There are many people who have close ties to the Shinshin Toitsu Aikidokai and are in their 90s. Mr. Tatsuro Hiro-oka, a baseball commentator and critic, is 93 years old. Mr. Takeo Hori (the founder of “Hori Pro” [a major entertainment production company/talent agency]) is 92 years old. Ms. Midori Yamada, a nurse, is 94 years old. These people are all still very energetic and in great health even though they are over 90 years old.
What they have in common is that they try to do as much as possible on their own, deliberately choosing inconvenient methods/means to do things. Those around them may be tempted to help them out of good intentions; however, these older people are aware that taking easier ways to do things will weaken their physical abilities/functions. Of course, this is completely different from “pushing oneself too hard.”
All kinds of services in the world are becoming more convenient. That in itself is not a bad thing. However, if we do not use our mind and body, they will gradually weaken. If I am not paying attention, I often find myself choosing the escalator instead of the stairs at train stations, so I consciously try to face some inconveniences in my daily life.
I went to South Carolina in the United States to teach a seminar. This is my third visit to the beautiful city of Greenville. It takes nearly 20 hours one way from Japan, including all the connecting flights.
When we go abroad, our everyday normality changes completely. Ordering food at a restaurant or shopping at a supermarket suddenly becomes inconvenient due to language and cultural barriers.
This inconvenience, however, is a major stimulus for the brain and promotes its activation. When we are in a familiar environment, our life flows smoothly. But at the same time, it is also an environment where we do not have to use our brain.
Training sessions at seminars overseas are conducted in English, but because I am not a native speaker, if I let my guard down, I lose track of what the other person is saying. For this reason, I pay close attention to the “Ki” that the other person is sending with all my heart and soul.
As a result, during the four-day seminar, my brain seemed to be constantly working at a full capacity and undergoing dramatic changes. Even with people whom I could barely understand what they were saying on the first day, I was able to understand them properly by the final day. I find this to be a truly interesting phenomenon.
It is said that placing oneself in an unfamiliar environment enhances the brain’s plasticity, and I feel that all functions, including language, vision, judgment, and memory, become really activated. While we find some situation inconvenient, uncomfortable or unpleasant, it is also an opportunity for growth. The confusion and tension we feel in unfamiliar situations is definitely stressful. However, the sense of accomplishment we feel, when we overcome the discomfort, is irreplaceable.
When I returned to Japan, I thought to myself, “How convenient it is to be here!”, but at the same time, I also recognized the importance of placing myself in an inconvenient environment. I suppose this is all about enjoying the inconvenience.
Today is another scorching hot day in Japan. I am sure there will be many inconveniences, but I want to enjoy facing these inconveniences.
Translated by Mayumi Case
Edited by David Shaner
Eastern Ki Federation
https://easternkifederation.org/
Original article in Japanese: 不便というありがたさ (Fuben toiu Arigatasa)
August 1, 2025
https://shinichitohei.com/japanese/01-%e3%82%b3%e3%83%a9%e3%83%a0/36784/
