Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

We are now 77 years after the end of World War II and 30 years after the end of the Cold War. In 2022, we witnessed many events that threaten the very survival of the human race: the delay in the end of the novel coronavirus pandemic that started in 2020 caused by mutant strains, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February, a sharp rise in consumer prices due to soaring oil prices and other factors, and the continued occurrence of abnormal weather conditions due to global warming. It feels like we’ve moved quickly from an era of globalism and positivity to an era in which we must find hope for the survival of the human race.

As human beings, we cannot live alone, which is why we have families, friends, local communities, companies, and nations. I think the most important thing is having companions with whom we can form human bonds and who can give us the strength to overcome misfortunes and difficulties together.

I hope that 2023 will be a year in which you and your families can nurture such bonds and find new hope for the survival of humanity. I sincerely wish you and your families good health and happiness.

Toshiyuki Ikeda