Increasing the Number of People Who Walk Through Life with Confidence #WhatWeCanDoForTheFuture

I want to realize a future where people all over the world can live vibrantly by "increasing the number of people who walk through life with confidence."

I have continued to see many children and adults lose their confidence after being blamed for the "parts they haven't mastered." I myself have ADHD tendencies and clear weaknesses, and I have experienced being scolded and having my confidence eroded many times.

I feel that this culture of negation is spreading not only in educational settings but also through online abuse on social media and the atmosphere of society as a whole. If things continue this way, people will give up before they even try. I have a strong sense of crisis about this.

That is precisely why I want to create a society that "nurtures confidence" rather than one that "causes people to lose it." To that end, I am practicing three things.

First, I find and continue to communicate people's good points. Everyone has strengths. By putting that light into words and sharing it, I spread a positive chain reaction.

Second, I spread the idea that "failure is the mother of success." If we create an atmosphere where we don't blame people for mistakes but instead praise them with a "Nice challenge!," people can try again and again.

Third, I spread the perspective that "the person you should compare yourself to is not others, but your past self." Taking joy in one's own growth leads to self-affirmation and the realization of equality.

I gained great learning through living abroad. Even knowing I was Japanese, the local people would speak to me in their native language without hesitation, living their lives cheerfully, friendly, and with dignity.

From that, I realized that "having confidence is a power that gives peace of mind to those around you." I want to pass this experience on to children and show them that "anyone can cultivate confidence."

And I myself am continuing to take on challenges. This year, I completed a full marathon for the first time in my life, and I am thinking about challenging myself to live abroad again.

Showing children that adults are taking on challenges leads to encouraging them.

A challenge is, in itself, a message that "the future can be changed."

A child with confidence will take on challenges, and those challenges will give courage to those around them.

Eventually, if that circle spreads throughout society, we will respect one another, bringing us closer to a peaceful society without conflict—SDG 16: "Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions."

Realizing a future where children can believe that "I can do it." That is what I can do for the future.