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Lecture by Prof. Mayu Yamaguchi, Shinshu University

I wasn’t planning to write about this topic, but after listening to a lecture by Prof. Mayu Yamaguchi at Shinshu University during an IT seminar on October 30, I felt compelled to reflect. Her talk was less about giving answers and more about assigning a major question—a 60-minute challenge for the audience.

Political Correctness

Our society has shifted from a family-based structure to an individual-centered one, where political correctness—using neutral and inclusive language—is emphasized. Prof. Yamaguchi shared an episode where a friend, after giving birth, said she would wait until her child recognized their own gender before labeling it. Both the professor and I felt confused. It seemed a bit extreme, though it raised an important question about the fluidity of identity.

She also touched on the controversy surrounding former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori’s sexist remark in 2021 and how his daughter later mentioned that it’s difficult for an 83-year-old man to adapt to such rapid social change. Again, no clear answer—just another assignment to think deeply.

Inclusion of Diversity

Recently, Japan’s Ministry of Education decided to place “inclusion of diversity” at the foundation of the next national curriculum guidelines. The word “inclusion” (包摂, housetsu) itself feels overly complex. My dictionary defines it as “to include within a certain scope.” Perhaps that’s enough, if defined clearly—but ambiguity could cause confusion.

Pitcher Ishii Was Hit!

On the same day, Hanshin Tigers pitcher Ishii, who had maintained a national record of consecutive scoreless innings, was hit by a home run from Yuki Yanagita, leading to defeat. As a Hanshin fan, I felt for him when I saw his tears after the game. Yet no one blamed him. Everyone accepted the loss—“It can’t be helped. Ishii did his best.”

Mori vs. Ishii — Why Different Reactions?

Why was Mori so severely criticized while Ishii was not? Mori, too, worked hard for the nation, achieving structural reforms, administrative reorganization, and economic recovery during his premiership. Yet his approval rating stayed low, largely due to verbal missteps. Being Prime Minister is no easy job; just as Ishii labored intensely as a pitcher, Mori endured harsh criticism and still delivered results.

Lack of Tolerance

Perhaps, as Prof. Yamaguchi’s friend and Mori’s critics both illustrate, modern society lacks tolerance. We are overwhelmed by information—today’s daily intake equals a year’s worth in the Edo period, or even a lifetime’s worth in the Heian era.

Here, I invoke “Tolerance and Patience.” No one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. Yet in this data-driven age, every flaw is amplified. Still, everyone is doing their best. Instead of constant criticism, we should embrace “It’s okay, let it be.” Without that spirit, this world of endless information becomes suffocating.

This essay may feel unfinished—but that’s fine, isn’t it?

Thank you for reading. If you enjoyed this article, please give it a like or leave a comment. Your feedback and follows truly encourage me.

I would like to express my appreciation to “Genkame ch.” on YouTube, from whose video the photo in this article was captured.

With gratitude,
Warm Regards,
Tobira AI