I prefer things developed in recent years rather than those thriving long time ago. That’s because new things are filled with nuggets of wisdom accumulated by people who made sustained efforts to crystallize them. Although my preference is sometimes directed toward things from the good old days, I believe new things bring higher levels of convenience in our lives. Since my wife and I are an international couple, we appreciate the comfort of our current living conditions as they help us fill the language and culture gaps facing us. So much so that the words “good old days” have remained something I can’t relate to.

One day, however, while watching a foreign TV drama, I encountered a scene that brought home to me a fascinating aspect of the “good old days”. It was set in the 1980s when people had yet to enjoy the benefit of mobile phones and relied on land lines or snail mails as a means of communication with their friends living in remote places. The drama featured a long-time-no-see reunion as a deeply touching event, which made me feel it was great for people to have such a moving reunion in those good old days. In fact, the scene emphasized a sense of achievement gained through constant efforts people used to make in a society that wasn’t provided with the convenience of the modern-day IT environment. I thought the pandemic-induced prevalence of modern communication technologies has added extra charm to a sense of achievement people enjoyed in the good old days. I was remined that the words “good old days” highlight the reverse side of the benefits of modern-day products and services.

When I think that in 10 or 20 years from now, I will be surrounded by newly developed products and services and those new things will make me realize the distinctive flavors of the good old days, the words that once seemed distant turn into something exciting that arouses expectations for the future.

Norio Katahira

CMFG Design Dept.

Unit Leader