On January 20, 2024, the annual Atsumi Foundation New Year Party was held in a hybrid format, at the Atsumi Hall and some joining online via Zoom. Despite the severely chilling weather typical of the coldest season, Executive Director Atsumi Naoki, Advisor Itsuko, along with other Atsumi staffs, 2023 fellows, and Raccoons worldwide came together for a warm, celebratory New Year Party.

In preparation for the party, some volunteered to make gyoza in the morning, before the New Year Party started. This year, Zu Jixin and He Xingyu took the lead to make 3 types of gyoza: Chinese cabbage and pork gyoza with huajiaoshui (Sichuanese pepper water) and huajiaoyu (Sichuanese pepper oil), Chinese leek gyoza, and bamboo shoot gyoza. The 2023 fellows made the fillings and wrappers. Then, Associate Director Imanishi and other Atsumi staffs, as well as other Raccoon seniors joined in, and the work proceeded in a very relaxed mood.

In the afternoon, the New Year Party began with Office Chief Tsunoda as the host. First, Executive Director Atsumi gave a New Year greeting speech, discussing the journey of the Foundation up to this point, as well as plans for the future.

After the Executive Director's greetings, we celebrated Advisor Itsuko's 96th birthday. The 2023 fellows presented a bouquet, a homemade carrot cake, and a pair of commemorative gifts (a portrait and an umbrella). This portrait was drawn by AI based on photographic data of Advisor Itsuko, depicting her holding the umbrella that was given along with this portrait. The bouquet, in addition to the portrait, was also order-made to match the image of her character. Receiving Raccoon seniors' assistance, and Huang Jo Hsiang acting as the overall coordinator, the 2023 fellows split into the bouquet team (leader: Omino Akira), the cake team (leader: Chang Jun Shi), and the gifts team (leader: Kim Heechol) to prepare the presents. As a representative of the 2023 fellows, I would like to once again wish Advisor Itsuko a healthy and happy life.

After Advisor Itsuko's birthday party, the Raccoon seniors held a bingo game as a recreation. As the seniors' children read out the bingo numbers, we all had a great time. As participants socialized and conversed with gyoza, other great food, or alcohol in their hands, the New Year Party came to a close.

2024 is the year the Atsumi Foundation reaches its 30-year anniversary. I would like to conclude this report by wishing for a healthy and fruitful year for all the Atsumi staffs, as well as Raccoons around the world.

Written by: Tokunaga Yoshiaki (2023 fellow)

Photos from the day

Translated by: Motoki Luxmiwattana