Thank you in advance for your continued support in 2026.
Happy New Year!
How did you all spend your New Year's Eve?
After the heavy snowfall in Itoshiro last winter, we were prepared for the same this winter. However, we were met with a New Year's Day with very little snow. There was hardly any accumulated snow, so little that one could walk around in sneakers.
I wonder if it alternates between years of heavy snow and years of light snow.
Thanks to this, the year-end and New Year holidays have been very easy. Both our inns, "Sukeshichi" and "KIITOS," which we started last year, were blessed with guests, and we didn't have to worry about difficult footing. For that, we are very grateful.
On the other hand, the ski resorts don't have enough snow... We feel joy or sorrow depending on whether there is a lot of snow or little snow. We can't control the weather, can we? Or rather, as we live, many things happen, and we never know what might occur. Even amidst all this, we are required to live resiliently and flexibly. This is something I've finally come to realize after turning 40.
This year marks 14 years since I started Itoshiro Youhinten. Even after 14 years, there are new things every year, and even if they're not new, there are things we continue to do through trial and error.
I love dyeing, making clothes, and holding workshops, but I still feel "not enough," "I want to do this," "I want to make it better," "I want to deepen it"... I'm constantly striving for better, for my ideals, always moving forward.
However, even in such days of pursuit, I've realized it's important not to constantly think "not enough, not enough," but to acknowledge the "sense of fulfillment" and "happiness" I feel daily within the process itself, and to feel content.
"Think while running." "Sweat both mentally and physically." "Fulfilling days, happy days."
This year too, I hope to release clothes, workshops, and books that can offer you all more wonderful days.
Please continue to accompany us this year too.
Itoshiro Youhinten
Kaori Hirano
