Thoughts on Tuvalu and the future of Japan.

This is my seventh business trip to Tuvalu. No matter how many times I come, there's always something missing: no goods, no water, no information, no cars. At first, I was very confused. Having worked in nearly 30 countries across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Oceania, and Central America, I thought I'd quickly adapt to any situation. But it was very different from any other country I'd been to. Looking back, though, I realize that living here has taught me so many things. From the prime minister to ordinary residents, everyone collects rainwater from their roofs in tanks and uses it for cooking, laundry, and showering. There's no running water. When it rains continuously, there's no inconvenience, but when it doesn't rain for days, they turn the faucet on just a little and then turn it off immediately. Only a few varieties of vegetables are available, so I use every last drop, even if they're slightly discolored. With no television or radio, I read at night. And most of all, with no entertainment, I greet my neighbors, people of all races, communicate with them, and engage in various activities together. Each and every experience here is something I don't often get to experience in Japan, and I feel grateful for each one. Japan is a place where you can find anything and everything. Children may be growing up thinking that this is normal. It makes me worry about the future of Japan. I'm reminded once again that this is a country with a lot to discover.