Dr. Kentaro Fujita

But again, there's always this concern that they could be exploited because we know because they derive some value from the work itself that we might have this perception that they don't need to be compensated quite enough.

So there is this exploitation effect that's really dangerous and pernicious.

Well, I should say first and foremost, I'm Japanese-American, I'm Nisei, so I was born here, so I have never lived in Japan, so I think a lot of Japanese listeners might say, oh, he's not really Japanese, I'm definitely Japanese-American.

My connection to my culture mainly comes from food because I like eating and cooking, mostly eating.

And I also, as I said, I used to practice martial arts.

I used to practice the Japanese martial art kendo, which is sword fighting.

I've never actually thought about this question.

So the question that you've asked is a really tough one for me.

I'm going to have to just sort of think on the spot.

I think for me...

Again, psychology I think is starting to come to grips with it, but a lot of the work on mindfulness I think is really interesting and important.

But I don't know that we recognize enough the importance of breaks, opportunities to take your foot off the gas.

Again, I'm not so sure Japanese culture

in society that they're good at that either.

The stereotype is that they work all the time.

So maybe they have just the same problems that we do.

But from the outsider's perspective, at least the notion of mindfulness suggests that there are times where we need to not be so goal-directed and so driven, but instead just enjoy the moment.

But it's not even enjoy the moment like I'm gonna enjoy this chocolate cake.

It's like just enjoying

being here in this moment.