A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  Failing to grasp the current critical situation. Failing to identify the key issues that affect both the present and the future. Failing to understand the essence or structure of a problem. Failing to recognize what must be prioritized in solving it. Even when individuals are directly involved—as concerned citizens or stakeholders—they often treat the issue as someone else’s responsibility. They leave it to others to solve, distancing themselves from the consequences. It is only when the situation worsens significantly and begins to affect them personally that they finally recognize the severity of the crisis. By then, it is often too late. To prevent this pattern, individuals must remain alert—like keeping their antennae up—actively seeking and discerning information relevant to themselves and society. They must develop the ability to interpret events and issues accurately in real time. As more people sharpen this practical skill, society as a whole becomes more capable of respo...

  When seniors venture into a new field in which they have no prior experience, they often receive valuable advice from younger individuals who have gained expertise through hands-on experience and hypothesis-based trial and error. Despite the age difference, this guidance can be surprisingly insightful, making these younger advisors appear as sophisticated and reliable guides. As seniors listen to such advice, they often recognize parallels with the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired in other fields over the years. These connections allow them to draw meaningful comparisons with their own past experiences, reinforcing the credibility of the new information and deepening their understanding. At the same time, younger individuals who have had significant experiences of their own can greatly benefit from the wisdom of the senior generation. When both sides listen openly and learn from each other, it fosters mutual respect—and enables both seniors and young people to further develo...

  The human brain accounts for only about 2% of total body weight, yet it consumes roughly 18% of the body’s energy. To conserve energy, the brain has developed mechanisms that favor efficiency—often simplifying complex information and forming stereotypes based on limited input, particularly the first information it receives. In other words, it tends to take the path of least resistance. As a result, when filtered or biased information is repeatedly reinforced, the brain begins to treat it as the essence of truth. This makes it increasingly difficult to accept alternative perspectives or ways of thinking. However, truly grasping the essence of things—seeing beyond superficial impressions—enables us to identify root causes and underlying issues. This deeper understanding is key to more effective problem-solving, sound decision-making, and meaningful action. Even though our brains may resist the effort required, especially in complex or critical matters such as ensuring social stabil...

  It has been nearly two years and eleven months since I retired. As time passes, memories of my working life are gradually fading, making it increasingly difficult to write in detail about the lessons I learned from those experiences. In that sense, I’m grateful that I began reflecting on and recording those lessons soon after retirement—capturing them one by one as short essays, interwoven with my most recent thoughts, and sharing them with others. I am neither a great figure nor a saint of high virtue—just an ordinary person, swayed by everyday desires like anyone else. Since retiring, I’ve been striving to live with “small desires and contentment,” seeking greater peace of mind in the spiritual sense. That said, I would be truly happy if I could continue writing short essays about my daily thoughts and feelings, sharing them with you, and, in some small way, helping you live a better, more meaningful life.

  Travel offers a welcome escape from the routines of daily life. Immersed in unfamiliar surroundings, our senses become heightened, absorbing a wealth of new sights, sounds, and experiences. This mental stimulation keeps our consciousness actively engaged. At the same time, being in a new environment compels us to turn inward. We begin to see ourselves—and the world—through a different lens, gaining fresh insights and perspectives. This process not only brings a sense of renewal but also fosters personal growth and self-awareness. The vivid impressions of our journey linger in memory, becoming sources of energy and inspiration long after we’ve returned home. These afterimages serve as gentle reminders of our capacity to grow, change, and see the world anew.

  When I first opened my account on this social media platform, I was a bit anxious. I wondered whether people outside Japan would understand my thoughts and values—shaped by a life rooted in Japanese culture and limited to my own experiences. In that sense, launching this account felt like setting sail into the unknown—an ambitious and uncertain adventure. In the beginning, my follower count remained low. It took quite some time just to reach double digits, and that became my first real setback. During those early days, I sometimes found myself questioning whether my posts were resonating with anyone at all. That quiet doubt creeping in—perhaps that’s what it means to lose confidence. Still, I chose to believe in the potential of what I was sharing, even though there was no evidence to justify that belief. I continued posting every day. Gradually, one by one, people who connected with my words began to appear—and that journey has brought me to where I am now. To be honest, it’s my...

  Throughout history, countless sayings from great individuals have offered us guidance in life. However, simply resonating with these words is not enough. To truly make them our own, we must apply them repeatedly in real-life situations and achieve tangible results. Memorizing a saying, no matter how often we repeat it in our minds, does not guarantee its transformation into wisdom. Without the personal experience of putting those words into practice, they remain mere knowledge—detached from the deeper understanding that only comes through lived experience.