There Are No Losers Among the Japanese | Masaru Tomita (Dean of the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies)
2006.02.23
The media and politicians are adept at fanning a sense of crisis with claims that "Japan is headed for disaster."
Recently, the polarization of the Japanese people into "winners" and "losers" has become a social issue. It is said that many people are living in "extreme poverty" on about 100,000 yen a month.
However, if we look at the world, there are many people living on just a few thousand yen a month. There are many suffering from starvation. There are many who have been displaced from their homes by civil war.
When you think about it that way, aren't all Japanese people already "winners" just by virtue of being born in Japan? Ultimately, the polarization is between the "super-winners" and the "somewhat-winners."
If that's the case, it's better to abandon petty ideas like "seeking stability" and live life as you see fit. Since we were fortunate enough to be born in such a blessed country, it's better to take bold chances at the crossroads of life. Such a dramatic life is truly wonderful.
And in the end, I believe it is such people who contribute to the international community.
===== Addendum ====================================
Congratulations on the Super Bowl victory, Pittsburgh Steelers!!
A 26-year dream since my time studying abroad at CMU has come true.
GO STEELERS!!!!!
=====================================================
(Date of publication: 2006/02/23)