Current location:world >>
VOX POPULI: Message for this year’s rookie workers: You are an empty glass
world23518People have gathered around
IntroductionAround this time every year, I look forward to Suntory Holdings Ltd.’s newspaper ad.I saw it in the ...
Around this time every year, I look forward to Suntory Holdings Ltd.’s newspaper ad.
I saw it in the April 1 edition of The Asahi Shimbun, albeit only in certain areas.
Addressed to young people who started working this spring, the ad copy read, “Right now, you are just an empty glass.”
The message must have meant: “Since all the glasses are the same size now, your school records don’t mean much anymore. The important thing is to understand the ‘core’ of your job, which is that making money is never your only goal.”
It was written by author Shizuka Ijuin, who died in November at age 73. And this was actually the very first ad copy he wrote for Suntory, back in 2000.
The words reached the depth of my heart and lingered like fine, mature whisky.
But Ijuin was hardly a paragon of virtue during his life. There are stories galore of his misbehavior, such as gambling with money borrowed from publishers and even getting his editors to deliver the cash to his place.
Roguery and naivete existed in him side by side and that made his charm irresistible. His words were straightforward yet deeply nuanced, which must have reflected his checkered lifestyle.
In life, there are things we can learn even when we are utterly inefficient.
I recall when I started working 30 years ago. I was overworked, made mistakes that were so terrible they caused the blood to drain from my face and I just resented everything.
Back then, I still believed that experience would make writing my stories easy.
I was wrong. Things haven’t changed much since then and I still struggle.
Singer-songwriter Mariya Takeuchi once noted, “The more I look at myself objectively as a professional, the deeper my predicament gets because of my inability to reach the standard I’ve set for myself.”
Newcomers and veterans alike are all in the process of development. You just need to take the first step.
And if you feel a headwind on your cheeks, that’s proof that you are making progress.
--The Asahi Shimbun, April 2
* *
*Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
Tags:
Reprint:Friends are welcome to share on the Internet, but please indicate the source of the article when reprinting it.“Culture Connect news portal”。http://sierraleone.izmirambar.net/news-31a199960.html
Related articles
Popular Chinese crosstalk comedians bring laughter, cultural charisma to London
worldGuo Degang is a popular Chinese traditional crosstalk comedian who has over 15 million followers on ...
【world】
Read moreXinhua Headlines: Xi's APEC Trip to Pilot China
worldContact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom ...
【world】
Read moreXi, Biden Had Candid, In
worldContact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom ...
【world】
Read more
Popular articles
- China's NEVs powering up to lead global sustainability charge
- Various events introduced for students at museums in Xi'an
- Shanghai company completes world's first delivery of 'air taxi'
- All missing found in boat accident that kills 12
- 'Flying Apsaras' takes flight in Beijing, set for nationwide tour
- China endeavors to keep ancient city of Pingyao alive
Latest articles
Overseas Chinese history museum opens new branch in S. China
Hi, Confucius
North China's largest freshwater lake reflects conservation benefits
Xinhua Commentary: For China and U.S., One's Success Is an Opportunity for the Other
DPRK successfully test
Martial arts enthusiasts found training class for local children
LINKS
- Seafood trade flourishes in lively border city
- China strengthens crackdown on illegal fishing
- China further streamlines mobile payments for foreigners
- China's courier industry: Record
- Wondrous Xinjiang: Project renovating old residences revitalizes ancient city
- Innovative farming fuels efficiency for 'new farmers' in E China's Jiangxi
- China's road logistics price index up
- Pupils welcome new semester with lively activities in N China's Hohhot
- Train carries 261 vehicles from China's Lanzhou to Almaty
- Gwen Stefani, 54, arrives to Coachella in style on a private jet ahead of highly