About PSPINC and Japan

Miyamoto Musashi's Five Scrolls and Lessons for Life

6月

6日

Miyamoto Musashi's Five Scrolls and Lessons for Life

Most people know Miyamoto Musashi as Japan's greatest swordsman. Near the end of his life, he wrote The Book of Five Rings (Go Rin No Sho), a guide to strategy and self-mastery that remains relevant nearly 400 years later.

The Earth Scroll teaches the importance of a strong foundation. In life, that means developing good habits, maintaining your health, and living with integrity. Success rarely comes from shortcuts.

The Water Scroll emphasizes adaptability. Life does not always go according to plan. Careers change, relationships evolve, and unexpected challenges arise. Like water, we must learn to adjust while remaining true to our values.

The Fire Scroll focuses on action and overcoming adversity. Difficulties are unavoidable, but growth often comes from facing them directly rather than avoiding them.

The Wind Scroll reminds us to learn from others. Every person has experiences and perspectives that can teach us something. Staying curious keeps us growing throughout life.

The final section, the Void Scroll, explores deeper understanding. Musashi believed that wisdom comes not only from knowledge but also from experience, reflection, and self-awareness.

One of Musashi's most famous principles is simple: "Do nothing which is of no use." As we grow older, we realize that time is our most valuable asset. Spending it on meaningful work, family, friendships, learning, and personal growth is often the best investment we can make.

The world has changed since Musashi's time, but his message remains timeless: build a strong foundation, adapt to change, keep learning, and make the most of the time you are given.

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/559651/miyamoto-musashis-five-scrolls-and

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Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
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ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.), based in Bellevue, Washington founded in 1987, has provided web hosting, email hosting, and internet solutions since 1997. The company operates data centers in the United States and Japan and supports businesses worldwide with reliable technology and multilingual service.

For more information or to discuss your needs, please call (800) 232-3939 or (425) 957-0808, or email Info@PSPINC.com

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Shame!!!

6月

6日

"Kiku wa ittoki no haji, kikanu wa isshō no haji."
(聞くは一時の恥、聞かぬは一生の恥)

In English, it means:

"To ask is a moment's shame; not to ask is a lifetime's shame."

The proverb teaches us that there is no shame in asking questions. Many people avoid asking because they are afraid of appearing inexperienced or uninformed. They worry that others may judge them for not knowing the answer. As a result, they stay silent.

The problem is that silence often prevents learning. The brief embarrassment of asking a question may last only a few seconds, but the consequences of not asking can last much longer. A missed opportunity to learn can become a mistake, a misunderstanding, or a lost chance for growth.

I have seen this happen many times in business. People attend meetings, listen to presentations, and leave with unanswered questions. Later, those unanswered questions become confusion, delays, or unnecessary work. Often, all of that could have been avoided if someone had simply raised a hand and asked.

Whether in school, business, or everyday life, learning begins with curiosity. Asking questions is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of a willingness to learn. The smartest people are often those who are not afraid to ask.

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/559620/shame

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Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
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ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.), based in Bellevue, Washington founded in 1987, has provided web hosting, email hosting, and internet solutions since 1997. The company operates data centers in the United States and Japan and supports businesses worldwide with reliable technology and multilingual service.

For more information or to discuss your needs, please call (800) 232-3939 or (425) 957-0808, or email Info@PSPINC.com

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When Rules Apply Equally

6月

5日

When Rules Apply Equally

Recently, a mosque in Kawagoe, Saitama, has been in the news because local authorities say it was built without the permits required under Japanese building and urban planning regulations. The site is reportedly located in an area where development is heavily restricted in order to preserve land use and control urban expansion.

Whenever a story like this appears, emotions can quickly become involved because the building is a religious facility. However, the most important question is not what religion is involved. The question is whether the same rules are being applied equally to everyone.

Every country has zoning laws, building codes, and environmental regulations. These rules exist to balance private property rights with the interests of the broader community. If a house, warehouse, factory, church, temple, shrine, or mosque is built without the required approvals, authorities have a responsibility to investigate and enforce the law.

At the same time, enforcement should be fair, transparent, and consistent. People should be able to understand why a decision was made and how it complies with existing regulations.

Japan has become increasingly diverse, with people from many cultures and religions choosing to live and work there. That diversity can be a strength. But regardless of background, one principle remains important: the law should apply equally to everyone. A healthy society depends on both freedom and respect for the rules that govern the community.

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/559564/when-rules-apply-equally

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Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

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ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.), based in Bellevue, Washington founded in 1987, has provided web hosting, email hosting, and internet solutions since 1997. The company operates data centers in the United States and Japan and supports businesses worldwide with reliable technology and multilingual service.

For more information or to discuss your needs, please call (800) 232-3939 or (425) 957-0808, or email Info@PSPINC.com

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#Business #CrossCultural #Entrepreneurship #History #Innovation #Japan #JapanInsights #JapaneseCulture #Kaizen #Leadership #Management #Networking #PSPINC #Seattle #Technology #USJapan

The Double-Edged Meaning of a Japanese Proverb

6月

5日

The Double-Edged Meaning of a Japanese Proverb

One of my favorite Japanese proverbs is:

「喉元過ぎれば熱さを忘れる」
(Nodo moto sugireba atsusa wo wasureru)

Literally, it means, “Once hot food passes your throat, you forget how hot it was.”

Like many Japanese proverbs, it contains more than one lesson.

On the positive side, it reminds us of the human ability to recover from hardship. We experience pain, disappointment, illness, financial loss, or failure, yet somehow we move on. If we remembered every painful experience as vividly as when it happened, life would be much harder. The ability to let go of pain allows us to keep trying, keep building, and keep living with hope.

On the negative side, the proverb serves as a warning. When the memory of pain fades, people sometimes repeat the same mistakes. A business may take unnecessary risks after recovering from a setback. An individual may return to unhealthy habits. Even societies and nations can forget the lessons learned from difficult periods of history.

The challenge is not to remember the pain itself forever. The challenge is to remember the lesson.

Perhaps that is the wisdom hidden in this proverb: let the suffering fade, but keep the knowledge it gave you. When we can do that, past difficulties become valuable experiences rather than wasted ones.

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/559563/the-doubleedged-meaning-of-a-japanese

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Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

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ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.), based in Bellevue, Washington founded in 1987, has provided web hosting, email hosting, and internet solutions since 1997. The company operates data centers in the United States and Japan and supports businesses worldwide with reliable technology and multilingual service.

For more information or to discuss your needs, please call (800) 232-3939 or (425) 957-0808, or email Info@PSPINC.com

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#Business #CrossCultural #Entrepreneurship #History #Innovation #Japan #JapanInsights #JapaneseCulture #Kaizen #Leadership #Management #Networking #PSPINC #Seattle #Technology #USJapan

Do You Know What “円” Is?

6月

5日

Do You Know What “円” Is?

If you have studied Japanese or visited Japan, you probably know that 円 (en) means the Japanese currency, known in English as the yen.

But did you know that the historic Bank of Japan headquarters in Tokyo is shaped like the character “円” when viewed from above?

The Bank of Japan building, completed in 1896 and designed by architect Tatsuno Kingo, is one of Japan's most important financial landmarks. At street level, most people notice its impressive stone architecture and distinctive green copper roof. However, from the air, the layout of the main structure forms a shape that closely resembles the kanji 円.

Whether this was an intentional design choice or simply a fortunate coincidence is often debated. Regardless, it has become a fascinating piece of trivia connecting Japan's central bank with the very symbol of its currency.

The character 円 itself originally meant "circle" or "round shape," which is why it was adopted to represent money. The English word "yen" is simply the Romanized spelling of the Japanese pronunciation of 円.

So next time someone mentions the Japanese yen, you can share an interesting fact:

Japan's central bank is not only responsible for issuing the yen—it is housed in a building that looks like the character 円 itself.

Sometimes architecture and symbolism come together in surprising ways.

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/559562/do-you-know-what-is

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Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
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ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.), based in Bellevue, Washington founded in 1987, has provided web hosting, email hosting, and internet solutions since 1997. The company operates data centers in the United States and Japan and supports businesses worldwide with reliable technology and multilingual service.

For more information or to discuss your needs, please call (800) 232-3939 or (425) 957-0808, or email Info@PSPINC.com

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Tankman

6月

5日

Tank Man: One Man, Four Tanks, and a Lasting Symbol

Every year on June 4, the world remembers the events surrounding the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests in Beijing. While many images emerged from those days, one photograph has become a lasting symbol of courage and individual conviction: the image of the man now known simply as Tank Man.

On June 5, 1989, the day after the military moved into Beijing, a lone man carrying shopping bags stepped into the path of a column of tanks. As the tanks attempted to move around him, he repeatedly blocked their way. For a brief moment, one unarmed individual stood face to face with one of the most powerful instruments of the state.

To this day, the identity and fate of Tank Man remain unknown. Yet his image has become recognized around the world as a symbol of peaceful resistance and the power of individual conscience.

What makes the photograph so powerful is its simplicity. There are no speeches, no slogans, and no weapons. Just a single person making a decision to stand his ground.

History often remembers generals, politicians, and governments. Sometimes, however, history is defined by an ordinary person who chooses not to move.

More than three decades later, Tank Man continues to remind us that courage is not measured by power or position. Sometimes courage is simply the willingness to stand alone for what you believe is right.

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/559498/tankman

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Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

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ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.), based in Bellevue, Washington founded in 1987, has provided web hosting, email hosting, and internet solutions since 1997. The company operates data centers in the United States and Japan and supports businesses worldwide with reliable technology and multilingual service.

For more information or to discuss your needs, please call (800) 232-3939 or (425) 957-0808, or email Info@PSPINC.com

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明日があるさ Ashita Ga Aru Sa

6月

5日

明日があるさ Ashita Ga Aru Sa

When people outside Japan hear the name Kyu Sakamoto, they usually think of "Sukiyaki." The song, originally titled Ue o Muite Arukō, became an international hit and remains one of the few Japanese-language songs to reach the top of the American music charts.

But in Japan, Kyu Sakamoto is also remembered for another song: "Ashita Ga Aru Sa" — which translates to "There Is Always Tomorrow."

The song tells the story of a shy young man who keeps trying to gather the courage to talk to a girl he likes. He follows her from a distance, thinks about calling her on the phone, and even rehearses what he wants to say. Yet each time, he loses his nerve and tells himself, "There is always tomorrow."

On the surface, it is a lighthearted love song. However, the phrase "Ashita Ga Aru Sa" became much more than that. For many Japanese people, it came to represent optimism, patience, and hope. No matter what happens today, tomorrow will come, bringing another opportunity.

I have always liked that message.

Life does not always go according to plan. Businesses have setbacks. Health challenges appear. Relationships sometimes become difficult. Yet one thing remains true: tomorrow comes. With it comes another chance to learn, improve, and move forward.

That simple message is probably why Ashita Ga Aru Sa is still remembered and loved more than sixty years after Kyu Sakamoto first sang it.

Sometimes a person does not need a complicated philosophy. Sometimes it is enough to remember three simple words:

Ashita ga aru.

There is always tomorrow.

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/559496/ashita-ga-aru-sa

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Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
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ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.), based in Bellevue, Washington founded in 1987, has provided web hosting, email hosting, and internet solutions since 1997. The company operates data centers in the United States and Japan and supports businesses worldwide with reliable technology and multilingual service.

For more information or to discuss your needs, please call (800) 232-3939 or (425) 957-0808, or email Info@PSPINC.com

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#Business #CrossCultural #Entrepreneurship #History #Innovation #Japan #JapanInsights #JapaneseCulture #Kaizen #Leadership #Management #Networking #PSPINC #Seattle #Technology #USJapan

Another interesting U.S.–Japan connection is Miss Veedol.

6月

5日

Another interesting U.S.–Japan connection is Miss Veedol.

Many people today do not recognize the name Veedol, but it was a famous American motor oil brand created by the Tide Water Oil Company in 1913. Veedol became well known after Henry Ford selected it for the Model T, America's first mass-produced automobile.

The Japan connection came in 1931.

A Bellanca aircraft named Miss Veedol successfully completed the first non-stop flight from Japan to the mainland United States. Pilots Clyde Pangborn and Hugh Herndon Jr. flew from Sabishiro Beach in Misawa, Aomori Prefecture, to Wenatchee, Washington, covering more than 5,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean without stopping. The aircraft was sponsored by the Veedol oil company and carried the company's name.

This flight was one of the most significant aviation achievements of its era and helped demonstrate that direct trans-Pacific air travel was possible. It also created a lasting connection between Japan and Washington State long before regular commercial flights crossed the Pacific.

As a Washington resident, I find it fascinating that one of the earliest direct links between Japan and Washington involved a small airplane named after an American motor oil brand. Today, Wenatchee still remembers the arrival of Miss Veedol, while Misawa in Japan commemorates the departure point of this historic flight.

A small motor oil brand ended up becoming part of aviation history and a unique chapter in U.S.–Japan relations.

https://www.missveedol.org/1931-flight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SEGPyB-LBg

Pacific Conquered - the first non-stop trans-Pacific flight, 1931

In October 1931, aviator Clyde Pangborn and his partner Hugh Herndon Jr. completed the first non-stop trans-Pacific flight, landing at his home town of Wenat...

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/559495/another-interesting-usjapan-connection

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Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

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ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.), based in Bellevue, Washington founded in 1987, has provided web hosting, email hosting, and internet solutions since 1997. The company operates data centers in the United States and Japan and supports businesses worldwide with reliable technology and multilingual service.

For more information or to discuss your needs, please call (800) 232-3939 or (425) 957-0808, or email Info@PSPINC.com

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#Business #CrossCultural #Entrepreneurship #History #Innovation #Japan #JapanInsights #JapaneseCulture #Kaizen #Leadership #Management #Networking #PSPINC #Seattle #Technology #USJapan

Where Have All the Diesel Passenger Cars Gone?

6月

4日

Where Have All the Diesel Passenger Cars Gone?

If you look at the U.S. automobile market today, it is difficult to find a new diesel passenger car. Diesel engines are still common in pickup trucks, commercial vehicles, and heavy equipment, but for ordinary passenger cars they have almost disappeared.

Japan is a little different.

While diesel passenger cars are no longer mainstream in Japan, they have not vanished completely. Mazda continues to offer several diesel-powered vehicles, including the CX-5, CX-60, and CX-80. Toyota also offers diesel engines in some larger SUVs and commercial vehicles. As a result, it is still possible to buy a new diesel-powered passenger vehicle in Japan today.

The reason diesel has declined is not because diesel engines are inherently bad. Modern emissions regulations have made diesel engines more complex and expensive. At the same time, hybrid technology has become extremely popular, especially in Japan. Many drivers who once chose diesel for fuel economy now choose hybrids instead.

I have always appreciated diesel engines. Older Mercedes-Benz diesel cars were famous for their durability, fuel efficiency, and ability to travel hundreds of thousands of miles. I owned both E-Class and S-Class Mercedes diesels and still miss them today.

Diesel may no longer dominate the passenger car market, but in Japan it is still alive—just in a much smaller niche than before.

Sometimes I wonder if there is still a place for a simple, inexpensive diesel passenger car. Not a luxury vehicle, not a high-tech hybrid, but a dependable workhorse that delivers excellent fuel economy and can run for hundreds of thousands of miles. Judging by the continued popularity of diesel vehicles in commercial applications, I suspect there are still many drivers who would appreciate such a car if manufacturers chose to build one.

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/559489/where-have-all-the-diesel-passenger-cars

For Service and Iqnury : Call 1-800-232-3989 or 425-957-0808

Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

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ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.), based in Bellevue, Washington founded in 1987, has provided web hosting, email hosting, and internet solutions since 1997. The company operates data centers in the United States and Japan and supports businesses worldwide with reliable technology and multilingual service.

For more information or to discuss your needs, please call (800) 232-3939 or (425) 957-0808, or email Info@PSPINC.com

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#Business #CrossCultural #Entrepreneurship #History #Innovation #Japan #JapanInsights #JapaneseCulture #Kaizen #Leadership #Management #Networking #PSPINC #Seattle #Technology #USJapan

The Most Reliable Internal Combustion Engines

6月

4日

The Most Reliable Internal Combustion Engines

When people discuss the most reliable internal combustion engines, three names consistently come to mind: Toyota, Honda, and Mercedes-Benz diesel.

Toyota has built a reputation for producing engines that routinely exceed 200,000 to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. Legendary engines such as the 2JZ and UZ-series V8 helped establish Toyota as the benchmark for long-term reliability.

Honda is equally respected for building efficient and durable engines. Models like the Civic and Accord have earned loyal owners around the world because of their ability to deliver years of dependable service with relatively low maintenance costs.

Mercedes-Benz deserves special recognition for its older diesel engines. These engines were engineered for longevity, and many examples have reportedly surpassed one million miles. They may not have been the fastest cars on the road, but they were built to last.

Korean manufacturers such as Hyundai and Kia have improved significantly, while Chinese manufacturers continue to make rapid progress. However, neither has yet established the decades-long track record enjoyed by Toyota, Honda, and classic Mercedes diesels.

My opinion is shaped by experience. I owned a Lexus LS 430, currently drive a Toyota Crown, and have driven both Honda Civics and Accords. Yet I still miss my Mercedes-Benz diesel E-Class and S-Class. There was something special about their durability, character, and timeless engineering.

PS: Image Mrcedes Bens S300 Doesel ... the Tank

https://en.bloguru.com/ken/559450/the-most-reliable-internal-combustion

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Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura＠pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In

__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__..-･**･-..__

ABOUT PSPINC

PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.), based in Bellevue, Washington founded in 1987, has provided web hosting, email hosting, and internet solutions since 1997. The company operates data centers in the United States and Japan and supports businesses worldwide with reliable technology and multilingual service.

For more information or to discuss your needs, please call (800) 232-3939 or (425) 957-0808, or email Info@PSPINC.com

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