*“Yesterday, I Went to Mars ♡”*

This episode reflects on the idea of “information avoidance,” the tendency to look away from difficult truths. From war headlines we scroll past to personal health checks we delay, avoiding knowledge can sometimes protect our hearts. But over time, it can also allow problems to grow. The challenge is balance: knowing when it’s okay to look away, and when it’s necessary to face reality. True wisdom...

What's the true measure of strength? This week, we explore the idea that it's not about winning, but about surviving through adaptation. We draw lessons from a newly discovered ant with an unprecedented survival strategy, and from the latest research on why the physically strong Neanderthals disappeared from history. Join us for a calm look at why flexibility and cooperation, not just powe...

On today's episode, we start with a big question about the value of a single human life, using Einstein as an example. This leads to a thoughtful look at Elon Musk, asking if he might be a figure of similar historical significance. We explore his intense work ethic, the world-changing scale of his vision, and how he approaches his work, not to say he's the same as Einstein, but to consider...

In this episode, I reflect on how AI has become part of daily work, from research to translation to note-taking. Recently, I read a blog about an “AI school” workshop where non-engineers used tools like Cursor, an AI code editor, and Dify, an AI workflow builder, to create a working website in under 30 minutes—starting only from a voice memo. The story was eye-opening. It showed how quickly system...

This episode looks at the life of Samuel Morse, the inventor of Morse code. Few know that he was a painter until his mid-40s, when personal loss pushed him toward science. At 53, he completed the invention that transformed global communication. Morse’s story reminds us that experiences from one chapter of life can shape the next, and that change is possible at any age. His journey gives real meani...

For 17 years, Makoto Optical has continued serving customers in Shinjuku and Ginza. Updating our website has always felt like part of the daily routine, but when I paused to look back, I realized we’ve shared over 5,000 customer stories and received more than 2,000 reviews. It’s something I’m truly grateful for.

A reflection on a piece of Indian jewelry whose turquoise stone went missing. More than decoration, jewelry can hold meaning, protection, or memories, depending on what we invest in it. This episode explores how objects gain value through the stories and emotions we attach to them — and how that meaning can be as powerful as the material itself.

On today's episode, we discuss a fascinating new technology from Sony that feels like something out of science fiction: a fingertip robot that can "physically install" skills like playing the piano. This sparks a quiet reflection on the future of learning and the nature of human effort. If a robot can teach us the mechanics, what becomes the new focus of our practice?

This episode reflects on the idea that stability is never permanent. Relationships, work, health, and even business are always in motion—constant change is the true nature of life. Stability, when it comes, is just a fortunate exception. By seeing change as natural and learning to carry a heart that won’t break when things shift, we can face challenges with less fear and more openness.

This episode reflects on why people who have once finished something — whether it’s a marathon, a mountain climb, or a debate competition — often carry that strength into other parts of life. Crossing a finish line or reaching a summit builds a quiet confidence: “I’ve done it before, I can do it again.” It’s not about winning first place, but about proving to yourself that you can see something th...

This episode reflects on how even something as familiar as morning radio calisthenics can shift with the times. In Japan, it’s now sometimes seen as noise, while in China the same activity is full of loud music and energy. It’s a small reminder of how changing lifestyles and values shape what we call “normal.”

This episode reflects on how much our environment shapes us. From the advantages of international schools in places like Barcelona—where children can naturally grow into English and even trilingual speakers—to the risks of relying only on Japan’s domestic market and language, the focus is on “environment lottery.” Education abroad can be both an investment and a kind of insurance, not just for chi...

In this episode, I reflect on what I call a “plus-minus zero” approach to health. At home I rarely drink beer, but while traveling I sometimes do—and then balance it the next day with a run or a hike. Health advice is everywhere, often telling us what we should or shouldn’t do. But in the end, there’s no universal formula. What really matters is finding a rhythm that feels sustainable, both for th...

Is today's excitement tomorrow's irritation? On this episode, we explore that question through a personal story of feeling thrilled in a new city one day, only to feel bored and frustrated the next. This leads to a quiet conversation about the fleeting nature of external happiness and the search for a more sustainable, internal sense of fulfillment that isn't dependent on constant nove...

In this episode, I reflect on what truly matters more than money. From F1 drivers who find real joy only in victory, to Navy SEALs who see purpose as worth more than any reward, to the late Goro Takahashi who created jewelry simply because he wanted to—each shows the power of living by values beyond wealth. It’s about conviction, passion, and the kind of unwavering gaze that comes from pursuing wh...

On today's episode, we look to the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan to explore a modern question about happiness. We discuss its famous philosophy of "Gross National Happiness," traditionally built on the idea of "not comparing" oneself to others, and how the arrival of the smartphone is challenging that ideal. It's a calm reflection on the search for contentment in a hyper-...

On today's episode,we're talking about the difference between "the ordinary" and "the non-ordinary." Using a personal story of feeling bored in beautiful Kamakura but alive on the streets of Seoul, we look at why new environments feel so stimulating. We'll discuss how small novelties—like different languages and signs—put our brains into 'discovery mode' and...

In this episode, I reflect on Warren Buffett’s timeless advice: “Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.” We explore why this principle is so difficult to practice, how it played out during the 2008 financial crisis, and what it means not only for investing, but also for business and life. At its heart, it’s about resisting the pull of the crowd, thinking independent...

In this episode, I reflect on a recent health checkup that reminded me of the importance of regular medical care as we age. From there, I explore the powerful philosophy of Dr. Peter Scott-Morgan, known as Peter 2.0 , who chose to “upgrade” himself with technology rather than view illness as defeat. What does it mean to see aging not as decline, but as evolution? And how might technology become an...

On today's episode,we're exploring a modern paradox: while it's good to focus on what's necessary in our lives, what happens when a whole society does the same? We discuss how a world built purely on function might become a "dystopia of necessity," lacking the character that makes life interesting. It's a calm reflection on finding the balance between efficiency and t...

In this episode, I share some thoughts that came up while touring high schools with my daughter. Watching students interact reminded me how social hierarchies just seem to naturally form wherever people gather - the popular kids, the quiet ones, all those unspoken rankings we remember from our own school days.

In this episode, I reflect on a phrase that's been stuck in my head: "Anything can be a reason, but nothing needs to be an excuse." I explore the crucial distinction between explaining what happened versus using that explanation to avoid responsibility.

In this episode, I examine the psychology behind our desire for effortless success and how it's exploited by those selling quick fixes and shortcuts. I explore the parallel between weight-loss supplements promising results without exercise and the broader trend of avoiding genuine effort while still expecting outcomes.

On today's episode, we explore the fascinating connection between science fiction and real-world science. Using the recent patenting of "optical camouflage" from Ghost in the Shell as our starting point, we look at how a fictional concept became a tangible technology. The discussion expands to the unique power of Japanese anime to provide visions that act as inspiration for innovatio...

On today's episode, we're talking about the unexpected life lessons that parenting can teach us. Sparked by the process of touring high schools with a child, we explore how our environment shapes our self-esteem, and how that self-esteem in turn affects our relationships.