esterday, I took my dog for a walk in the park.
The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, with their soft pink petals beautifully adorning the trees.
When the wind blew, the petals rained down without hesitation, creating a truly luxurious moment.

The war between Russia and Ukraine shows no signs of coming to an end, and it seems likely to continue for a long time.
This is because the United States and Russia appear unable to resolve the issue effectively.
As Japanese people, we have suffered many times from Russia’s cunning diplomacy.
Although they claim they will return the Northern Territories to Japan, they continue to respond with sly behavior.
I wish Japanese politicians would finally wake up and take proper action, but unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to happen.

Let me be clear: Russia has no intention of returning even a centimeter of the disputed territory, not even Kaigara Island near Japan.

The world has become much smaller recently.
Traveling abroad has become easier and more accessible.
Many foreigners now visit Japan and return to their home countries after enjoying their stay.

Greenland, which is currently at the center of global attention, is a territory of Denmark.The U.S. President Donald Trump even proposed to buy it with cash.
China and Russia have also started making similar moves.
In the past, Greenland was buried under permafrost and ignored by most countries, but now it has been discovered to contain coal, oil, and other valuable minerals, and many nations are showing interest.

Greenland, a part of the Kingdom of Denmark, was granted autonomy in 1979.
As the world’s largest island, the U.S. has expressed a desire to purchase it, but Denmark immediately refused.
Because Denmark is a small nation, it may face pressure to take significant actions in the future.

Denmark’s population is approximately 5.947 million—about one-twentieth the size of Japan.
Greenland is one of the largest peninsulas in the world.
I believe it would be better to keep it closed off as part of Denmark’s territory.

Wars like the one between Russia and Ukraine should come to an end.
A self-governing territory, by definition in international law, is a region under the sovereignty of a state but with autonomous governance.

The world is becoming smaller, and more foreigners are coming to Japan.
Already, about one million Chinese people are living in Japan.
As the Japanese population continues to decline, our traditional way of life is also beginning to change, which is something we must seriously consider.

The U.S. is urging Japan to expand its military capabilities.
We can no longer rely solely on the protection of the American umbrella.
It is time for Japan to stand on its own and consider how to defend itself.

President Trump’s tariff hikes on other countries show no signs of stopping, and we may be entering a time of significant economic recession.
Today, 1USD is 150 yen, marking a substantial decline.
Going forward, it will be crucial to observe what actions former President Trump will take toward Russia, and whether those actions will succeed or fail.

Considering President Putin’s cunning, it is likely that even the U.S. will struggle to deal with him.
No matter what the U.S. says, Russia may continue to dodge and deflect.

Russia’s population is approximately 143.8 million, while Ukraine’s is around 37.73 million.
It’s astonishing how Ukraine has fought against such a large opponent with its relatively small population.

Because Russia is so vast, it struggles to control its military strategies internally.
This may be one reason European countries are more willing to support Ukraine.

I hope the U.S. can avoid a situation where inflation and economic stagnation occur simultaneously.

Now, many young people are starting their new careers after graduating from school.
Their salaries are high, and they’re beginning to work under the best conditions ever, but early signs of economic concern are already emerging.

About Japanese swords:
The value and foreign interest in Japanese swords have changed significantly in recent years.
Foreigners’ interest in Japanese swords has clearly gone beyond mere curiosity; they now view them as valuable investments.
Many foreigners visit our shop, carefully inspect our items, and sometimes make purchases.
Their knowledge is often deep and astonishing.

In Japan, it is common for fathers to own swords but for mothers to avoid showing them to their children, fearing they may be dangerous.
In contrast, foreigners often show swords to their children and try to cultivate interest in them.
I believe this difference is quite significant.

Indeed, while Japanese swords are no longer used practically, their polished surfaces retain great beauty.
Many works from the Heian, Kamakura, and Nanbokucho periods were carefully preserved and maintained by feudal lords and samurai, which is why their beauty remains today.

In the near future, Japanese swords may be sold overseas at a pace that surprises Japanese people.
Before we know it, we may no longer be able to see famous swords in Japan.
That is how strongly foreigners feel about Japanese swords.
We should develop the habit of reflecting on the past while considering the future.

Grandfathers and grandmothers, please speak to your loved ones with kindness.
Husbands and wives, please cherish each other.
It is the season for cherry blossom viewing.
Why not go out together and enjoy a meal under the blossoms?

Please teach your children to be strict yet kind, cheerful, and modest.

With that, I wish everyone good health and happiness.

Aoi Art
Kazunari Tsuruta