No Need to Stay Long

When I opened the evening edition of the Mainichi Shimbun, a large photo of an elderly person standing caught my eye. He was holding something in his right hand. Looking closely, it was a large paper charm inscribed with the words 'No Need to Stay Long.' The person holding it was former Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa.

'No Need to Stay Long'—it seems he wants to quietly present this charm to the politicians of today. Meaning, once you've done a job, step aside quickly. I see.

That's it, I thought, this charm is perfect.

A few days later, I was invited to the anniversary party of the company where I used to work, and I had been asked to say a few words at the end. 'No Need to Stay Long'—it was the perfect closing remark.

I had heard that both alumni and current employees would be attending the party. Whenever young people are around, the alumni start in on their 'classic rakugo' routines.

'Back in my day, it was like this.'
'When I was there...'
'The kids these days...'
'That's not how you do it.'

Times have changed. It's not like the old days. Leave it to the young people. Even if we know it in our heads, it just slips out.

Well, for my closing remarks, I'll show Hosokawa's photo and say this:
'To all the alumni, for us, it's 'No Need to Stay Long.' Let's leave the future to the younger generation. With that, let's call it a night.'

Oh, and I'll add a bit of irony for the president of the parent company attending as a guest, implying it's about time for him to step down too. What? He already left? That's a shame.