Photo/Illutration KDDI Corp. co-founder and industrialist Sachio Semmoto at Kenchoji temple in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, on June 8. He frequents the temple for Zen meditation sessions in his spare time. (Photo by Misako Yamauchi)

Industrialist Sachio Semmoto feels too many empty words are thrown around nowadays, a growing problem even in the business community.

“People stress catchphrases, superficial accomplishments, money worship and the self,” argued Semmoto, 81, the KDDI Corp. co-founder. “But where do their philosophies lie? I am anxious about Japan.”

Given his speedy decision to donate 300 million yen ($1.9 million) to the Kyoto School of Philosophy after learning it faced a funding crisis, he’s not all talk.

The philosophical school of thought originated at his alma mater—Kyoto University—and was founded by Kitaro Nishida (1870-1945).

Known for his deep reflections on Zen, Nishida proposed the idea of a “pure experience,” which is a state of “nothingness” that can be attained before splitting the subjective from the objective.

Hefty insight, but philosophy rarely contributes directly to cutting-edge science, tech and commerce; the school was in decline and struggling to secure enough funds for education and research, leading to Semmoto’s donation.

It also reflects business wisdom that Semmoto gained from Kazuo Inamori, who founded KDDI alongside him, and renowned industrialist Konosuke Matsushita, who founded Panasonic Corp.

“Required are an aggressive stance, altruism, a good desire to contribute to society and a personality to admit mistakes and apologize,” he said.

The industrialist currently holds talks with the heads of growing companies specializing in areas including artificial intelligence, semiconductor chips and renewable energy.

Semmoto noted he is impressed by their deep philosophies; he believes to “harness technology for justice, motivate others and deal in numbers,” businesspeople must possess a strong spirit and be willing to risk undergoing challenges and learn from failure.

“Profound insights and education to cultivate the mind” are also indispensable.

For him, this perhaps means exploring viewpoints beyond the realm of business; Semmoto reads the Heart Sutra and the Bible, among other texts.

“Philosophies constitute the hearts of nations and organizations,” he said. “We are at a crossroads now. I hope Japan will get the spark to ignite its revival.”

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