Terry Ito Column Vol.21 Are you a rabbit or a turtle?

In an interview with the Yomiuri Shimbun, Keio University President Kohei Ito offers a unique perspective on the vastly different values ​​between Japan and the United States. In Aesop's fable "The Tortoise and the Hare," the Japanese version portrays the tortoise, who persevered and moved forward, as the protagonist, compared to the lazy hare who took a nap. The story is about "winning through hard work, not talent." Meanwhile, in the United States, the story is told from the perspective of "why did the fast hare lose to the slow tortoise?" and "never underestimate your opponent." In other words, the hare is the protagonist.

In the competitive world of the West, talented rabbits take center stage, driving the country and economy forward. Potential students are nurtured and nurtured, disregarding inequality. Creating an environment that attracts talented rabbits takes priority. Ito isn't saying competition is bad; rather, he questions whether the competitive Western world Japan is trying to catch up with "will fit in with Japan." "Keio University has many international students. At first, students seemed greedy and meritocratic, but as they interacted with Japanese students, they learned how to receive their student ID cards and shop, and began to follow the queue. They were further influenced by these students, and began to look after their juniors and give advice to Japanese students on their English papers. They learned to read the atmosphere and maintain harmony while studying hard. I felt the Japanese style was based on the spirit of "harmony is valued" (wa mo motoshi to nasu) and the attitude of a turtle, working steadily and diligently. The turtle-like aesthetic of climbing the ladder step by step and suddenly reaching the top is the essence of Japan. Rabbits are not necessarily success stories."

As expected from Keio University President Ito, his insight into the future is amazing. I have never thought of the race between the tortoise and the hare from the hare's point of view. However, what is expected to happen in the real world from now on is that the hare underestimates the tortoise, falls asleep, learns from his loss, and challenges the race as a "repentant hare." Will our Japanese turtle team have a chance to win?

This may come as a surprise, but I've always been thinking about "miracles amidst restrictions." Literally, new cultures and inventions were born thanks to regulations, unfavorable conditions, and an environment, and from these, Japan has created many industries. Kei cars were once criticized for being too small, but are now being reconsidered as a measure against global warming. Kogyaru and loose socks, worn by high school girls, became popular because of the short skirt lengths of their uniforms. Otaku culture, anime, and cosplay, which were once considered gloomy, have become global staples. Conveyor belt sushi and karaoke boxes, for example, would never have been invented if Japan had more land. These are great Japanese inventions that are now loved worldwide. The keywords for these successes are "small," "cluttered," and "somewhat strange," but also "fun" and "interesting."

That's right, a new successful business that will amaze the world may be hiding in a place like this. Of course, once you find it, all you have to do is be a "turtle" and work hard and steadily.

Terry Ito (director)

Born in Tsukiji, Tokyo in 1949. After attending Waseda Jitsugyo Junior and Senior High School, he graduated from Nihon University's School of Economics.
In March 2023, he completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University.
He joined the television production company IVS Television, where he worked on variety shows such as "Tensai Takeshi's Genki ga Deru TV" and "Neruton Benikujidan."
He then went independent and worked on planning and directing a number of television programs, including TV Tokyo's "Asakusabashi Young Clothing Store."
His book "Comedy North Korea" became a bestseller, and he subsequently made numerous media appearances under the name Terry Ito.
In addition to his work as a director, he is also active in a variety of fields as a producer, entertainer, and commentator.
YouTube channelTerry Ito's Comedy Backdrop'
Currently writing a column in LALALA USA
https://lalalausa.com/archives/category/column/terry