A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  Looking back on my life, I can't help but wish I had learned and applied more of the wisdom passed down by our predecessors on how to live wisely. However, since it is impossible to turn back time and start over, I choose instead to continue learning and putting that wisdom into practice from this point forward. At the same time, I hope to share my insights with future generations, offering practical guidance on how to navigate life wisely. 　 Like many of you, I have encountered the wisdom of those before us through books, lectures, movies, sports, travel, work, and everyday interactions. Yet, few people make a habit of applying these lessons in their daily lives. True wisdom is not merely knowing what is right but embedding it into our thoughts and actions until it becomes second nature — an ingrained pattern of recognition that allows us to respond wisely without conscious effort. 　 Of course, not everything we say or do can be guided by instinct alone. It is equally important ...

  It dawned on me that truly living in the present means using time wisely. If we cherish time and also everything—including ourselves—that connects to our soul, life will feel more fulfilling. This might be one reason why the ancient Japanese believed that all things have souls.

  The sight of people working hard for others and society is both beautiful and inspiring. Witnessing such dedication naturally stirs within us the desire to do the same. Similarly, when we receive kindness, we often feel compelled to return it—either to the giver or to someone else. In this way, positive energy spreads, shaping our actions and influencing those around us. However, the opposite is also true. Negative influences can lead to discouragement and passivity. This applies not only to individuals but also to nations, which are, after all, collections of people. For instance, when a society is steeped in long-standing excessive self-criticism over its history, it can foster hopelessness, distraction, and a decline in proactive effort. Beyond human interactions, even objects and experiences may carry unique wavelengths. While perceptions vary from person to person, these subtle influences can shape our preferences. When people engage in work they genuinely enjoy, they can ma...

  Being honest with our conscience brings many benefits. Here are three key examples: First, honestly expressing our thoughts and feelings—especially through writing—opens our hearts. When we share these reflections on social media, we attract like-minded individuals from around the world who resonate with our ideas. This connection creates opportunities for meaningful exchanges, allowing us to learn from one another and expand our perspectives.   Second, because times are constantly changing, the knowledge and experience we have accumulated in the past may not always be relevant or applicable to our present circumstances. To truly understand reality, we must carefully observe the current situation, interpret it logically, and base our judgments on facts rather than preconceived notions. By maintaining an open and honest mindset, free from bias, we pave the way for continuous self-growth. Third, as people transition from childhood to adulthood, they often lose access to ...

  In today's information-saturated world, we often become fixated on external sources of knowledge. While outside information is undoubtedly valuable for building a better life and lifestyle, achieving balance requires dedicating more time to self-reflection and inner dialogue. Ultimately, each person must choose their own path and take responsibility for their journey. Along the way, our greatest supporter—or at times, our greatest adversary—will be none other than ourselves. This makes it essential to cultivate a healthy and positive inner dialogue, ensuring that we become our own best ally. Thoughtfully developed positive ideas hold intrinsic value, but when others resonate with them, they can also enrich our relationships. Instead of preaching our beliefs, we can inspire and guide others simply by embodying our principles through action.

  Since ancient times, Japan has been blessed with a rich natural environment, fostering a deep reverence for nature and ancestor worship. Rooted in the belief that all things possess souls or deities, this perspective has shaped Japanese society’s emphasis on communal harmony rather than individual independence. The prevailing idea is that humans exist within relationships—both with nature and other people—rather than as isolated beings. This communal mindset is reflected in various aspects of Japanese culture, much like in team sports, where collective victory takes precedence over individual achievements. Because the distinction between self and others is often fluid, the Japanese language naturally omits explicit subjects, relying instead on context and background for clarity. Humility has long been regarded as a virtue in Japan, likely stemming from the belief that we are shaped by our connections with nature and those around us. This has led to an enduring cultural emphasis o...

  Whether traveling abroad or moving to a new home, immersing ourselves in an unfamiliar environment exposes us to new perspectives and ideas that we wouldn't encounter in daily life, broadening our horizons. Even without physically relocating, a shift in role—such as being promoted to a superior’s position at work—places us in a different situation with new responsibilities and challenges. However, even if we do not yet hold a leadership position, we can still gain insight by imagining ourselves in our boss’s shoes. By consciously considering their perspective and asking ourselves how we would handle similar situations, we can develop a vague yet valuable understanding of their mindset. This practice of viewing our own perspectives in relation to others fosters objectivity and helps us find common ground in times of conflict. Ultimately, it is the first step in putting into practice the well-known saying: “If you want to change someone else, you have to change yourself first.”