I hope this message finds all of you in good health and spirits.
Relations between Japan and China have cooled rapidly following the Prime Minister's remarks regarding Taiwan.
As a result, exports to China—including seafood and many other products that were expected to be shipped—have stagnated, and this has even led to the cancellation of President Xi Jinping’s planned visit to Japan.
The situation has become far more serious than anticipated, and it does not seem to be a problem that can be resolved easily.
Although officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were dispatched to address the matter, the Chinese representatives received them with an arrogant attitude, hands in their pockets, showing an extremely cold stance toward Japan.
Japan’s Prime Minister must act with full awareness of the delicate nature of the Taiwan issue, and past prime ministers have exercised great caution for this very reason.
A Prime Minister’s role is to protect the citizens, and provoking foreign leaders without necessity should always be avoided.
Nevertheless, careless questions raised by certain members of the Diet resulted in Japan appearing weak and exposed in the eyes of the other nation. This is deeply regrettable.
China, too, has responded emotionally, declaring that “Chinese people cannot eat Japanese fish,” but such behavior is hardly befitting a major nation.
Japan should not be overly intimidated by China’s reactions. Instead, we should confidently export our high-quality seafood to other countries.
Indeed, shellfish and marine products ought to be actively promoted to markets outside China.
There is no need for excessive fear—we must broaden our horizons and seek trading partners throughout the wider world.

Recently, a customer who purchased a sword from our shop visited to inform us that the blade had passed the Important Sword designation screening.
Although it was mumei, it was an excellent piece, and I was humbled and pleased to hear the news.
Several customers in the past have also submitted swords purchased from us and successfully received Important Sword certification. In every case, I believe it was the result of their diligent study and the wise selection of superior pieces.

If I may share something personal, I recently visited a university hospital.
For two weeks I had been unable to sleep lying down due to severe lower-back pain, and was forced to sleep sitting in a chair each night.
After undergoing an MRI, I was told at the follow-up appointment that I must choose either an injection or surgery.
My wife then requested, “There is a small clinic near Aoi Art; we would prefer to visit there. Would you please write a referral letter?”
Although the doctor did so with a displeased expression, we received the letter.
We took the MRI images and the referral to the small clinic. After reviewing them, the doctor said:
“There is indeed a small herniated disc, but if you continue exercising daily, the pain may gradually subside.”
I had undergone herniated disc surgery in the past, and the memory of that excruciating pain, the enormous injection needle, and being held still by the doctor and nurses all came flooding back.
Therefore, this time I chose exercise therapy, focusing on walking and physical movement.
I am gradually recovering now, and I am truly grateful to my wife for suggesting that we change hospitals.
However, I doubt I will ever forget the sight of that huge injection needle.

As for the war between Ukraine and Russia, I sincerely hope it will come to an end soon.
Countless lives have been lost, and it is heartbreaking to see children suffering in such tragic circumstances.
In an increasingly unstable international environment, Japan must cultivate trustworthy partners and maintain a structure in which we can rely on one another in times of need.
It is essential that we preserve our strength and preparedness.
Reducing the number of politicians and cutting unnecessary expenditures are also important steps.
Given recent failures, I believe that for the time being we should entrust matters to our newly elected female Prime Minister and hope that her leadership will bring positive results.

Many years ago, I worked for an airline.
One day, a beautiful flight attendant looked at me and said,
“I would like to marry someone like you, Mr. Tsuruta.”
When I asked her why, she replied with a smile:
“Because you don’t seem like someone who is popular with women. I think you would never cheat, and I could build a peaceful home with you.”
I remember laughing awkwardly at her unexpected honesty.
I also once learned that male praying mantises are smaller than females, and that after mating the female often captures the male and eats him head first.
The cruelty of nature is truly awe-inspiring and frightening.

Please take good care of your elderly parents and grandparents.
All of you who are young now will eventually grow older as well.
I walk about thirty minutes from my home to the shop each day, and it reminds me constantly of how precious good health is.
I encourage all married couples to cherish one another, to enjoy nature together, and to share meals and joyful days side by side.
Teach children the values of kindness, cheerfulness, and simplicity.
Hardship often leads to happiness, and happiness, in turn, opens the door to new challenges.
May you always continue to dream of a bright future.

I sincerely wish you all continued health and well-being.
Association for Improving Japanese Politics
Don Quixote
Chairman
Kazushige Tsuruta