Happy New Year 2022

2021 was a time of resilience. Our year began with a renewed search for hope. Miraculously effective vaccines were delivered, and we began to emerge from what we hope had been the most uncertain time of the past many months. At that same time, we were reminded of the challenging new realities of climate change. In light of these difficult but not insurmountable problems, we commit that our work and responsibilities to our community must continue every day.

2022 is the year of Tiger. Although it did not originate in Japan, the Chinese zodiac, and the 12 animals that represent it, have been embraced by Japanese traditions wholeheartedly, and it is an inherent part of daily Japanese life & culture. On New Year’s Day, we cherish and learn about the meanings of the symbolic animal, enriching ourselves with a sense of fresh prospect and possibilities for the year ahead.

The tiger was thought to be a star whose predecessor shines in the night sky due to its golden fur pattern. Seen as a powerful animal, along with the lion, the Tiger presents an image of strength and authority, and also has a is a symbol of wisdom followed by firm decision. Specifically, 2022 is the Year of the Water Tiger (壬寅, みずのえとら, mizunoetora). It is said to represent the auspiciousness of beginning anew and nurturing what has been born.

We hope that the year 2022 will be a cornerstone of revitalized growth, sprouting through the harsh winter as a new daily life begins.

We would like to thank all our valued customers and trusted community for their continued support over the past couple of challenging years. It has been an absolute pleasure to serve each and every one of you. We remain tremendously grateful for all of the kind encouragement and loving support offered to us each and every day.

We look forward to the many good things to come in 2022, and to seeing everyone in the new year when the circumstances in our community most certainly begin to improve.

Once again, thank you so much.

From all of us at ITSUMO, we wish you & all your loved ones a safe, healthy and brilliant start to the New Year.