This year has been very impactful in every sense of the word.

What kind of year has 2020 been for you?

Although each of us is going through a different situation, I believe that we have all faced various difficulties this year.

There were times in which common sense and concepts that we had taken for granted were completely overturned, forcing us to change our lifestyle and rethink our values.

There were big fights on trains over people not wearing masks, with some people chasing and cursing those who were not wearing them, even following them through several train cars.

Medical professionals getting pushed to their limits, both physically and mentally.

People losing their jobs due to the economic shutdown.

People getting divorced due to the increased remote work.

Foreign students whose dream was to study in Japan but were forced to go back to their home countries.

People not being able to see their family members back in their homeland. People who passed away before they could see their loved ones again.

The list of shocking events this year goes on and on, and it really makes my heart ache.

Under these circumstances, it is natural to feel sad, depressed, and even desperate.

There is no guarantee that tomorrow will be the same as today.

On the other hand, there are also people who have been trying their best to help others and reach out even under these difficult circumstances: “Are you okay?” “Is everything okay there? “Please let me know if you need any help.”

The warm kindness of these people really tugs at my heartstrings.

I can understand people thinking “That’s hypocritical,” or “You can be kind to others because you have time to spare”. I have also felt like this in the past, and in a way, there might be a point to these kinds of feelings.

However, I believe that it is the consistent and unchanging efforts with a conviction to act “for the sake of the world and others”, whether we have extra time or not, that build true strength.

It’s not as easy as it sounds but because we are in the midst of a global crisis, and these are turbulent times where everyone’s mental and emotional capacities are at its limits, I feel that this year really tested whether our company’s resolution was “real” or not.

This year I faced many challenges, both in my professional and personal life. Every day, repeatedly, as I watched the news related to other people’s lives I pondered on the meaning of “being alive” as I am now.

I believe that the meaning is to be sincere in my dealings with everyone without distinction, both in my professional and personal life; as well as to take prompt and appropriate action to make as many people as possible happy.

The core of this idea is to continue cherishing each person’s “heart”.

Nowadays our lives are supported by the development of IT technology, which has made it possible for us to work remotely, and recently also establish a new way of working. Technology has been, and will continue to be, an indispensable part of our lives and work.

However, no matter how advanced IT and AI may become, no matter how much our society emphasizes efficiency and productivity, we at Sincerity legal will continue to believe in the importance of each person’s heart. It is not just a matter of residency status or permits and licenses. We believe that beyond that is the heart of that person, and the life of that person.

We deeply cherish each individual’s heart and will keep working hard and updating ourselves in order to continue being a firm that can deliver warmth and value to each individual’s life.

To achieve this goal, we will not stick to the conventional way of doing things but will continue to pursue improvement, innovation, and integration as we confront difficulties with a multifaceted perspective and do our best for the sake of others.

We will not give in to the difficulties of 2020, but we will rise again and again, filled with hope as we move forward step by step into 2021 together with you.

We sincerely hope that these days of unprecedented hardship end as soon as possible, and it is our heartfelt wish that everyone enjoys a new year in good health, both physically and mentally.

We thank you deeply for your support this year, and hope that you take care of yourselves and of your well-being as you enjoy this New Year’s holiday season.

Sincerity Legal

CEO　Yu　Takayama