Yesterday was Tanabata, the Star Festival. Walking through the streets, I saw bamboo decorations placed everywhere, adorned with colorful tanzaku strips. Looking at these wishes, I felt my heart swell with warmth. There were so many hopes written down—dreams for the future, prayers for family happiness, and heartfelt wishes for world peace. Seeing so many
In the world of Japanese language education, there is a famous saying: “English is a language of ‘Doing’ (Suru), while Japanese is a language of ‘Becoming’ (Naru).” At first glance, this might seem like a simple grammatical rule. However, it connects deeply to a matter of the heart—how we perceive and experience the world around
The other day, I went for my annual health checkup. The clinic was packed with people, but amid the busyness, I witnessed a few incredibly heartwarming moments. At the reception, an elderly woman was speaking to the nurse. “I’ve been coming here for over 20 years, but the bus schedule changed, and transferring has become
that way, and every time I saw it, I felt a simmering frustration inside. One day, when I was venting to my husband about it, he said something that opened my eyes: “You know, they are just people who can’t even perceive that they are lacking manners or causing trouble for others. They don’t actually
In biology, an incubator is a device that maintains the perfect conditions—temperature, humidity, and protection—for a life to emerge from an egg. I’ve been reflecting on my own journey, from being a childcare teacher to an entrepreneur, and I realized that my life’s work is essentially that of an “incubator.” Not just for the children
In Plato’s famous “Allegory of the Cave,” people are chained inside a dark cave, believing that the shadows cast on the wall are the only reality. For a long time, I realized I was living my life the same way—mistaking social expectations, “shoulds,” and peer pressure for the truth. As we reach our forties, many
In psychology, there is a concept called “Developmental Tasks” by Robert Havighurst. It suggests that throughout our lives, each stage brings its own specific challenges to navigate—whether it’s career growth, family responsibilities, caring for aging parents, or managing our own health. As we reach our forties, many of us feel like we are juggling everything
Embracing the “Developmental Tasks” of Life—Why You’re Exactly Where You Need to Be Read More »
Have you ever heard of the “Marshmallow Test”? It’s a famous psychology experiment where a child is asked to choose between eating one marshmallow right now or waiting to receive two later. For a long time, it’s been hailed as a predictor of success—the ability to control immediate impulses for a greater future reward. But
The Marshmallow Test and the Art of Growing Your Own Dreams Read More »
Are you feeling anxious because others are starting their children on early education programs? “Should I start something too?” Please, take a deep breath. As someone who has worked in childcare and education for many years, I want to share something important with you. 1. Data on Early Education Did you know that research suggests
As we get older, there is a natural tendency to become more cautious. The fear of “what if” grows, and the idea of stepping outside our comfort zones can feel daunting. We worry about failing, about being rejected, or about disrupting the peace we’ve worked so hard to build. But I want to remind you:
