There is a way of living life.

Those who live by a certain way possess an inherent dignity.

Intelligence, beauty, a strong physique—possessing any of these may be good,

but a life without a personal way of being is shallow, no matter how many advantages one has.

A "way" here doesn't refer to a specific school or style,
but to a person who takes responsibility for steering their own life with integrity.

It is the bearing of someone who, no matter how irrational, unfair, painful, or sad life becomes, refuses to give up on living and pushes forward toward what only they can do.

Such a person is likely unconventional. They might be detached from societal norms. They may stubbornly reject kindness or advice. They might indulge excessively in love. Their unpredictable actions might cause friends to keep their distance. This is because they are prepared to bear all of it alone.

And this is exceedingly difficult. Most people lack the courage and mental fortitude to accept that responsibility. That is why they are so conscious of others' eyes.
In essence, they refuse to face and accept their true selves head-on. This leads to complaints, resentment, and a swirl of envy and jealousy. Those who flee from self-acceptance are more likely to surrender themselves to a greater force, often embarking on what is termed a "journey of self-discovery." This reliance on external forces can gently lead them toward seeking guidance from psychics about their future or past.

I, too, have experienced such times. This is not to say I am special, but rather that humans are inherently fragile creatures.

Of course, I do not deny a world where fragile beings band together and protect each other.
I imagine it to be a deeply comforting world.

Similarly, the world of successful, strong individuals on the other end of the spectrum must also be a comforting one.

Naturally, I do not claim that the world is equal.

Therefore, precisely because of this, one must not fear living life entirely alone.

We must reclaim that resolve.

Humans are creatures who live by depending on others.

Living alone does not mean being self-important or arrogant.

Humans die alone.

This is something we absolutely must accept.

"Humans cannot live alone."

"Doesn't the character for 'person' (人) depict people supporting each other?"

We have been told this repeatedly, time and again.

I too long for companionship. If only we could live supporting each other...

But I cannot.

One cannot be truly kind without being truly strong...

This is not about violence.

In my case, I cannot erase a childhood spent living alone.
This life cannot reject the self that was shaped by the past.

Therefore, let us put an end to wishing for what we don't have.

To wish for what is absent is childish. It may be acceptable to have a child's heart,

but perhaps, this is simply a form of dependence.

If people remain children until the day they die,
who will guide the children who are born one after another?

We must, eventually, become adults.

It doesn't matter if it's late, or very late.
Life is about living in one's own way,
so I believe any age is fine.

As long as one understands that they must become an adult...

I believe I first met Yuri Shimojo about twenty years ago.

We even conceived of a picture book together in Hawaii.

It eventually came to fruition as "Mizu no Hana" (Flower of Water).

Around that time, Yuri was repeatedly marrying mutual friends, much to the concern of those around her.

For some reason, we had very little contact for the past seven years or so.

This summer, she unexpectedly appeared at the Dictionary Club,

and we shared that gap in time.

Her body had softened, and a feminine gentleness

wrapped around her, transforming her many experiences into a radiant, rich aura.

Actually, nearly ten years ago, at my regular Chinese restaurant in Yutenji,

I encountered her having a meal with her first husband. I noticed on her back,

that her mother seemed to have taken possession of her.

I felt the weight of the long lineage of her family history on Yuri Shimojo's back—a single mother raising a child, burdened by a great family legacy.

I sensed that her life would not be straightforward...

And indeed, it was not.

That Yuri Shimojo lived her life freely.

However, through that freedom, Yuri was able to find the resolve to accept her life. I believe so.

All of this is evident in the paintings she has created.

Yuri Shimojo now embarks on a life as a solitary, genius painter.

Of course, Yuri will undoubtedly aim for new heights from here on.

It will be a struggle against herself, different from anything before.

However, I believe the world needs her.

She will surely live a long life and leave her name for posterity.

This is what I believe.

Yuri Shimojo has accepted her life with honesty.

It is precisely for this reason that the next mountain to conquer has appeared before her.

Just a few days ago, I received a beautiful painting from Yuri Shimojo.

It is a serene painting that calms our hearts.

Overwhelmed with emotion, I found myself expressing my feelings so openly.

But these are my honest feelings.

And I sincerely hope that this moving work of art will soon

become a symbolic mural for the reconstruction of Fukushima,

gracing the place it belongs.
I believe this is because it will help us engrave the tragic reality that occurred in Japan firmly in our hearts and pass it on to future generations.
Of course, this will ultimately be decided by the consensus of many people...

To that end, what we can do today is to share this symbol with our friends and trusted individuals.

If they wish, may those who encounter this painting connect their own feelings to it,
and pass on their sentiments from one trusted person to another.

For LOVE & PEACE
to be a reminder that responsibility and action are intrinsically linked,
we must continue to act and to think,
as long as we are alive.

Please join me in watching over Yuri Shimojo's endeavors.

I sincerely ask this of you.

Yuri Shimojo
http://www.yurishimojo.com/


Shinichi Kuwabara
← Diary-T 171-176