In a world where older individuals are often marginalized in the workforce, 70-year-old Tsuyoshi Nakatani defies stereotypes by embarking on a meaningful new journey. Now serving as a JICA volunteer in Fiji, Mr. Nakatani aims to share his extensive technical knowledge with local engineers and government officials, marking the start of his fifth career.
Hailing from Gifu Prefecture in Japan, Mr. Nakatani began his service in Fiji in February 2024, working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways. His efforts concentrate on disaster management, implementing technologies such as drone imagery, GIS mapping, and satellite data to develop flood hazard maps and strengthen local technical capabilities.
Mr. Nakatani’s journey to Fiji wasn’t straightforward. Growing up with adversity, he faced significant challenges early in life, including the divorce of his parents and subsequent placement in a children’s care facility by age ten due to financial difficulties. Faced with stigma and hardship, he sought to change his destiny through education. Although he initially aspired to become an architect but couldn’t pass university entrance exams, he persevered to earn a civil engineering degree and a PhD while maintaining a full-time job.
Throughout his career, Mr. Nakatani has held numerous roles, including university faculty, private sector engineer, and government researcher. His time studying at the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand profoundly impacted him, exposing him to students from developing nations who were committed to improving their societies. This experience ignited a lifelong desire to contribute to similar causes.
It wasn’t until his retirement at 68 that Mr. Nakatani considered volunteering. Upon discovering that the age limit for JICA volunteers had been lifted, he jumped at the opportunity and applied, realizing a long-held dream from his academic years. He reflects warmly on the collaborative atmosphere in Fiji, where volunteers of diverse ages and backgrounds work together for a common purpose.
While many might expect a 70-year-old to slow down, Mr. Nakatani exemplifies the notion that age should not hinder ambition or service. His story emphasizes that life’s journey can take unexpected turns, and it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams. He encourages others to embrace resilience and opportunity, affirming that everyone has unique contributions to offer, regardless of age.
Mr. Nakatani’s endeavors not only enrich his life but also inspire a community through the power of experience, collaboration, and the human spirit’s unwavering desire to make a difference.
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