A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  If we feel that the things we are doing are meaningful and worthwhile, and if we focus our attention fully on the present, we experience a deep sense of fulfillment. Time seems to pass quickly, and our overall sense of happiness increases. Conversely, when we cannot find meaning in our activities and feel bored, or when our attention drifts back and forth between the past and the future without settling on the present, time seems to drag, and feelings of anxiety grow. When we concentrate intensely on something, it feels as if we are pouring all our energy into a single point. This may be what Japanese craftsmen have long meant when they advised their apprentices to "put your soul into it." From the perspective of physics, this intense focus could be seen as converting the internal potential energy latent within us into kinetic energy directed outward — a living example of the law of conservation of mechanical energy. If we continue channeling this transformation steadily ov...

  In Japan, the period from late April to late May brings a pleasantly moderate climate—neither too cold nor too hot. Unlike the typically humid atmosphere of the Japanese archipelago, the air during this season is dry and refreshing, allowing for comfortable living without the need for air conditioning. Fields and mountains come alive with fresh greenery, and a variety of flowers bloom in full splendor, making it an ideal time for traveling and leisurely walks. Yet perhaps what makes this season feel even more precious is the awareness that it is fleeting. This realization deepens my gratitude and strengthens my desire to cherish each moment even more.

  From ancient times to the modern era, when average life expectancy was far shorter than it is today, countless individuals demonstrated remarkable mental maturity at a young age and left behind timeless words of wisdom. In today’s complex and rapidly changing world, such maturity at a young age can feel almost unimaginable. One hypothesis suggests that while life expectancy has increased in modern society, the pace of mental maturity may be biologically inversely proportional to it. I’m not sure where formal research on this idea is being conducted, but the concept resonates with me. Interestingly, one study suggests that a person’s mental maturity peaks at around 82 years old—assuming no mental health issues. Now in my mid-60s, I often feel that I still have a long way to go in terms of mental growth. Perhaps this is one reason lifelong learning has gained renewed attention in Japan. At the same time, I want to be mindful not to let any sense of pride in my own maturity lead me ...

  Perhaps because our senses are preemptively and largely dominated by vision, we are often drawn to surface beauty at first glance. Yet, when the inner substance fails to match the outer appearance, a sense of emptiness eventually sets in. Over time, we begin to seek the deeper, unseen qualities beneath the surface—traits that cannot be immediately perceived but gradually reveal themselves. Interestingly, as a person cultivates their inner self, that inner quality begins to radiate outward and subtly shape their external presence. In the case of people, true refinement comes from a continuous effort to deepen our humanity. This inner growth is not bound by age or background; it is something anyone can pursue throughout life.

  The other day, I visited a park for the first time in a while and was pleasantly surprised to find beautiful flowers in full bloom. I couldn’t help but take numerous photos, eager to share them on X. It was a simple moment, yet I felt a deep sense of fulfillment—like I had gained something truly valuable from something so ordinary. Before I retired, I would have never imagined finding such joy in something so small. Just as the environment changes people, retirement changed me. And in that quiet moment among the flowers, I felt the change within me.

  Verbal tics—words or phrases we use frequently and often unconsciously in conversation or self-talk—send subtle suggestions to our brains. When repeated over time, they create neural pathways that reinforce specific patterns of thought, shaped by the deeper meaning and nuance of those words. In other words, the language we habitually use can influence and shape the course of our lives. That’s why it’s important to be mindful of the words we choose—and to intentionally cultivate positive verbal habits.

  In Japan, many people experience a sense of loss after retirement, often due to the difficulty of setting concrete goals or plans for the next stage of life. This can be seen as a form of adjustment disorder triggered by the sudden change in environment that retirement brings. In my case, however, I was able to adjust to life after retirement more smoothly than I had expected. Reflecting on this, I believe the key lies in three habits I practiced consistently during my many years of organizational work—despite never specifically preparing for retirement itself. These habits helped me transition into this new phase of life with relative ease. 1.     Approaching daily work with a proactive mindset and a spirit of continuous improvement. 2.     Setting personal goals for each year and taking initiative in pursuing them. 3.     Proposing my own plans and willingly taking on new responsibilities, as long as they were approved by the o...