2515: Standing at the Crossroads of Experience and Renewal

I’m 49 years old—part of what’s often referred to in Japan as the “Lost Generation.” We graduated during a time when job opportunities were scarce, in the late '90s to early 2000s. It wasn’t an easy start, and many of us carry that experience with quiet resilience.

Now, as I prepare to enter my 50s, I can no longer ignore the question: How should I approach the second half of my professional and personal life?

We live in what is now called the "100-Year Life" era. The traditional notion of retiring at 60 is becoming outdated. Instead, we should aim to stay active, curious, and engaged for as long as possible. Just a year ago, I declared to my friends and colleagues that I wanted to work until the end of my life. But recently, I’ve found myself taking a step back from that bold statement—not because I’ve lost the will, but because I sometimes wonder if my knowledge and skills are still relevant in today’s business world.

Perhaps I’m standing at the edge of the business frontlines, now occupied by a new generation. Still, being in this position has given me the stimulation to reawaken. I’ve realized that I’m not done yet. My sword is still sharp—I just need to keep learning and stay in shape for the battles ahead.

Our generation is unique. We witnessed the world before and after the digital transformation. When we started working, Windows 95 had just been released, and email over dial-up connections was becoming the norm. We’ve experienced both the analog and digital eras, and that positions us as potential bridges between the legacy work culture and the present.

To everyone from my generation: I want to cheer you on. We’re not obsolete. We can still be essential contributors to the future of business and the economy. Let’s start by learning something new—just a small step. Let’s climb a different hill than the one we’re used to. Our knowledge isn’t outdated; it’s a foundation that can evolve and blend with the new.

The journey isn’t over. In fact, it might just be entering its most meaningful phase.