Personal Refraction Part1

 I was impressed by this business that tackles the SDGs, a global environmental issue, through sake, a Niigata culture.

She studied and worked in multiple countries, learned about the SDGs in the UK, and then started her activities in Niigata, which shows how much her cares for its hometown.

I also learned that it is important to connect tourism with education, such as connecting alcohol to food, people, travel, products, farm, onsen and locals that it is important to have a guide that is tailored to the other person's culture.

In addition, she said that she would generate profits by working on SDGs issues. I was surprised because I had never thought about turning problem solving into a business.

When thinking about a fictional company for our group project, we wanted to come up with a project where protecting our local environment and traditions would connect to global SDG issues. 

Also, the talk about purpose in life really touched my heart. I was familiar with the term ikigai, but I was surprised to learn that it can be thought of as the overlapping of four elements: love, needs, good at, and paid for. I also found it interesting that the overlapping of two or three of these four elements also has meaning. If in the future I come across a challenge I want to take on or a worry at work, I would like to reflect on what elements of purpose in life are being fulfilled and which elements I want to value.