Yasujiro Tanaka, aged 65, is a turnaround expert and volunteer guide in the city of Nagasaki, in Kyushu, where walking is often the only form of transportation. Born and raised in this beautiful port city famous for its steep hills and the winding steps that weave through its houses, Tanaka has always been passionate about his hometown. During his 35 years working as a bookkeeper at the Nagasaki Aquarium, he felt his main job was to save the place from going dry. With his coworkers he helped to keep the aquarium open by bringing in the crowds to events they designed such as penguin parades and character shows. Although not much of a cook, he turned a French restaurant into a thriving beer hall to the cheers of everyone in town. An expert on all things Nagasaki, it is Tanaka's contagious energy and positive view on life that make him such a great person to follow around.
One hour is the same 60 minutes regardless of whether you are worrying or feeling happy. I choose to be excited and cheerful, no matter what happens.
Who's right? Who's wrong? It doesn't matter: Always blame yourself and say that you are sorry. In any situation, even if the other person seems to be at fault, I apologize first. I mean it too, because probably I did something unknowingly that created the unpleasantness. This is very Japanese, and it works because once I say I am sorry, almost always the other also asks for forgiveness. The key is to do it quickly so that we can make up fast — then we can become good friends and spend our time together having coffee and ice cream.
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