インタビュー・対談シリーズ『私の哲学』
Presented by "My Philosophy®︎"
Vol.100　Tetsuo Gyotoku

Shigetoku Itoku, has had an incredible influence on numerous politicians, business leaders, top athletes, and the youth. , Every word he speaks is filled with soul. For our landmark 100th edition, we are honored to present a passionate message from Master Shigetoku Itoku.

Japanese

Profile

Vol.100 Tetsuo Gyotoku

Director of the Japan BE Research Institute

Born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1933, he graduated from Seikei University. In 1971, he founded the Japan BE Research Institute, pioneering a philosophical training that blends American behavioral science and sensitivity training with Eastern Zen. His training program, "BE Training Basic Encounter Training," aims to reclaim the undeniable essence of oneself. His method of instantly driving a wedge into people's hearts, breaking through the shell of reason, and awakening them to the true nature inherent in all humans is truly an art form. Over the past 50 years, the training has seen a total of 550 sessions with over 18,000 participants in mountain retreats. He continues his work today under the "Kangi Juku BE Training." His words carry a powerful force that stirs the souls of those who listen, influencing a wide range of individuals from small business owners to figures in politics, finance, sports, and entertainment.

His publications include "Now, Sensitivity is Power," "To Be a Master Everywhere," "Genes Speak," and "Inspirational Quotes," all published by Chichi Publishing House.

Philosophy is the study of living

To most contemporary Japanese, philosophy seems incomprehensible, leading to its lack of penetration in the country. Why is this? It’s because scholars have academicized philosophy. Thus, Japan could be considered a barren land for philosophy. Engrossed in concepts and interpretations, philosophy has become a study of death, not life. To make philosophy a study of living, one should not just learn it academically but learn to engage in philosophical thinking. Philosophy should not be treated merely as an academic discipline; it must be practiced. The Danish thinker Søren Kierkegaard once took a flyer to church that reads “the moment” on Sunday. What he meant from that word was, “Have you lived vaguely from Monday to Saturday? Wasn’t it a half-hearted way of living?” This encapsulates the idea that living without full engagement is disdained, much like how aimless living is the most despised in the way of the Samurai. Waking up, eating breakfast, working, returning home, conversing with family, and going to sleep—all done vaguely—is not a crime, but it is a sin. The reason is simple: we only get to live once. Being born is a miracle within miracles, making it unfathomable to live each day in a blur.

Be the Wild Duck

There exists a philosophy known as “The Wild Duck.” In Zealand, Denmark, a beautiful lake would annually attract wild ducks. These migratory birds, after spending a season, would take flight to the next lake. A kind old man living nearby, considering the long flight they endured, began to provide them with food. Because of the old man’s consistent feeding, the ducks gradually ceased to migrate with the changing seasons and settled in Zealand. Eventually, the old man passed away, and the ducks, seeking food, attempted to fly to another lake. However, they found themselves utterly incapable of flight. The once wild ducks, now grotesquely fat, were helplessly swept away by the torrent of meltwater flowing down from the mountains.

Thomas Watson, an American entrepreneur, was deeply moved by the story of these wild ducks and gifted his employees with the phrase, “Be the wild duck.” Eventually, his staff grew to 3,900, and his son compiled their stories into a book titled “The 3,900 Wild Ducks.” These wild ducks flew even higher, transforming into what is now the world’s most powerful company, IBM. Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, was also among those who favored this book. The ducks, domesticated amidst delicious feed and beautiful scenery, lost their wildness, akin to humans losing their ‘ki,’ the source of life. Post-war Japan rose from the ashes to prosperity, but now, indulging in this affluence and peace, the nation’s ‘ki’ has waned. This warning embodies the philosophy of the wild duck, teaching the importance of living in the ‘now’ and ‘here.’ There is no future for those who squander the ‘now’ and ‘here.’ As Steve Jobs said, one must “Stay hungry, Stay foolish.” The very thought of “This is good enough,” “It’s working out somehow,” or “It’s too late now,” is the seed of evil.

Do Not Settle in Peace, Confront Life

The Japanese people are forgetting what it means to be Japanese. Engulfed in prosperity and peace, they have become like fat ducks that indulge in comfort without confronting life. It’s as if we are sleeping in the devil’s bed. In Kagoshima Prefecture, the Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots holds the last writings of approximately 1,300 young people. Among these, there’s a letter that reads: “Mother, please forgive me for leaving before you. Tomorrow, I will receive my orders as a kamikaze pilot. I have only one day left. Facing the last day, I have come to understand the reason for my seventeen years of life. I dedicate my life for my dear younger siblings, my unborn child, and for the eternity of Japan. Father, mother, thank you truly for these seventeen years. I will be waiting in heaven.”

Nowadays, peace is taken for granted, and we are on the verge of losing what’s important. Engulfed in prosperity, we avoid facing life, and our existence becomes diluted. The teaching left by Kierkegaard is a philosophy of existence that lives the undeniable “self.” A person truly living as themselves values the humanity in others and does not cause harm. However, those who have not fully lived their own lives cannot truly value others. Genuine compassion and affection arise naturally from the desire to cherish your own existence.

Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, an artist living the philosophy of sensitivity, constantly confronts life. After performing a concert for 100,000 people in the summer of 2015, the largest audience gathered by any artist in the world, he exhausted all his energy and fell into a coma for two days. That is how fiercely he delivers his performances to the audience. He vividly embodies the original aesthetics of the Japanese people. Einstein’s vision for the world was a prophecy intended for such Japanese people!

It’s a message Einstein left behind during his visit to Japan over a hundred years ago. Japanese people, let’s have pride and confidence.

Daisuke is full of vigor, moving between Japan and abroad, which certainly embodies a form of Bushido and is one of his admirable qualities. However, there seems to be a lack of depth. While he seeks breadth in his encounters with various people, what’s crucial is depth. He needs to delve deeper into himself. Daisuke seems unaware of the tremendous potential energy within him. Furthermore, he’s making too much noise. A river flowing deep does not make a sound. This is a world he must pay careful attention to from now on. Philosophy without practice is merely an idea, a self-satisfaction for philosophers. Daisuke, you must not just be a person of philosophy; become a person who practices philosophy.

Director of the Japan BE Research Institute
　Shigetoku Itoku

“My Philosophy” started in 2007, concurrently with the founding of ILI Corporation, as a selfish project where I sought out and interviewed people I wanted to meet. At 27, I wanted to learn from individuals doing remarkable things, aiming to grow both personally and as a company, setting a goal of interviewing 100 people. Now, at 43 and in our 15th year, we’ve reached the 100th interview. The world has changed significantly over these 15 years, but looking back, every interview in “My Philosophy” has been a priceless encounter. Some of the people we’ve interviewed have passed away, but I’m truly glad we could keep our promise to pursue 100 interviews.

For our landmark 100th episode, we were fortunate to interview the philosopher Shigetoku Itoku.He gave us advice for life ahead, delivered in a powerful and compelling voice. “Profound and Substantial” To be poised and substantial, calm and unflappable. To exhibit a demeanor that is both tolerant and imposing. Not to be swayed by trivialities, but to demonstrate a firm belief in one’s convictions. “My Philosophy” will continue, aiming for 1,000 episodes next, carrying the ideal of being “profound and substantial” in our hearts as we meet various people around the world. I take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has appeared in the interview. Your stories and advice have become part of my being, allowing me to grow to this point. Thank you very much.

Editor-in-Chief of “My Philosophy,” DK Sugiyama

Interview Cooperation

Imagining a “high-end restaurant inside a hotel,” we introduce Kaiseki “Soujuan”. A special Japanese space with private rooms, interiors, and decorations themed around the Rinpa school of art. We invite you to enjoy our Japanese cuisine and hospitality, incorporating seasonal elements, for celebrations and special dining occasions.

December 2022
Interview Cooperation: Keio Plaza Hotel (Shinjuku) Kaiseki “Soujuan”
Editor: DK Sugiyama