Reflections on Mr. Tamesue's Recent Work, "Theory of Mastery"

"Free Flow" is a serialized interview column on Web Dentsu Inc. News where Mr. Dai Tamesue freely discusses "What's on His Mind Right Now." As a special edition of this series, we will explore the profound theme of "How Humans Learn and Walk the Path to Mastery" in a serialized format, using Mr. Tamesue's book "Theory of Mastery" (published by Shinchosha), released today (July 13, 2023), as our subject.

In this first installment, we hear from Mr. Hibi of Dentsu Inc. Future Creative Center, who has long collaborated with Mr. Tamesue on projects as part of the Athlete Brains team, sharing his thoughts on this book.

(Web Dentsu Inc. News Editorial Department)

Top athletes are remarkable. Yet, upon reflection, since we are all human, everyone must acquire various skills after birth, suggesting there must be a common learning system.

How do people learn? Why do they improve? What happens inside a person as they learn? What hinders their growth? How do they overcome these obstacles?

As he passionately explored the essence of track and field, Tamesue says he felt "a sense of understanding humanity through my own existence." It's the process of mastery—where becoming capable of something transforms and evolves you.

After retiring, having more time sparked an explosion of interest in "mastery." He says he feels from the bottom of his heart that being a former Olympian was a blessing, allowing him to meet and talk with masters and experts in every field.

Shogi player Mr. Hanyu, Go player Mr. Iyama, IPS cell researcher Mr. Yamanaka, Paralympic sprinter Mr. Johnny Peacock, wheelchair tennis player Mr. Kunieda, coffee barista Mr. Iizaki, Rugby coach Eddie Jones, life scientist Dr. Fukuoka, Rinzai Zen Master Yokota, former Japan national soccer team coach Okada, Sports Agency Commissioner Murofushi, women's marathon runner Takahashi, and the late marathon coach Koide...

Through interviewing these masters and learning about their learning processes, Mr. Tamesue noticed a common thread. By engaging with the "reflections on mastery" of those who have achieved the pinnacle in their fields, we gain insights into humanity, life itself, and what only humans can accomplish. The path to mastery is not special at all; it is open to everyone.

──From mastering fundamentals to reaching a state of selflessness, human growth involves five stages. So, what is needed to overcome barriers and move forward? How should one treat oneself? This book compiles the methodology the "Running Philosopher" arrived at after a lifetime of deep contemplation and dialogues with masters across various fields. Experience and reflection fuse to create a modern "Book of Five Rings"! (From Shinchosha's website)

The relevant page on the Shinchosha website is here.

True to publisher Shinchōsha's comparison to Miyamoto Musashi's "The Book of Five Rings," this book explains the art of mastering life across five chapters in accessible prose. The more you read, the lighter your heart feels and the clearer your mind becomes.

In this series, I hope to introduce the "ultimate secrets of human learning" that Tamesue has arrived at, within limits that avoid spoiling the book. I might invite guests. I might receive contributions from Tamesue's friends. I'll figure out the format as I go. In any case, as a colleague working together on the "Athlete Brains" project, this news is unmissable.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Dentsu Inc., Akinori Hibi

Akimichi Hibi, Dentsu Inc. (Future Creative Center): Serves as Creative Director while holding various titles including Strategist, Business Developer, and Facilitator. After working in the Strategic Planning Division and Sales Division, he gained experience in specialized departments like Internal Marketing and Experience Marketing. A lifelong sports enthusiast.

For details on "Athlete Brains," centered around Dai Tamesue, a team leveraging athletes' cultivated knowledge to solve societal (corporate/social) challenges, click here.

Back issues of "Athlete Brains: Dai Tamesue's Flexible Approach," serialized in Web Dentsu Inc. Report, can be found here.

[Editor's Note] (From the Web Dentsu Inc. News Editorial Department)

Though we've worked with Mr. Tamesue for nearly two years through this series, every interview astonishes us anew with his wealth of experience, knowledge, and sharp insight. For instance—and this is purely hypothetical—if asked something abrupt like, "How do you, as an athlete, perceive 'lactic acid'?" he delivers a brilliant response from his unique perspective.

"Huh, really?" – that kind of reaction often becomes the draft itself. Politics, economics, corporate management, parenting, even breathing – any theme is fair game. His foundation is built on experiences unique to a world-class athlete, dialogues with friends and acquaintances worldwide, or authorities in their fields, and knowledge gleaned from books across diverse subjects. It leaves you with no choice but to go, "Huh, really?"

Now, Mr. Tamesue has published a "guidebook for life." Without flattery, I truly believe this book is worth reading for anyone.