🍃 A Month of Meaningful Encounters and Quiet Reflections

Last month, we were fortunate to experience several truly remarkable moments.

The University of Hokkaido welcomed distinguished Executive Directors from UC Berkeley, and we were honored to join this special occasion as one of the Japanese representatives engaged in regional promotion.

At a private, invitation-only gathering, we had the pleasure of welcoming the U.S. Consulate General in Sapporo, along with his colleagues. Having participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) sponsored by the U.S. Department of State this past July, we were deeply honored to receive the official certification of this leadership program on such a memorable occasion.

During a tea gathering, our CEO was also grateful for the opportunity—as a practitioner of tea herself—to share the cultural meaning behind one simple yet profound question:
Why is the entrance to a traditional tea room so small?

In the tea room, all are equal.
Even samurai would leave their swords outside, entering the space not as warriors or leaders, but simply as human beings—there to embrace the changing seasons and the quiet joy of tea.

We truly appreciate the opportunity to have met and spent time with all of you. These moments reminded us that beyond titles, borders, and roles, genuine connection is often found in stillness, humility, and shared presence.