Dear Everyone,

I hope this message finds you well.

This summer has been extremely hot, and in Tokyo, we have seen very little rain. In Kyushu, however, there has been heavy rainfall, and many people have suffered damage. I sincerely hope that those affected will be able to recover as quickly as possible.

The war between Russia and Ukraine shows no signs of ending, and former U.S. President Trump continues his attempts to mediate with Russia, but it seems that harsh battles will continue for some time.

Conflicts around the world are increasing, and Japan, despite having lost the war, is still occasionally reminded of it by the former victors. It raises the question of how Japan should respond if another major conflict arises in the future.

Observing leaders like Trump, one realizes that the U.S. is no longer the same as it once was. Japan cannot assume it will remain safely under America’s protective umbrella without facing substantial demands in return.

The issue of Taiwan is particularly critical. If China were to insist on reclaiming Taiwan, Japan would find itself caught in a difficult position, likely forced to scramble between U.S. and Chinese interests. We must carefully examine how committed the U.S. truly is to defending Taiwan and prepare accordingly.

Meanwhile, Japan faces a declining population. As a result, we increasingly rely on inviting foreign workers to support our industries.

India, for example, has many highly skilled professionals, especially in computing and language, and we can expect more Indian workers to come to Japan in the future. It is important to ensure that these transitions happen smoothly and harmoniously.

Another pressing issue is the soaring cost of living. Food prices have risen sharply, and real estate prices in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka have skyrocketed. It’s now common to see properties selling for 1.7 billion or 1 billion yen—far beyond the reach of ordinary people.

This extreme concentration of wealth and opportunity in large cities is problematic. Unless the government intervenes to regulate and balance urban development, we may face serious social challenges.

One possible solution would be to impose special taxes on those who choose to live in central areas like Tokyo and Osaka while offering significant tax incentives to companies relocating outside these congested cities.

Japan must rethink its entire geographical and economic structure to create a more livable, balanced society.

We need bold urban planning, building well-organized towns with hospitals, companies, and police stations designed together from the start. Such planning would lower construction costs and eliminate the problem of exhausting daily commutes lasting over an hour each way.

However, with inflation continuing, the risk of economic downturn looms large. If the economy worsens, stock prices will likely fall. Japan’s economy has gone through cycles of growth and decline since the postwar period, and we must stay vigilant, especially given our dependence on U.S. economic trends.

For young professionals, I urge you to work hard while you are still young and explore opportunities that bring joy and personal growth.

Building skills and knowledge early on can open doors later in life. Even after retiring around the age of 60, if you have accumulated valuable expertise, you will find it easier to build a fulfilling second career.

At my own shop, many young people are working and learning. I encourage them to study sword polishing and English proficiency, and recently, one even brought me a beautifully polished small blade. I reward them with 1,000 yen per piece, believing that financial incentives help foster motivation and skill.

I hope young people will embrace the spirit of perseverance. Life should not revolve only around conversations about pensions and illnesses in old age—let us live with purpose and curiosity.

I am now 85 years old, yet I still go to work every day, finding great joy in what I do. I believe that staying active keeps illness away. I encourage all of you to live energetically and strive forward with determination.

Recently, we have seen significant surges in stock prices, diamonds, and gold, but history teaches us that sharp rises are often followed by steep declines. I believe a major correction will inevitably come.

Japan should consider developing large-scale residential areas outside Tokyo, offering affordable land and essential infrastructure—hospitals, airports, and organized zoning—to create peaceful, comfortable communities where people can live without financial burdens.

Foreigners who appreciate Japanese culture are increasingly collecting nihontō, from high-end masterpieces to mid-range koshirae-mounted blades, with astonishing enthusiasm.

While this is wonderful, it also means that Japanese swords may eventually disappear from Japan altogether. Around the world, collectors deeply treasure these beautiful artifacts, preserving them with great care.

Let us cherish our families: be kind to our elders, treat spouses with love and respect, raise children with proper discipline, and embrace virtues such as kindness, humility, and simplicity in daily life.

Take care of yourselves, stay healthy, and live meaningfully.

Sincerely,
Kazushige Tsuruta