On the Threshold of Spring

The cold days continue, yet the crisp morning air carries with it a quiet sense of clarity and resolve. This year marks the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac — a year said to embody vitality and drive, a time to press forward with the spirited energy of a horse in full stride. The season also brings with it a series of major sporting events, and watching the world's finest athletes perform at the height of their abilities is nothing short of inspiring. I must confess, however, that while the spirit is willing, the body is rather more reluctant to follow — a humbling reminder of the passage of time. Even so, my sincere wish is to be ever more active and present, so that I may continue to support each of you in shining your brightest. That is the resolve with which I welcomed this new year. As we pass through Risshun — the first day of spring — and into Usui, the season of early rains, the calendar turns quietly toward warmer days. I hope this letter finds you well as you, too, look ahead to the coming spring. They say that when snow melts, spring arrives — and yet it is equally true that when snow melts, it simply becomes water. Snow, ice, and water share the same origin, and yet each evokes a world entirely its own, and gives rise to sports of a wholly different beauty. It is a quiet wonder worth pausing to appreciate. Watching the breathtaking performances on snow and ice, one finds the long, bitter winter almost forgotten — and in that spell of wonder, spring seems to steal quietly closer. Spring is not yet upon us, but it is not far off. Please do take good care of yourself in the lingering cold, and we look forward to seeing you again soon. 「凛として、春へ」 寒さの厳しい毎日が続いておりますが、凛と澄んだ朝の空気に、心が自然と引き締まるこのごろです。 今年の干支、午年は活発さと行動力を象徴し、「馬」のように力強く前進する一年と言われています。折しも大きなスポーツイベントが相次ぎ、一流選手たちの躍動に胸が高鳴ります。 もっとも、気持ちばかりが先走り、からだはなかなかついてきてくれないのが、年齢というものの正直なところでございます。それでも、お客様にいつまでも輝き続けていただけるよう、今年はより一層、活発に動いてまいりたい——そう心に誓った年初でした。 立春、そして雨水と、暦は着実に春へと歩みを進めております。まだ寒さの残るこのころ、皆さまいかがお過ごしでしょうか。 雪が解ければ春になる——とはいえ、雪が解けて水になるのもまた道理。雪・氷・水は同じものを源としながら、それぞれに異なる表情を持ち、私たちに異なる印象を与えます。そして、それぞれの上で繰り広げられるスポーツもまた、まったく別の美しさを持つことに、改めて気づかされます。 雪と氷の上で繰り広げられる、息をのむような演技の数々。そこに目と心を奪われていると、長く厳しかった冬の寒さをしばし忘れ、気がつけばもう春の足音が近づいているような心地がいたします。 春遠からじ、ではございますが、くれぐれも余寒にはお気をつけて、どうぞご自愛ください。 hashtag#春 hashtag#二十四節気 hashtag#ご挨拶 hashtag#Spring hashtag#SeasonalGreeting hashtag#Reflection