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Congratulations on making it to another New Year！ I hope you were able to relax over the holidays and renew your courage for this New Year. We will certainly need it this year! We started off the year on January 1st with a major earthquake on the Noto Peninsula and then on the 2nd, there was a fatal airplane collision and fire at Haneda airport. They have been devastating incidents which have been difficult for me to watch as it happened, and as it continues to unfold even today. I would like to express my deepest sympathies to all those who have been affected. The Ichihara International Association has been a prominent organization for over 32 years since it was established in 1991. With the support of many people, we have gradually expanded the scope of our activities and deepened our relationships. However, we need to wake up to the reality that although there are many committed old timers, there are few young people in our organization. In order to keep this thriving and active association, the energy and input of our young people are very much in need. One year, when young people from our sister cities of Mobile and Ichihara were laughing and discussing current popular words, I was shocked and saddened that I didn’t understand half the words even in Japanese. Their mutual understanding beyond words were both illuminating and enviable to me. In order to make sure that Ichihara International Association will be around for the next generation, let’s move forward together to make it more attractive to younger people who can add new energy to our organization. We sincerely appreciate your continued support in 2024.
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