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

This is Kanako Yoshida from YOUYOUANG.
I hope you are doing well and enjoying the early days of spring.

March 8 was International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate the right of women around the world to live freely, healthily, and as themselves.

When I look at the world today, I sometimes feel a tightness in my stomach when I see the news. The world situation feels frighteningly unstable, and hearing about bombings in the news is very distressing.

Even under such a harsh sky, and amid so many disappointments, I hope we can keep a small candle lit in our hearts — gently caring for ourselves and letting only love and beauty filter through into our lives.

By coincidence, I read a striking line this morning from the Japanese writer Aiko Sato, which I would like to share with you:

Even when something so sad happens that it feels as if your heart will break,
“Do not cry — in life, it is enough to remember only the beautiful things.”

Such noble and strong words. I hope I can live by them as well.

Now, on a lighter note—

Early in the morning on the day before International Women’s Day, I opened the door to answer the breakfast demands of our neighborhood cats. Unfortunately, the deck outside had frozen, and I slipped and fell quite spectacularly!

My ankle swelled up so much that I suspected a fracture, but when I went to the hospital the next day, the doctor said, “You don’t usually break a bone just by twisting your ankle. What you should watch out for is stress fractures from too much practice — they don’t always show up on X-rays.”

Don’t worry — I’m not practicing that hard at my age! (laugh)

At my usual sports shop, a familiar staff member recommended an ankle supporter. It’s only about 20 cm long and cost over 10,000 yen, but when I wear it the pain disappears completely! Now I feel fearless again, and from this morning I have been able to resume my practice little by little.

The two cats in this photo are the ones who called me outside that morning. Every day our deck is covered with their little paw prints.

I apologize if this information was not clearly communicated in our previous email. Although we discussed it in individual emails and at the exhibition, I would like to inform you again of the following.

Our popular short-size incense series currently includes:

• “Incense for Healing – Short”
• “Incense of Natural Fragrant Wood– Sandalwood / Agarwood - Short”
• Morning Incense - Short: “Coffee,” “Tea,” and “Gyokuro”

Until now, both the inner box and the outer package were wrapped in OPP plastic bags. However, we have received feedback that the outer OPP bag makes the products slippery and difficult to stack. Therefore, starting this spring, we will gradually begin shipping them without the outer OPP bag.

For customers such as florists who prefer the outer OPP bag as a protective cover, we will of course continue to provide it upon request. Please feel free to let us know if you would like them included.

The paper used for the packaging is coated (the same as our slim-type series), making it resistant to dirt.

The Girls’ Festival (Hinamatsuri is a traditional Japanese celebration held on March 3 to wish for the health and happiness of girls.) has already passed in the blink of an eye.
The cedar trees are turning yellow and the air is becoming hazy by pollen — the pollen season has arrived.

Please take good care of yourselves and don’t forget your hay fever precautions!