Dear Friends and Colleagues,
 
First and foremost, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support.
 
The novel coronavirus that entered our lives in 2020 was downgraded to a “Class 5 Infectious Disease” under the Infectious Disease Control Law in May of this year, and we have since finally begun resuming our daily routines and business activities. However, if we look at the world at large, our lives continue to face the uncertainty of international conflicts, intensifying political division and economic inequality, and environmental disasters brought on by climate change.
 
It is within this context that COSMO’s newsletters this year explored the theme of health care and the environment. The July issue covered Understanding the PFAS Movement, while our October issue focused on Considering the Health Risks Posed by Climate Change. By shining a light on these topics, our goal has been to raise awareness of the impact of ongoing environmental changes on our health, and drive understanding of what we can do to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. I believe that now is the time for each of us to properly understand these changes and take action, even if we each start with just one small step.
 
At the beginning of the next financial year, revisions to the upper limit on overtime hours will come into effect, raising the question of how to respond to labor shortages, or the so-called “2024 problem.” This is not just an issue for the logistics and construction industries but also the medical industry, the vital social infrastructure that must provide the best medical care around the clock to maintain our healthy lives. This shortage of labor is one of the most pressing issues that Japanese society must resolve in order to sustainably revitalize society and ensure that each and every one of us can lead a fulfilling and vibrant life.
 
Climate change and other environmental issues that have become particularly pronounced in recent years have raised concerns about the potential outbreak of infectious diseases and illnesses that were previously unknown in Japan. Vulnerabilities in Japan’s vaccine supply were revealed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this experience remains fresh in the minds of many. Together we must face a variety of medical issues, including how to establish an internationally competitive drug discovery system and how to utilize information technology, including AI, which has made remarkable leaps in recent years. It is no exaggeration to say that 2024 will be a critical year when it comes to determining the future of Japanese society.
 
At COSMO, we will continue to address these important issues and together with like-minded companies and organizations in Japan and around the world, rise to the challenges as a united force. Through the power of effective communication, we must keep striving to improve the quality of life of patients in need of medical care.
 
Last but not least, I am delighted to announce that COSMO was shortlisted for “Japan PR Agency of the Year 2023” by Campaign Asia in recognition of our ability to strike a balance between leveraging our proven experience and forging new paths under the shadow of the pandemic by upholding a culture of innovation and collaboration. In that spirit I would like to thank all of you who have placed your trust in COSMO and I am excited to keep working together to make a difference!

Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

Kumi Sato
President and CEO
Cosmo Public Relations Corporation

Note: Our office will be closed for winter vacation from December 29 through January 4. We will be open for business from January 5. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.