New, global-scale challenges have emerged in the 21st century that are quite unlike those of the previous century, among them the accelerated advance of the Internet, the jihadist group Islamic State which threatens human existence, and global-scale climatic anomalies. Even at home, we are grappling with a falling birth rate and the graying of society, social security, disparities, regional decline, major natural disasters, and a host of other issues. However, I view these many challenges and difficulties as setting the stage for young people to make their mark.

Japan has traditionally lagged far behind the rest of the world in terms of gender equality. According to the annually-compiled Global Gender Gap Index, which integrates data for the four categories of economy, education, health, and politics, Japan currently stands at 101st among 145 countries. Given the enormous potential of Japanese women, this is regrettable indeed. At the same time, with the Abe administration instituting a number of measures designed to realize a society in which women shine, we can expect opportunities for women to play an active role in society to increase, while society too is looking for a greater contribution from women. Compared to 50 years ago when I struggled to find work, huge progress has been made.

Work is how we grow. It is through learning, thinking, and acting that we really feel alive. To serve society and ensure rich lives, we need high aspirations, deep wisdom, great passion, and the ability to act. I would love to contribute my own experience to considering with you all the proper comportment of a life.