明けましておめでとうございます (ENGLISH FOLLOWED after Japanese)
創刊50年の全米18都市配布米新聞「ニューヨークビズ」新年号にて、さくら代表が10年目の新年のご挨拶をさせていただいています。今年2024年は日米代表として、5名のひとりとしてご挨拶を発信しました。
New York Biz New Year’s Greeting 2024 :US-Japan’s leaders
*New York Biz is a major Japanese paper distributed in 18 cities in the United States
Happy New Year
We have wrapped up another year in the whirlwind post-pandemic era, which forced upon us a new normal that is constantly and rapidly evolving. What started as precautionary measures developed into streamlined efficiencies that have limited direct contact and instilled values of lean pragmatism in our society, and the extent to which this new dynamic played a part in a company’s business model was key in determining 2023’s winners and losers It goes without saying that technology is playing as large a role as ever in this new era, evolving just as swiftly alongside, and sometimes ahead of, the new normal. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) set all visa applications online in 2023, and the New York subway system announced that the MetroCard, which replaced tokens in the 1990s to enter platforms, will be phased out in 2024 in favor of contactless payments.
The world had once transitioned from the bubble era, in which tangible luxury goods were flourished, to the burst bubble era, in which simple, plastic goods were praised. Now, we have entered an era of technology that emphasizes efficiency and practicality—which, as a result, has become an era in which it is easier to live our lives. The age-old notion that one should seek perfection and beauty, and own expensive things, is rapidly fading. The New York Times reported that “imperfect” models—for example, those with scars or stretch marks on their bodies—are being used more frequently of late. We are living in an era now in which people can be beautiful and comfortable in their own skin.
I founded Sakura Lifesave Associates 20 years ago, with the goal of making the world a better place. As our medical and legal consultancy company enters this milestone anniversary, we have been able to help people save lives and assist with births across borders. In December, I gave my annual speech in Tokyo, during which several Japanese women openly asked very personal questions in front of the many participants. This candid demeanor is brave and new to Japan, and I felt it was an encouraging sign that societal norms in Japan are finally starting to change.
I would like to conclude my New Year’s greetings by promising to support the next generation of families and leaders, and I wish you great health and happiness in the new year.
