A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  In Japanese, there is an onomatopoeic expression, “pinpin korori.” It describes a life in which one remains healthy and independent until the very end (pinpin), then passes away suddenly and naturally, without prolonged suffering (korori). Many elderly people in Japan regard this as an ideal way to depart, reflecting a wish to avoid burdening family and loved ones in later years. In reality, however, only about 10 to 20 percent of people are able to experience such an ending. My life motto has long been to “live without regrets,” but as I grow older, I find myself consciously adding “pinpin korori” to that aspiration. The fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms—briefly in full bloom before quickly fading—embodies a sense of purity and evokes the Buddhist idea of impermanence, a cornerstone of Japanese aesthetics. In this way, the notion of “pinpin korori” carries, for me, a similar quiet elegance.

  Sometimes, when I notice a flowering plant by the roadside, I sense its quiet strength and resilience—always reaching forward and living fully in its own way. If we cultivate our powers of observation, awareness, intuition, and imagination, and use them positively, we can greatly deepen what we learn from nature.

  Looking back on my life, I am convinced that whenever I faced difficulties, they offered valuable opportunities to learn what I lacked and to grow as a person. Even now, as a senior, I cannot avoid such challenges, and I try to see them as chances for further growth. In reality, however, there are times when long-ingrained immaturity and personal shortcomings prevent me from changing my patterns of perception and behavior, likely leading to less desirable outcomes. Elevating one’s character in reason and virtue is far from easy, and it remains a meaningful challenge even in later years.

  Most people are easily motivated by immediate gains or losses. However, even when we tell ourselves that we are dedicating our time selflessly, without expecting anything in return, and striving to accumulate virtue, sustaining such motivation without a visible endpoint is far from easy. If we push ourselves too hard, we simply cannot continue. Therefore, we must act within reasonable limits, guided by wisdom and ingenuity.

  The petals of the Somei Yoshino cherry blossom are a delicate pale pink, easily scattered by wind and rain, giving them a fleeting blooming period of about a week. During this time, cloudy or rainy weather is common, and the soft color of the petals often blends into the gray sky, muting their vibrancy. However, when viewed or photographed against the dark trunk of the cherry tree on such days, the petals stand out, revealing a different kind of beauty. This reminds us that beauty is rarely absolute or fixed; it is often shaped by contrast, perspective, and surroundings. For some, even the subtle blending of petals into a cloudy sky holds its own quiet charm, echoing the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi—the appreciation of imperfection and transience.

  Flowers soothe our hearts, yet we often overlook the serious survival strategies behind their bloom. For instance, why do spirea shrubs produce such dense clusters of delicate white flowers in early spring? Spiraea thunbergii relies on insects like bees for pollination, and by blooming profusely alongside cherry blossoms and many other flowers, it appears like a blanket of white snow—highly visible even from afar, though it blooms low to the ground. In the same way, each of us should strive to develop our own unique qualities and express them in a positive, meaningful way, just as flowers do.

  Many of us have experienced the frustration of seeking a clear answer to an important question, only to find that the question itself is too vague to be properly understood. When the core meaning is not effectively conveyed, even the most capable person may struggle to provide a precise response. In such situations, a third party can play a valuable role by clarifying and rephrasing the essential points in simpler terms. This not only leads to more accurate answers but can also help the responder recognize overlooked aspects or blind spots. Ultimately, this reminds us of the importance of asking well-crafted questions.