Abstract

As the grandson of Shibusawa Eiichi, who laid the foundation for Japanese capitalism, he has attracted attention as the face of the new 10,000 yen bill, which will be introduced in 2024.

"What is the meaning of our lives? What is life? What is humanity?
After living for more than 90 years, I feel as though I have found the answer.“ (From the ”Introduction" of this book)

Struggling with interpersonal relationships, feeling inferior when compared to others, and enduring painful and sad events—what is the meaning of life?
Even after breaking a bone, she murmurs “Thank you” before feeling the pain, and even after being scammed, she rejoices in the mindset that allowed her to grow...
The granddaughter of Shibusawa Eiichi shares her “philosophy of life,” in which she finds gratitude in every event.

Difficult people, painful experiences, feelings of inferiority, unfair circumstances...
How should we perceive these negative events and transform them into feelings of gratitude?
I will share a new “philosophy of life” that will make living much easier.

Author’s Information

Essayist. Her grandfather was Eiichi Shibusawa, who laid the foundation for Japanese capitalism. After graduating from Joshi Gakushuin, she married Kazushige, the great-grandson of Tomomi Iwakura, at the age of 20 (1942). They had three sons. She inherited Shibusawa Eiichi's spirit and continued to practice the frugal lifestyle of her youth even after marriage. She always demonstrated wisdom in her approach to life and daily living, such as making efforts to use things carefully and for a long time. She experienced the Great Tokyo Air Raid in Nagoya, where her husband was stationed. After her husband's retirement, she and her husband practiced positive health habits and mental attitudes in their daily lives, such as morning walks. Her youthful beauty and good health have also drawn attention. Her books include “What I Learned from My Grandfather, Shibusawa Eiichi” and “Don't Forget the Seasonal Customs of Japan's Heart.”