Abstract

🎯 The Resolve to Thrive: Navigating a Long Retirement
For those aged 40 to 60 facing anxiety about the future of their retirement, Mariko Bando—author of the mega-bestsellers The Dignity of a Woman (over 3.2 million copies) and the guide to later life, The Art of Being 70—offers a new, essential message.

Addressing a long and uncertain post-retirement era, Bando proposes the necessary skills and the "Resolve" (Kakugo) required to survive and thrive, offering deep support to those who feel anxious.

The Focus on Women's Finances
Even in this modern age of gender equality and diversity, women still dedicate a large amount of their personal time to caregiving, housework, and childcare. Consequently, many women lack stable careers and are disproportionately worried about retirement funds due to lower public pension payouts.

Finding a New Path
The first section examines the transformation of Japanese women's mindset and career paths over the last 40 years, incorporating Bando's own experiences. Understanding these past changes provides immense power for finding a new way to live.

Bando offers a rousing message:

"People in their 50s and 60s are still young. Possibilities are endless. Don't count on society or others to provide for or protect you; take responsibility for your own life and live it fully."

We sincerely hope this book gives readers the courage to take the next step forward.

Author’s Information

After graduating from the University of Tokyo, she joined the Prime Minister's Office. In 1995, she became Vice Governor of Saitama Prefecture. In 1998, she became Consul-General of Brisbane, Australia. In 2001, she served as the first Director-General of the Gender Equality Bureau of the Cabinet Office, retiring in 2003. In 2004, she became Professor at Showa Women's University and Director of the University's Institute for Women's Culture. In 2007, she became President of the university, in 2014 Chairman, and has held her current position since 2016. Her books include the best-selling "Women's Dignity," which has sold over 3 million copies, as well as "Manners for the 70-Year-Old" and "How to Create a Happy Life," among many others. While working and writing energetically since her twenties, she has also experienced childbirth, child-rearing, changing jobs, caring for her parents, and helping with childcare for her grandchildren. Her hobbies are reading and tanka poetry.