2430: A Tragic Incident in Japan and the Importance of Positive Thinking

 

In the wake of a shocking and tragic incident in Sapporo's Susukino area last July, where a 62-year-old man's headless body was found in a hotel room, Japan has been gripped by the ensuing court proceedings. The case involves the Tamura family: Runa Tamura, her father Osamu, and her mother Hiroko. Each family member faces serious charges, with Hiroko accused of aiding in concealing the decapitated head at their home.

As the trial continues, gripping details emerge. Osamu Tamura recently appeared in court, expressing deep regret for the irreversible actions taken by his family. Despite denying direct involvement in the crime, he admitted to a dysfunctional family dynamic where he and his wife were unable to intervene in their daughter's disturbing actions.

This family's story reveals a troubling dynamic: Runa exerted overwhelming control over her parents, who, despite recognizing her dangerous behavior, felt powerless to act. Hiroko, even in court, denied consenting to her daughter’s crimes but admitted to being unable to stop them.

This case underscores a critical lesson in the context of Kazuo Inamori's insightful formula for success: "Life and Work Results = Way of Thinking x Capability x Enthusiasm." While capability and enthusiasm are inherently positive forces, 'Way of Thinking' holds the potential for both positive and negative impacts. This aspect of the formula is central; a positive way of thinking can significantly enhance abilities and drive, leading to beneficial outcomes. Conversely, a negative way of thinking can transform these positive attributes into destructive forces.

The Critical Role of Way of Thinking

Inamori’s formula highlights the unique impact of 'Way of Thinking'. Unlike capability and enthusiasm, which are typically positive, the way of thinking can skew results drastically. In the Tamura case, a negative way of thinking overshadowed and corrupted any positive qualities, leading to a tragic and criminal outcome.

The Multiplicative Impact of Way of Thinking

'Way of Thinking' multiplies the effects of 'Capability' and 'Enthusiasm'. While capability and enthusiasm can often compensate for each other, a negative way of thinking can drastically disturb this balance. When the way of thinking is negative, it can overshadow and corrupt the positive impacts of high capability and enthusiasm.

Illustration Through the Yakuza Example

The Yakuza, the Japanese mafia, serve as a stark example of this principle. Members might possess high levels of capability and enthusiasm. However, their negative way of thinking, characterized by unlawful and unethical behaviors, turns these positive qualities into harmful forces, leading to destructive and criminal outcomes.

Balancing the Triangle of Success

Understanding the interplay between way of thinking, capability, and enthusiasm is crucial for success. A negative way of thinking can not only negate our skills and passion but also turn them into negative forces. In contrast, a positive way of thinking can elevate our capabilities and enthusiasm, leading to beneficial outcomes.

Fostering a Positive Way of Thinking

Cultivating a positive way of thinking involves introspection, ethical alignment, and embracing positive values. It's about continuously evaluating our motivations and the ethical implications of our actions. By aligning our way of thinking positively, we ensure that our capabilities and enthusiasm contribute to constructive and meaningful outcomes.

Conclusion

This deeper exploration of Kazuo Inamori's success formula, with the emphasis on 'Way of Thinking', offers a more comprehensive understanding of how success in life and work is achieved. It's not just about having capabilities and enthusiasm, but ensuring that our way of thinking positively directs these qualities. The Tamura case starkly illustrates how a wrong way of thinking can disturb results and lead to disastrous outcomes. As we develop our skills and fuel our passions, let's be conscious of our way of thinking, steering it towards positivity to ensure our contributions are constructive and beneficial.

2429a: Bridging the Generation Gap: A Father-Son Collaboration in Business

 

As I prepare for our upcoming "Generation Cross-Border" event, I find myself reflecting on a recent experience that perfectly encapsulates the generational differences we aim to explore. This experience involves my son, Kansai, and his journey into the world of business.

The Smart Ring Project

In May, Kansai launched a project to sell OEM-made smart rings using crowdfunding. The launch was successful, acquiring a substantial number of supporters, and we are now gearing up for the delivery scheduled in October. However, before we can reach that milestone, we face several significant challenges—one of the most pressing being the acquisition of a telecommunication permit from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The Challenge of Collaboration

Our OEM partner, JJ, is an overseas company with experience in obtaining such permits. While there are alternative agents in Japan, JJ offered a reasonable price, leading Kansai to choose their services. He asked me to review the proposal, and I immediately noticed some concerns: the proposal lacked a clear delivery date, the deliverables were vague, and the payment terms required us to pay the full amount upfront upon placing the purchase order.

I advised Kansai to negotiate these points, emphasizing the importance of clarity and secure payment terms. My perspective, shaped by years of experience, values caution and thoroughness to mitigate risks.

Generational Perspectives in Business

This interaction highlighted a stark contrast in our approaches. Kansai, a member of Generation Z, favors speed and innovation, valuing quick action over detailed scrutiny. My approach, rooted in the values of Generation Y, leans towards careful planning and risk management.

Kansai proposed using PayPal as a risk mitigation tool for the overseas transaction. According to him, PayPal offers reimbursement if the deliverable does not meet the requirements, providing a layer of security in case things go wrong. This was a novel concept for me, as I have always relied on more traditional methods of securing business deals.

A Dialogue of Generations

A few days later, Kansai and I had a candid conversation about our collaboration. Kansai, still a student and working under my company, Growth Unlimited Corporation (GUC), expressed frustration with the perceived delays in decision-making. He mentioned considering starting his own company to have more control and agility.

While I don't intend to intervene in his decisions, I realized that my advice, based on years of experience, might sometimes seem like a hurdle to him. Kansai’s approach, though riskier, is also valid and aligned with the fast-paced nature of modern business. This realization made me reflect on the generational gap between us. While my methods are tried and tested, Kansai’s willingness to embrace new solutions like PayPal demonstrates a different, yet equally valuable, way of navigating business challenges.

Conclusion

This experience underscores the importance of bridging the generational gap in business. Both approaches—my cautious, methodical one, and Kansai’s quick, innovative one—have their merits. As we prepare for our face-to-face discussion during his summer vacation, I am keen to understand more about his perspective and find ways to integrate our approaches.

In our "Generation Cross-Border" event, we will explore these themes further, discussing how different generations can effectively collaborate and learn from each other. I invite you all to share your experiences and insights on generational collaboration in business. How do you balance traditional wisdom with innovative approaches? Let’s engage in this important dialogue and find common ground to move forward together.

2428a The Superiority of the New Generation: A Closer Look

 

In recent years, the capabilities and qualities of the younger generation, particularly Generation Z, have garnered significant attention. As I prepare for the upcoming event titled "Generation Cross-Border," it's crucial to understand why this generation is often considered superior in various aspects. This blog post delves into the key reasons behind their excellence, supported by academic research and expert opinions.

Digital Natives with Unmatched Tech Savviness

Generation Z, born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, is the first true generation of digital natives. They have grown up in a world where the internet and digital technology are omnipresent, giving them a unique advantage in today's tech-driven society.

Thomas Koulopoulos and Dan Keldsen, in their book The Gen Z Effect: The Six Forces Shaping the Future of Business, highlight this phenomenon:

"Gen Z has grown up with a level of access to technology and information that previous generations could not have imagined, and this shapes their approach to problem-solving and innovation."

Higher Levels of Education

The younger generation has access to better and more comprehensive education compared to previous generations. This has led to higher educational attainment and specialized skills, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

David Stillman and Jonah Stillman, in Gen Z @ Work: How the Next Generation Is Transforming the Workplace, emphasize this point:

"Gen Z employees are tech-savvy, highly collaborative, and bring a fresh perspective that challenges traditional ways of thinking."

Emphasis on Diversity and Inclusion

Generation Z places a high value on diversity and inclusion, understanding their importance in creating harmonious and innovative environments. This generation's comfort with diversity is a significant asset in today's globalized world.

Jean M. Twenge, a Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University, notes:

"Gen Z is characterized by their digital fluency and their comfort with diversity, which positions them well to innovate and adapt in a rapidly changing world."

Entrepreneurial Spirit and Innovation

The entrepreneurial spirit of Generation Z is noteworthy. They are not just job seekers but also job creators, leveraging technology and innovative thinking to launch startups and drive significant changes across industries.

Paul Redmond, Director of Student Life at the University of Liverpool, states:

"The adaptability and tech-savviness of Gen Z make them particularly adept at navigating the complexities of modern work environments. Their open-mindedness towards diversity is a significant asset in today’s globalized economy."

Environmental Awareness and Social Contribution

Generation Z is deeply aware of environmental issues and is committed to making a positive impact on society. They advocate for sustainable practices and are actively involved in social and environmental causes.

Alexis Abramson, Dean of Graduate Education at Northeastern University, comments:

"Gen Z's proficiency with technology, coupled with their entrepreneurial mindset, sets them apart as a generation capable of driving significant advancements in various fields."

Conclusion

The superiority of the new generation is evident in their technological adeptness, higher educational attainment, commitment to diversity, entrepreneurial spirit, and social awareness. As we prepare for the "Generation Cross-Border" event, it is essential to recognize and celebrate these qualities that position Generation Z to lead and innovate in an ever-changing world.

I look forward to exploring these themes further at our event and discussing how we can harness the potential of this remarkable generation.

2427 : The Power of a Positive Attitude in Shaping Opportunities

 

The Science of Positivity

The essence of these proverbs lies in the belief that our emotional states can attract similar

circumstances. A positive attitude not only prepares us to seize opportunities but also equips

us to handle challenges more effectively. This approach aligns with modern methodologies in

psychology and business, such as lean and agile practices, which emphasize adaptability and

proactive engagement.

Acting on Opportunities

It's not enough to simply think positively; action is a critical component. By actively engaging

with our environments and persistently pursuing our goals, we can create opportunities.

This proactive behavior is supported by the concept of "time discount attitude," which highlights

the importance of valuing present actions and their impact on future outcomes.

Resilience Through Positivity

Even when faced with setbacks, a positive mindset can be incredibly powerful. It fosters

resilience, enabling us to recover from failures and move forward. In practice, this means

not just bouncing back after a setback but also learning and growing from each experience,

thereby paving the way for future successes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our attitude plays a pivotal role in our ability to attract and pursue opportunities.

By adopting a positive mindset and coupling it with decisive action, we can enhance our

potential for success. Remember, it's not only about facing the moment with positivity but also

about building the resilience to thrive in the face of adversity.

This perspective on positivity isn’t just motivational rhetoric; it's a practical approach that can

guide us in both personal development and professional endeavors. Embrace positivity, act on

opportunities, and let resilience lead you to your next success.