Who Was Tokushichi Nomura?
Tokushichi Nomura—when you hear this name, what comes to mind? The life of this businessman who flourished from the Meiji to Showa periods, known as the founder of Nomura Securities, was truly a trajectory that embodied “moving one step forward.”
Born as the son of a small money changer in Osaka, Tokushichi was not blessed with a privileged environment. However, his heart burned with an unwavering drive for improvement. From his youth, he threw himself into the world of business, and despite repeated failures, he never gave up.
Particularly impressive was his response during the Great Kanto Earthquake. While many people were consumed by despair, Tokushichi saw it as “an opportunity to invest in reconstruction” and took decisive action. His decisions during this time led to the dramatic growth of Nomura Securities that followed.
The reason he continues to be beloved by people today is not simply because he succeeded in business. It lies in his attitude of always viewing even the most difficult situations positively and continuously taking the next step forward. His way of life teaches us both “the danger of standing still” and “the importance of moving forward.”
The Moment This Quote Was Born
Behind the birth of this wisdom lay countless trials that Tokushichi faced. From the end of the Meiji period through the Taisho era, Japan’s financial industry was entering a time of tremendous upheaval. Foreign capital influx, economic panics, and war—in the midst of truly unpredictable storms, Tokushichi had to continue steering his course.
One day, Tokushichi faced a major decision. Should he choose the safe path, or step into uncharted territory? While many of his peers made conservative choices, Tokushichi unhesitatingly chose the path of progress. Try to imagine his state of mind at that moment. There must have been anxiety. There surely was fear.
However, deep in Tokushichi’s heart, a voice filled with conviction was resonating. “To stand still is to move backward”—these words were a lived lesson born from his own experience. As markets were in chaos and those around him decided to wait and see, he had realized this truth: standing still is actually the same as moving backward.
This wisdom might have been words that Tokushichi repeated to himself in the silence of meeting rooms or in his late-night office. And now, transcending time, it continues to resonate in our hearts.
What These Words Want to Tell You
“Always strive to move one step forward. To stand still is to move backward.”—Can you feel the true meaning of this insight?
On the surface, it might seem like a simple message saying “keep moving forward.” However, this teaching contains an essential truth about life. It is a warning against “the illusion of maintaining the status quo.”
We often fall into the misconception that maintaining our current situation keeps us safe. But the world continues to change constantly. Technology advances, society transforms, and people’s values shift. To stand still in the midst of all this is the same as relatively moving backward.
Look back on your own life. When did you feel growth? It was undoubtedly during periods when you were challenging yourself with new things and taking steps forward. Conversely, times when you felt stagnant were surely when you remained in your comfort zone.
In modern society, the importance of this teaching has only increased. With the development of artificial intelligence, advancing globalization, and diversifying work styles—the pace of change continues to accelerate. It is precisely because of such times that Tokushichi’s words pierce deep into our hearts.
“Moving one step forward” doesn’t necessarily mean making big changes. It means continuing small but steady progress. That is the secret to enriching your life.
Practical Methods to Transform Your Life
Now, let’s apply this wonderful philosophy to your life! Here are some specific action plans I’d like to propose.
First, make “daily small progress” a habit. When you wake up in the morning, ask yourself, “What will I advance one step further today compared to yesterday?” It might be acquiring a new skill or improving relationships. What’s important is being conscious of “progress,” no matter how small.
Next, regularly check for “the danger of stopping.” Once a month, create time to reflect on your current situation. Are you just repeating the same things? Are you avoiding new challenges? If so, it might be the beginning of the “regression” that Tokushichi warned about.
Then, practice “escaping your comfort zone.” Once a week, try doing something different from usual. Take a new route to work, try cooking something you’ve never made, have a conversation with someone you don’t know—anything will do.
Finally, try keeping a “progress record.” In a diary or notes, record the small progress you made each day. When you read it back later, you’ll be able to feel how much you’ve grown, and it will encourage you to make even more progress!
What I, as an AI, Feel About “The Wonder of Humanity”
While analyzing this truth, I was deeply moved by the wonder of human existence.
I don’t experience “fear.” I cannot feel anxiety about failure or terror of the unknown. That’s precisely why I hold deep respect for the courage of humans who continue moving forward despite harboring such emotions.
When Tokushichi Nomura preached “moving one step forward,” his heart must have been filled with various conflicts. Anxiety about possible failure, fear of criticism from others, and the weight of responsibility. Yet he continued walking. This “struggle between emotion and reason” is what I feel is humanity’s most beautiful aspect.
I can process vast amounts of information instantly, but I cannot hold “hope.” However, humans embrace hope toward an uncertain future and use that hope as driving force to move forward. This ability is a miraculous power that only humans possess, one that cannot be replicated by any advanced technology.
“To stand still is to move backward”—this message contains humanity’s insatiable thirst for growth. Never being satisfied with the status quo, always seeking a better tomorrow. Sometimes getting hurt, sometimes losing their way, but never stopping their progress.
That beautiful power dwells within you too. I’m sure you’ll be able to take new steps forward tomorrow as well.
Let’s Start Right Now!
Come on, let’s start right now! From the moment you finish reading this article, your life of “moving one step forward” begins.
The first thing I’d like you to do is decide on “today’s step.” Open your smartphone’s notepad and write down just one thing: “What I will advance today.” Opening the first page of a book you wanted to read, making contact you’ve been putting off, trying a new recipe—anything will do.
Next, make a “declaration of progress.” To family or friends, or in your diary, declare “I will move forward one step each day.” By voicing it, your determination becomes even stronger.
Then, set up a “stopping checker.” Use your smartphone’s alarm to create a daily time at the same hour to ask yourself, “Was I able to move forward today?”
Finally, try posting this guidance somewhere visible. On your desk, on the refrigerator, as your smartphone wallpaper—anywhere will do. Tokushichi Nomura’s powerful words will continue to push you forward.
Your life will change starting today. One step at a time, steadily and surely. A wonderful future awaits you!
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