"Then, a veteran Japanese co-worker came up and told him that he didn't understand the true nature of karaoke. He told me, It doesn't matter if you sing well or sing badly. What matters is that your guests have a good time, remembers Stevenson on the terrace of Yurt Cafe, a feet feet from the home he bought in Limehouse very close to where he was born, with a view of the Citigroup tower"
"One of the best parts of a society like Japan's is that people spend a lot of time thinking about others. And if they are concerned about you, you can spend less time being concerned about yourself. Egotism does not lead to happiness. You should be less worried about whether you sing well or poorly. I'm not Buddha, I'm just as big an asshole as everyone else."
Gary Stevenson grew up in Ilford and joined Citibank as a trader at 22, becoming highly profitable by 2011. After a transfer to Japan he experienced deep depression and sought escape from his role. A karaoke encounter and advice from a Japanese colleague shifted his perspective, emphasizing communal concern and enjoyment over individual performance. Stevenson returned to London, purchased a home in Limehouse, and redirected wealth accumulated from market bets toward a new life mission focused on others and reduced egotism.
Read at english.elpais.com
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