, and by sharing them, we can also help others. In this way, focusing on and organizing the details of our seemingly ordinary days can lead to a richer, more mindful way of living—one that values each and every day.

  When we pursue our goals in cooperation with others or within organizations, things often do not go as we wish. If we become too attached to this fact, our desire to force outcomes only deepens our suffering. According to Buddhist teachings, freedom from suffering and peace of mind come from letting go of attachment and accepting reality as it is, rather than trying to shape it to our convenience. Simply put, peace arises when we learn to view things that don’t go our way as part of the natural order. Once we attain inner calm, our resistance to hardship lessens, making the path toward our goals smoother. Buddhism also teaches that genuine motivation grows from compassion, rooted in both self-interest and altruism—the belief that making others happy ultimately brings happiness to oneself. Furthermore, to change others, we must first change ourselves. Our thoughts form the essence of our actions. Thus, when the world around us doesn’t respond as we hope, it reveals not external fa...

  Nakamura Tempu (1876–1968), a Japanese inspirational thinker, once noted that the contemporary focus on knowledge often overlooks the development of cognitive abilities, making it difficult to distinguish accurate information and apply knowledge effectively in life. In this context, cognition refers to the mind’s ability to perceive things clearly, acquire knowledge, make judgments, and act upon information. For example, when faced with the same set of facts—such as surrounding circumstances or people’s words and actions—individuals may interpret them differently. These differences arise from variations in the quality of perception and understanding. In essence, cognitive ability is the skill to think deeply from multiple perspectives and grasp the underlying structure of situations. From this perspective, engaging with people, cultures, and values different from one’s own is valuable, as it hones interpretive skills, broadens understanding, and strengthens the ability to view th...

  When a mishap occurs due to someone’s irresponsible mistake, forgiving that person can sometimes be extremely difficult, depending on the situation and the severity of the error. Yet if we keep dwelling on the mistake, our own minds may become more trapped than the person who caused it, leaving us unable to escape suffering. In such cases, once remedial measures are taken, letting go of the incident itself can help release the negative feelings we hold and free our minds. By accepting and processing the unpleasant event, we can lessen the emotional damage and make it easier to move forward. Over time, even the negative emotions we once felt toward that person will gradually fade and eventually disappear.

  Even the same event can be perceived and interpreted very differently by different people. Those burdened with distracting or negative thoughts may unconsciously view things through bias or misunderstanding, missing the true essence and the valuable opportunities within them. In contrast, we can learn much from the calm and insightful way that truly great people—respected by all—perceive and interpret things, free from prejudice, preconceptions, self-interest, and other clouded thoughts. Whether we, as ordinary individuals, recognize this and strive to emulate their mindset will make a profound difference in our future growth.

  In every life, there are both good times and bad. When we fall into the valley of hardship, it is natural to feel pessimistic. Yet, if we can view a crisis as an opportunity and motivate ourselves, we can begin to climb smoothly upward even from rock bottom. Seeing challenges positively costs nothing—it depends solely on our perspective. Conversely, if we dwell on negativity, our difficult periods will only last longer, and we may miss valuable opportunities. Since our mindset can shape our destiny, it is wiser to choose positive thinking and keep practicing it. Doing so also eases unnecessary stress and helps us move forward with greater peace of mind.

  It is both mysterious and wonderful that people from different countries, lifestyles, and cultures—each shaped by unique experiences—can instantly connect, empathize, and learn from one another through social media. It’s undoubtedly important to nurture and expand this remarkable potential in a healthy and meaningful way.

  Reflecting on my career, I’ve noticed a clear pattern: individuals who actively seek advice and guidance from superiors, colleagues, or external experts to understand unfamiliar concepts consistently develop and demonstrate their abilities. This suggests that learning often advances most when one reaches beyond their own knowledge and engages with others. Moreover, when such proactive individuals ask for help, those around them often feel motivated to respond wholeheartedly. This reaction seems natural, as being asked for advice makes people feel trusted and valued—a feeling that brings genuine happiness and strengthens mutual respect. This dynamic aligns closely with the wisdom of Nakamura Tempu (1876–1968), a Japanese inspirational thinker, martial artist, and founder of Japanese-style yoga. He once said, “The distinction between individuals who become great and those who don’t arises because, even when exposed to the same narrative, their manner of listening and receptiveness ...

  Ryoyu Kurasawa, head priest of a Buddhist temple in Haguroyama, Japan, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced supply of nutrients for both body and mind as essential to human well-being. He advocates cultivating health not only physically but also mentally by achieving this harmony. To nurture the soul, he highlights the value of quietness, cleanliness, and simplicity. In silence, one can attune to the rhythms of nature—feeling the pulse of life and sensing the fragrant breath of trees—which restores inner peace. A clean environment, he explains, purifies the heart and brings clarity, while simplicity nurtures peace of mind. These forms of spiritual nourishment provide the strength needed for life’s journey. Many temples across Japan embody such environments that revitalize the soul, offering visitors a renewed sense of energy and reminding them of the deep sustenance these sacred spaces provide.

  The most important thing in life is to hold high aspirations and persevere to the very end. When we face challenges with the resolve to rise each time we fall, fortune often finds its way to us in the end. The presence of people who embody this spirit is proof of its truth, and we can learn much from the dedication they have shown over the years.

  Continuing to do what is important, good for us, and necessary to achieve our goals is easier said than done. There is a Japanese proverb, Mikka Bouzu—literally “three-day monk,” or more freely, “three-day quitter.” It describes someone who cannot persist in an effort for long. The phrase comes from the image of novice Buddhist monks who, unable to endure the harshness of training, give up after just a few days. For most of us, maintaining strong willpower is difficult. That is why, if we wish to keep doing what truly matters, it helps to break tasks into manageable portions that neither strain our body nor burden our mind. By weaving them gently into our daily routine, we can continue without relying too heavily on willpower. When such habits take root, skipping them feels uncomfortable—almost like a physical unease. At that stage, persistence becomes natural. Once a routine becomes part of our unconscious rhythm, laziness finds little room to creep in, and mental stress is grea...

  When I was working in an organization, I believed that accumulated efforts would naturally be rewarded—that a fair balance between investment and return would always be upheld. Yet in reality, opportunities for direct recognition or reward were far fewer than I expected. I felt this gap so strongly because I was convinced that the world had to be fair, despite the influence of my own ego and values shaping that belief. To reconcile this contradiction between expectation and reality, I chose a way of life in which I would continue working hard, even without the assurance of reward. Now, three years and three months into retirement, looking back on my 38-year career, I realize that while my efforts were not always rewarded immediately, they became the nourishment for my professional growth and laid the foundation for the fulfilling, happy life I enjoy today. In this sense, I now feel that my efforts were rewarded on a deeper level. Moreover, my determination to persist without expe...

  The Archbishop of Tendai Buddhism, Ryokan Ara (1928–2019) , once offered a profound insight: “When one’s mind-heart is not firmly established, one can be deceived by people’s words, leading to stumbling.” This suggests that those with a well-grounded mind-heart resemble wise individuals who exercise sound judgment. Such people seek information from multiple perspectives, think independently, learn from mistakes, and cultivate both experience and rationality. These qualities are exactly what our modern information society—overflowing with conflicting views—requires.

  If we make it a habit to write in our notebook each day—even just small incidents—we can record the know-how and wisdom gained from solving daily problems, the lessons learned from mistakes in judgment or action, reflections on our own shortcomings and possible remedies, new discoveries we had overlooked, and the deeper meaning of things. Over time, the notebook will be filled with wisdom and become a priceless treasure on the journey of life. By sharing it with others, we may also offer them spiritual comfort in their daily lives.