A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  I once imagined retirement as a leisurely and comfortable stage of life. In reality, however, we continue to face problems—both large and small—though less frequently than before. As long as our cognitive and mental capacities remain intact, these are challenges we must address ourselves; they cannot simply be left to others. With age, energy and cognitive function naturally decline, and many people find problem-solving increasingly burdensome, leading them to postpone decisions. Through this realization, I have come to believe that cultivating the habit, from a young age, of facing everyday problems proactively—rather than avoiding them out of anxiety or irritation—offers lasting benefits. Such a habit sharpens our ability to grasp the essence of issues while steadily strengthening intuition and problem-solving skills. Taking on challenges early in life not only supports career growth, but also becomes a valuable asset in navigating daily life after retirement.

  When we face too many options, choosing just one can feel overwhelming. Yet when our choices are limited, adding even a few meaningful ones can greatly enrich our lives. This contrast reminds us why knowing what is “enough” — understanding sufficiency — is so valuable when navigating the range of options before us.

  When we face worries or concerns, we often see ourselves as a single, isolated self. But if we learn to recognize the positive presence within us—the inner voice that offers wisdom, confidence, and encouragement—we can draw strength from it. By listening to this quiet but reliable cheerleader, we begin to notice real and lasting positive effects in our lives.

  Everyone experiences both success and failure throughout life. While failures offer lessons we can carry into the future, successes teach us something equally important: the power of confidence. The positive feelings that come from succeeding can lift our mindset in ways that failures cannot. Instead of holding on to the bitterness of past mistakes, allowing ourselves to fully embrace the momentum of success strengthens our belief in what we can achieve. By doing so, we gradually build the habit of overcoming our own self-doubt—one of the biggest obstacles standing between us and our goals.

  In any ambitious challenge, the stages before reaching the goal are often the most difficult. One key secret to success is maintaining focus until the goal is achieved. And when you finally push through that last stretch, the sense of fulfillment makes every effort worthwhile.

  The animations we watched as children often shape us long into adulthood. In my case, I learned about justice, hard work, perseverance, morality, harmony, and peace not through logic, but through the emotional, instinctive lessons conveyed by the main characters. Looking back, I realize that animation can be seen as a small yet powerful microcosm of life itself.

  A late, renowned film director who began his career as an actor once said that becoming a top performer requires more than physical discipline. It also demands the ability to read between the lines of a script, to absorb it with deep insight, and to imagine in ways that enrich each performance. He further emphasized that an actor’s way of life—shaped by solid values and a guiding philosophy—is just as essential. Reflecting on his words, I realize that similar principles apply to excellence in any profession. The more we cultivate our inner qualities, the more our words and actions take on depth, purpose, and meaning.

  Many proverbs come in pairs with opposite meanings, reminding us that every situation has more than one perspective. In other words, there is rarely a single correct answer; what is “right” often depends on timing and circumstance. This is why it is essential to cultivate our own awareness and judgment to discern which wisdom applies in a given moment. In Japan, for example, there are contrasting proverbs such as “Slow and steady wins the race (or Haste makes waste)” and “Do good things quickly (or Never hesitate to do good).” The first warns that rushing increases the chances of failure and that taking the longer, more reliable path is often wiser. The second teaches that good deeds should be done immediately, without missing the opportunity. These examples show that in the practice of life, insight and judgment matter far more than simply memorizing proverbs.

  Knowing what is “enough” is important at every stage of life, but it becomes especially vital after retirement, when we begin reassessing our purpose and no longer feel the need to chase goals with the same urgency. Cultivating this sense of contentment starts with gratitude—appreciating the circumstances we are in and the things already within our reach. We can deepen this gratitude by practicing it consciously each day and making it a natural habit. Through regular inner dialogue, we can also clarify what truly matters, organize our priorities, and act on them in a steady, purposeful order. When we focus on what is within our grasp and approach it with gratitude, we free ourselves from comparison and envy. In doing so, we find a quiet satisfaction, along with a deep sense of peace and happiness.

  Yoichi Takahashi (1955–), a former Japanese government cabinet counselor and quantitative policy scholar, possesses extensive expertise in economics, diplomacy, and finance. In his book Introduction to Economics , he emphasizes that a single supply-and-demand diagram can explain nearly 90% of economic conditions and policies, including fiscal and monetary measures. Takahashi argues that this diagram is not only the simplest but also the most versatile tool in economic theory. By applying it to real-world examples and thinking independently, individuals can make practical use of its insights. He further suggests that theoretical knowledge can be one of the most powerful tools for ordinary people seeking to navigate their economic lives. Although this example comes from economics, it is wise for individuals to understand, test, and internalize simple, adaptable theories and principles that reflect accumulated human wisdom. Doing so, I believe, is an essential part of leading a wise...

  Konosuke Matsushita (1894–1989), the renowned Japanese businessman, once said that if we believe each person has a unique mission in life, we will no longer feel envious or critical of others. When we think this way, comparison becomes unnecessary, and our attention naturally shifts to whether we have grown—focusing on who we are today rather than who others are. Matsushita also emphasized the importance of trusting the quiet voice that arises from deep within the heart, a reminder that we are meant to live our own lives, not measure ourselves against anyone else.

  Humans naturally seek independence—the ability to think and act on their own. Yet we are also social beings who depend on relationships, influence, and cooperation. Without these connections, true independence cannot develop; and without personal independence, meaningful relationships cannot form. This dynamic mirrors the link between a single fish and a school, or between individual cells and the human body. Seen this way, living well both for ourselves and for others is essential, for neither society nor individual lives can function without this balance.

  When proposing and implementing a large project, we must balance boldness with precision. In the early stages, boldness shapes the project’s overall scale; without it, an initiative may shrink into something ordinary and overly cautious. But when we show the drive to pursue ambitious goals despite some uncertainty, we are more likely to gain the support of key people inside and outside the organization. As the project advances, precision becomes essential. Careful planning and attention to detail ensure that ambitious ideas are carried out effectively. It is like digging a hole: we begin by digging wide—boldness—and then dig deep with accuracy—precision.

  During my walks, moments of unexpected beauty—whether a striking natural scene, a stunning flower, or a newly discovered path—fill me with a deep sense of fulfillment, as if I’ve received a spiritual gift without spending anything at all. This morning’s walk offered all three, and I was especially moved by the sight of a small child joyfully chasing falling yellow ginkgo leaves, glowing in the morning sun as they danced in the wind. It reminded me that such blessings can only be felt when we have the mental space to be present in the moment.

  Kiyoshi Oka (1901–1978), the Japanese mathematician known for his foundational work in several complex variables, left behind many memorable sayings. One of them is: “Even if something doesn’t interest you, or even if it seems unappealing at first glance, it’s worth facing it with determination and focus. When you do, you’ll find parts of it that you can come to like.” When I was working in an office, I was often assigned tasks I didn’t enjoy. Yet by choosing not to sulk and instead immersing myself in the work, I learned new skills, improved my efficiency, and even proposed additional ideas that added value. In doing so, I found ways to enjoy the work and put those insights into practice. Because of that experience, Oka’s words resonate with me deeply. If you cannot avoid something that doesn’t interest you, the key is to accept the situation calmly and engage with it proactively. Doing so can lead to new discoveries, fresh perspectives, opportunities for growth, and unexpected ...

  Just as people ultimately make decisions based on emotion rather than logic, the vision of who we truly want to become also arises not from reasoning, but from intuition and inspiration—feelings that emerge from the heart. Logical thinking is valuable, but its role is to help bring that inner vision to life. In this sense, just as we strive to sharpen our logical abilities, it is equally important to cultivate the emotions of the heart, which intuitively reveal the larger picture and the direction we should follow.

  Katsuya Nomura (1935–2020), a legendary player and manager in Japanese baseball, once described the state of mind needed to make dreams come true: “To achieve your dreams, it is crucial to maintain a constant desire for improvement. The key to sustaining this ambition is a sense of normalcy, or peace of mind. A normal mind is one that remains unchanged and undisturbed, unaffected by external factors, and supported by the confidence gained from accumulating small successes.” In Japanese, this state is known as Heijoshin—the ability to perceive things as they truly are, free from fear, doubt, surprise, or confusion. Attaining and sustaining this mindset may require considerable effort, but it is certainly possible. Developing healthy habits, practicing positive thinking, and taking time to center yourself all support the cultivation of Heijoshin. To maintain it, it is essential to accept what you cannot control, reset negative thoughts, and observe yourself objectively, which great...

  This morning, while taking a short break on a park bench during my walk, I gazed at a tree and found myself hearing the surrounding sounds more clearly. Then I closed my eyes and began to feel the warmth of sunlight and the gentle breeze on my skin. I was reminded of the mysterious workings of our sensory organs. Our five senses cooperate in response to changing circumstances—receiving different types of stimuli, converting them into electrical signals, and sending them to the brain, which then perceives the world through their integration. By honing our senses, we can activate the brain, reduce stress, and enhance happiness. So rather than being swept up in the rush of daily life, why not take a moment to quietly focus on each of our senses?

  The wise way to live is to treat others’ advice as a reference, deepen your understanding through dialogue with your inner self, and make your own final decisions. Relying too heavily on others’ opinions leads to living someone else’s life, and eventually, regret will seep into your heart. This also applies to advice from AI, which draws upon humanity’s collective wisdom. Especially in the coming age, it is essential to listen calmly to the true voice within, free from distracting thoughts and worldly desires, and to trust that voice. Only then can we stay true to ourselves and live a life without regrets.

  Because humans are easily controlled by their emotions, it is extremely difficult to remain calm and humble at all times. However, depending on the environment in which one grows and one’s conscious efforts, it is possible to maintain a fair degree of humility. From my professional experience, I have observed that humility is not only a fundamental element that promotes the improvement of one’s abilities and personal growth, but it also invites good opportunities and opens the door to one’s destiny. Among successful people, those who remain humble tend to be popular and have many supporters. This can be seen as the result of humility giving rise to virtue.