The modern world we live in today is vastly different from the past—it is a world with no clear answers. In the past, there were often definitive guidelines like “Do this, and you’ll succeed” or “Follow this, and you’ll be fine.” But in today’s world, such certainties rarely apply. Rapid technological advancements, diverse values, and unpredictable changes have made navigating life a process of trial and error. In such an era, what kind of role model should we, as adults, strive to be for children? The answer lies in showing them how to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and grow through experiences.

A Society Afraid of Failure
In Japan, there is a deeply ingrained culture of avoiding failure. In schools, test scores and evaluations are often emphasized, and avoiding mistakes becomes synonymous with being “competent.” In the workplace, manuals on “how not to fail” are in high demand, and mistakes are often harshly criticized. Such an environment fosters the belief that failure is inherently bad, discouraging people from taking on new challenges.

However, without challenges, there is no growth. And without experiencing failure, one cannot fully understand the value of success. As the saying goes, “Failure is the mother of success.” It is failure that teaches us the most valuable lessons for moving forward.

Teaching Children the Value of Failure
What we should teach children is this: failure is neither shameful nor bad. On the contrary, failure is proof that one has taken on a challenge—it is the first step toward success. For instance, when a child learns to ride a bicycle, they inevitably fall many times before mastering balance. If they were too afraid of falling to try, they would never experience the joy and freedom of riding.

The same principle applies to all aspects of life. Whether it’s starting a new job, building new relationships, or pursuing hobbies or goals, success comes from repeated attempts and learning from mistakes.

Leading by Example: Learning from Our Failures
So, how should we, as adults, live our lives? The answer is to embody the principle of “failure is the mother of success.” We should not fear failure but instead show children that we are willing to take on challenges and learn from setbacks. When we do fail, we shouldn’t hide it. Instead, we should openly reflect on what went wrong, learn from the experience, and apply those lessons to our next endeavor.

I have personally experienced many failures. When I started a new job, unforeseen problems disrupted projects, and things didn’t go as planned. In relationships, my own immaturity sometimes led to strained connections with those I cared about. Yet, all of these failures have become the foundation of who I am today. Reflecting on each experience and using it to fuel my growth has allowed me to move forward step by step.

A Spirit of Challenge Builds the Future
In today’s world, where there are no clear answers, the process of exploration itself is invaluable. Precisely because there are no definitive solutions, we must form our own hypotheses, test them, fail, refine them, and try again. Repeating this cycle allows us to carve out new paths. Through this process, we develop “life skills” that are irreplaceable.

When children see adults embracing this approach, they learn that “adults aren’t perfect,” “it’s okay to make mistakes,” and “taking on challenges can be fun.” These lessons can empower them to navigate their own futures with courage and resilience.

Our Mission as Adults
Rather than simply providing children with the right answers, we should show them a way of living that embraces growth through failure. This example will serve as a powerful lesson, teaching them to “challenge themselves, embrace failure, and grow into their best selves.”

Ultimately, the true meaning of “failure is the mother of success” lies in cultivating the ability to shape one’s future through the lessons learned from setbacks. In a world with no clear answers, let us continue to challenge ourselves and be the kind of adults who inspire children to do the same.