Since its sudden outbreak in February 2020, COVID-19 has become a global menace and continues to affect us even now. Here in Japan, over the past year and eight months, state of emergency declarations have been issued with each new wave of infection, and during this time our lives have consisted of protracted periods of self-restraint and forbearance.
Following the government’s recommendations, the public faced increased anxiety over the virus, doing everything possible to prevent the spread of infection. People also experienced a radical change in their daily lives, not even being able to go out normally. I feel terrible saying this considering the hard work of the healthcare professionals overwhelmed in dealing with the pandemic, but the days have been truly difficult on us all.
Finally, vaccinations proceeded smoothly, the fifth wave came to a close, and, in October, the state of emergency was finally lifted. The number of new daily cases has declined to its lowest point this year, and I feel that the light at the end of the tunnel is at long last gradually coming into view.
At the limits of their patience, people began going out to have some fun shopping, and started planning in earnest the dinner parties and domestic trips they had long put off.
Like many others, Sanrio was heavily affected by COVID-19. For the 61 years since our establishment, we have believed that our role is to aid, through our cards and gifts, the communication that is necessary for friends and family to live together in friendship and cooperation.
However, in a time when people were not able to hold birthday parties or even meet with their friends, the gift business has been very tough-going.
Even so, I experienced the power that Sanrio characters such as Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Kuromi have to comfort and encourage people, even in times as difficult as these. The moment the state of emergency was lifted, fans rushed to reunite with our characters at Sanrio stores, Puroland, Harmonyland in Oita Prefecture, and the Sanrio Exhibition currently being held to commemorate our 60th anniversary. I was truly overjoyed to see this, because it showed me that we have built strong bonds with our fans.
This pandemic has made us realize anew, from the bottom of our hearts, that people cannot live their lives in isolation, and that it is important to help and encourage each other.
At present, we cannot say that we have seen the last of COVID-19, but, guided by the principle of getting along together, we at Sanrio will continue to stay positive and do our best.
I kindly ask all of our shareholders for your continued and heartwarming support going forward.