Excerpts from Recent Lectures and Guidance

We Japanese have had a valuable experience of becoming one of the most affluent countries in the world in merely 50 years following the post-war period. However, we have also experienced a gradual decline subsequent to reaching these heights of the economic boom period.

I believe there is no other nation in this world other than Japan that has experienced such an unlikely pair of circumstances, of both a steep incline and decline in the state of the economy in such a short period of time. I believe this unique set of circumstances presents us with a glimpse into Japan’s mission.

And what is our mission? What lies beyond the pursuit of affluence?
It is vital for us to give serious consideration to what lies beyond attainment of affluence and to pioneer an appropriate course.