Retirement preparation: Shifting from professional titles to personal identity

As individuals approach retirement, transitioning from professional titles to personal identity becomes a critical factor for fulfillment. Experts suggest that relying on past career achievements can hinder social integration in later life, whereas building relationships based on character, interests, and values fosters more meaningful connections.

To prepare for this 'second stage' of life, self-analysis is recommended to identify activities that provide genuine passion and purpose. This process involves asking open-ended questions to discover what brings joy and fulfillment beyond professional roles.

Financial stability is essential, but it is not a guarantee of a rewarding retirement. The experience of Mitsushi Iwashita—who transitioned from high-level executive roles at companies like Facebook Japan and McDonald's Japan to passing the bar exam in his 50s—illustrates the importance of pursuing lifelong learning and new challenges to maintain a sense of purpose.