A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  It appears that people often use their personal feelings, particularly those of being "helpful" or "happy," as a yardstick for assessing the worth of products and services. These feelings can vary depending on the circumstances and timing, with changes occurring either broadly across a population or being specific to a select few. Given these dynamics, it is crucial for providers of goods and services to target people during specific moments and situations, discerning what evokes the strongest feelings of "helpfulness" and "happiness." This approach is pivotal for advancing value creation. Without this provider judgment being grounded in a commitment to genuinely benefiting people and society, sustainable growth cannot be anticipated.

  In March, Japan experiences fluctuating weather patterns influenced by high pressure systems from Siberia and the Pacific Ocean. The weather often shifts between warm and winter-like conditions, creating a cycle that lasts into spring. This period is described by some as "a cycle of three cold days followed by four warm days." This weather pattern can be seen as a metaphor for life. Just as the seasons change unpredictably, life can present us with challenges and setbacks. However, by maintaining a resilient and unwavering spirit, akin to the apricot or cherry blossom tree, we can overcome these hardships. Eventually, a warm and gentle spring will arrive, and the flowers of hope and renewal will bloom once more.

  Soichiro Honda (1906-1991), the founder of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., was a junior high school graduate known for his free-spirited personality, and he has left behind many famous quotes. One of his most notable quotes is, "Each person should devote all their energy to their greatest strength, giving generously to others, while having others compensate for their weaknesses. This should be the basic principle of moral education." This quote exemplifies Mr. Honda's personality well. It is akin to the principle of comparative advantage in economics, which suggests that under free trade, each country should export the goods at which it excels (advantageous) and import the goods in which it is less proficient (inferior).  In other words, it is as if this principle were applied to individuals, likening them to countries, and connected it with the fundamentals of moral education: individuals dedicating themselves to their strengths and mutually complementing each other. This encap

  Tempu Nakamura (1876-1968), a Japanese thinker and successful businessperson, is remembered for his famous quote: “Belief is like a precious compass that guides one's life. Therefore, a life without belief is like a worn-out ship unable to embark on a long voyage.” For Tempu, belief means deeply believing in the power of one's own life and unleashing that power. As one's belief grows stronger, they can realize the incredible potential inherent in every individual. It is said that this strength manifests, leading to good health and a positive destiny. There is a story that Tempu used to look in the mirror every night before bed, affirming that his beliefs would strengthen. This illustrates the idea that age is not a barrier to increasing faith and taking action. Every day presents an auspicious opportunity for growth and self-improvement.

  Overcoming difficult experiences in life is never wasted. If we can be truly grateful that we are who we are today because of those painful experiences, we will grow spiritually as a person. The valuable lessons learned through those experiences will become one of the important guidelines for moving forward in life. Additionally, we are able to better understand the feelings of people who have gone through similar painful experiences, and we can empathize with them while offering appropriate advice based on our own experiences. This, in turn, allows us to be of help to others. If the persons receiving the advice overcome their own painful experiences and go on to give advice to others, there is a possibility that the chain of spiritual help will spread.

  In Japan, cleaning is often associated with attracting good luck. The act of decluttering and thoroughly cleaning our homes not only refreshes us but also instills a sense of anticipation for positive outcomes. While physical cleaning is beneficial, combining it with mental cleaning can enhance our luck even further. By addressing problems and issues promptly instead of postponing them, we can reduce stress. Solving problems also boosts confidence. Additionally, organizing our priorities and thoughts, and writing them down, can clarify our minds, reduce daily hesitations and worries, create more mental space, and improve interpersonal relationships. Thus, it is evident that both physical and mental cleaning, along with organization, are crucial aspects of well-being.

  There is a Japanese saying that goes, “If you're prepared, you won't have to worry.” This means that if you prepare ahead of time, you won't have to worry even if something unexpected happens. However, unexpected events can occur in life or work, and there is a saying about how to deal with such situations: “If you are in real trouble, you will find a way out,” or “There is always some way out of a difficulty if you really look for one.” This means that when things get tough and you run into trouble, unexpected avenues of success may open up. However, if you don't exercise your brain regularly, you won't be able to expect such sudden inspiration. Therefore, to deal with unexpected situations, it is important to train your brain by not shying away from solving everyday problems.