(The following is the English translation of the e-mail sent to our Japanese customers.)

Hello, this is Kanako Yoshida from YOUYOUANG.
I hope you have been doing well.

Here at the foot of Mt. Akagi, the leaves have turned completely red. Autumn is in full swing, and the cold days are about to begin. My early-morning runs are now in the dim light… I keep worrying about bears. Please go into hibernation soon! (There have been unusually many bear incidents in Japan this year.)

There are now fewer than 50 days left in this year. There are still many things I have yet to accomplish, but first, let me share what has been completed.

Free Sleeves Are Ready!

We have made three types:
•    for Slim 3 boxes
•    for Slim 2 boxes
•    for Short size 2 boxes
The Frost series (Kampo Japanese Medicinal Herb Incense Box/ Negative Ion Incense Box) fits perfectly as they share the same dimensions. The design features the “phases of the moon, suitable for any type of incense.

These sleeves will be included free of charge when you purchase Slim or Short items.

Please indicate the quantity you need when placing your order—we already have them prepared!

Custom-designed sleeves are also available (not free), so please feel free to inquire anytime.

A Trip to Nakanoto on Culture Day
During the Culture Day long weekend, I joined a business partner from Ishikawa Prefecture and participated in a trail-running event in Nakanoto.
It was held for the first time in two years—part recovery support event, part serious mountain race—with a total elevation gain of 1,500 meters. It was tough… really tough.

I also visited Suzu, a place I had wanted to see before the end of the year. It was the epicenter of the Noto Peninsula earthquake. This area once hosted ultramarathons, and my running friends had always told me how unique and beautiful its scenery was. 
This time, I rented a car and traveled around as much as time allowed. Some places had been beautifully restored, while others remained untouched. Signs saying “Ganbarō Noto” (Stay strong, Noto) were posted everywhere. I truly feel the sentiment, yet I cannot bring myself to say “Please do your best” to people who are already doing their absolute best every single day.
The gentle coastline, the abruptly broken roads, the region’s uniquely pale-gray clouds, and myself standing there with a camera… My chest tightened; it was heartbreaking. Still, the coastline and soft hills were breathtakingly beautiful. I want to keep this scenery in my memory and visit again next year.

Mitsukejima—also known as “Battleship Island”—had its sharp tip collapsed.
This is how it looked until two years ago.

Visits to Longtime Retailers
During this trip, I visited several stores in the Noto area that have long carried our incense. 
One of them was Takazawa Candle, a company in Nanao that has been making traditional Japanese candles for over 130 years. Their head office has begun reconstruction, and they are currently operating from a temporary shop. Despite being a temporary location, the shop was filled with an impressive array of candles and incense.

In Kanazawa, I also stopped by Tomoe, a specialty shop for Kutani ware.　Our Candy Drop Incense Holders paired beautifully with the colorful ceramics, and customers could choose matching incense in bottle—a delightful setup.
I am sincerely grateful.

As we head into the cold season and the busy year-end approaches, please take good care of yourself and stay warm.