A little while ago, I saw the movie, “The Last Samurai.” Because it was a movie made by Americans, it truly described the real samurai spirit. It went so far as to make me proud to be Japanese.

Looking at my current life, I feel like I am driftwood adrift in the ocean, not knowing what goal I should strive toward in the future. I wonder if even I have inherited this samurai spirit.

For me, soon to be a senior in college, I think this will be a turbulent year. My grandfather sent a note card to my boarding house along with my luggage that expressed these sentiments: “If a man leaves home to pursue his goals and does not achieve them, he cannot return even if he dies.”

Anywhere can be your grave. But my grandfather would never say, “Don’t come back!” On the contrary, he is looking forward to my return. However, he just wanted to convey this attitude of devotion. This year, my sincerity will be put to the test.