The Philosophy of Shuzo Matsuoka: Never Give Up
Insights From a Japanese Motivational Legend
“Don’t give up, absolutely do your best, do your best to be positive and proactive, do your best, do your best!” — Shuzo Matzuoka
Never give up. One hears these three straightforward phrases a lot in literature, movies, and other media. Sincere expressions of them can turn from words into a potent message that assures us that all of our difficulties will pass. Still, these terms can arouse conflicting emotions. Are they only hopelessly optimistic? How, after all, can someone truly mean it if they are unaware of your own challenges? Would they still say the same thing if they were walking a mile in your shoes?
Let’s begin by exploring the life and philosophy of Shuzo Matsuoka, a retired Japanese tennis player, sportscaster, and life coach who is well-known for his advice to never give up. Shuzo started his rise from a skilled tennis player to an internet phenomenon with his inspirational videos. With the tremendous resonance these videos had with viewers, Shuzo became a symbol of determination.
Shuzo became well-known initially on Nico Nico, a Japanese YouTube-like video-sharing site. The special ability of Nico Nico to show user comments in real time while a video is being played helped Shuzo’s message go viral quickly. With the “For You” (Kona Anata Ni) series, which sought to inspire and encourage viewers, he began posting videos on his own website in 2006. Many MAD videos, like to Anime Music Videos (AMVs), were inspired by them, which increased his audience even further.
A 35-second video labelled “Matsuoka Shuzo, Never Give Up!” went viral on YouTube in 2010. This and similar videos combined portions of his Nico Nico videos to highlight his contagious enthusiasm and unchanging message. A testament to the wide appeal of his upbeat message, one especially well-known compilation, “When You Are Feeling Down,” even appeared on 4chan in 2014.
Why do people find such great resonance in Shuzo’s message? To further understand, let’s revisit the heyday of cable TV and a person of comparable influence: Fred Rogers. Fred Rogers gave every viewer of his programme “Mister Rogers’ Neighbourhood” straightforward, encouraging remarks that made them feel unique. “Will you be my neighbour?” was his genuine inquiry, which perfectly captured his concern for kids and the effects of television on developing brains. Fred’s kind but insightful demeanour even got him called before Congress in 1969 to help get PBS funding.
Christian in his roots, Fred Rogers left a legacy of compassion and goodwill. In a way that cut over religious lines, he personified his ideas and provided a welcome counterpoint to the frequently unfavourable impressions of Christian media. For my part, seeing Fred Rogers has improved my Muslim faith by motivating me to treat others with kindness and to uphold my values regardless of their religion. His method of promoting understanding and love is consistent with the main principles of my religion and serves as a reminder to live a life of kindness and compassion.
The videos by Shuzo are deeper truths than just inspirational memes. His ebullient yells of “Akiramenaide” (Never give up) inspire spectators to find their inner courage. These remarks provide a lifeline of hope and encouragement in a fast-paced, frequently uncaring society. In Japan, where pressure to achieve may result in great stress and loneliness, this message is especially poignant.
I had heard about Shuzo Matsuoka for a long time, but I didn’t really understand his impact until I came onto James Scholz, a YouTuber who was influenced by Shuzo’s views. By means of intense study sessions that occasionally last longer than ten hours, James personifies Shuzo’s teaching of tenacity. His commitment demonstrates that, although it’s simpler to just get by, giving it your best brings real happiness.
Real progress occurs when one pushes oneself to the limit in whatever endeavour — studying, exercising, or pursuing any goal. Shuzo’s message is noteworthy in a society when giving up can appear like the best course of action. We are reminded by his contagious positivity and tenacity that life’s challenges may strengthen us.
I thus quote Shuzo Matsuoka when I say, “Akiramenaide” — never give up. Accept the obstacles, overcome them, and never forget that strength and tranquilly can result from persistence.
