Value in Differences: Embracing Diversity

 The Obon holidays have come to an end in Japan. 

This year, the Paris Olympics took place from the end of July. Due to the time difference, I wasn’t able to watch many of the medal-winning moments live, but I was thrilled to see athletes who have dedicated their lives to their sports compete at such a high level. I eagerly followed the qualifiers and results.

However, the news also seemed to be filled with a lot of negative topics. Issues related to the event's facilities, such as the lack of meat in the athletes' village meals, or the absence of air conditioning in the rooms, were highlighted. There were also challenges related to event management, like competitions being postponed due to the water quality of the Seine River. Additionally, there were controversies over judging decisions, complaints about perceived unfairness, and even insults directed at both losers and, at times, winners.

Personally, I believe that having air conditioning is important, and top athletes would struggle without proper protein intake. But beyond these issues, I think we Japanese should learn from the French their strength in "asserting what needs to be asserted." While we may tend to adjust ourselves to accommodate others, ensuring the best possible environment and service, this isn’t always the best approach.

We Japanese often find satisfaction in comparisons, such as saying, "Paris was bad, but Tokyo was good." However, instead of focusing on Paris' shortcomings, we should seek out the positives and learn from them, thereby truly embracing diversity. The ability to assert one's principles and direction, while working towards the "most eco-friendly Olympics," is equally important.

Within our company, there are many individuals with different races, backgrounds, and ways of thinking. No two people are alike. That's why, instead of criticizing or condemning differences in opinions or actions, we should ask ourselves: (1) Is there something we can learn from this difference? (2) Can we grow from this learning?

Leveraging these differences for personal and team growth is the true realization of diversity.

Our group aims to build a company that fosters such a diverse society. Our job is not to criticize or belittle differences but to learn from them, grow together, and create a stronger team that delivers products and services that delight our customers.

As long as people come together, there will inevitably be differing opinions and thoughts. But it is in these differences that we find value, and at our group, we should cherish these differences.

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