We would like to express our sincere condolences to the victims of the recent Noto Peninsula Earthquake and we pray for the safety of those in the affected areas and for their earliest possible return to their normal lives.

This past year has been one mixed with both great joy and sadness. As for joy, the coronavirus epidemic that has plagued us for almost three years has now begun to subside. Although infection has not been entirely eradicated, its pathogenicity has declined to almost the same level as that of a cold. However, encephalopathy, rarely occurring even with influenza, has been seen mainly in young children infected with the Omicron variant, so it is still necessary to exercise caution.

Another joy has been the inauguration of the Children and Families Agency, a government ministry for the well-being of children that was the goal of late Dr. Noboru Kobayashi. Its effect on society has some unknown areas that still need to be examined, but we will support its policies and if possible, would like to propose ideas to support activities as it continues to promote and apply child-caring design.

There has also been much sadness. There has been no sign that the disaster of the war in Ukraine is ending, and furthermore, many children have lost their lives in the tragedies in Gaza for no reason. As its highest goal, CRN seeks to raise the happiness of children (their Quality of Life or QOL) as much as possible, but what can we do? While thinking that something must be done right away, it is hard to come up with an idea of what is actually possible.

I would like to make a humble effort to raise my voice or make donations. For children today, who are protagonists of the future world, there can be no further delay in dealing with global warming. It may not be possible to attribute everything to the effects of global warming, but there is something disturbing about the odd, abnormal weather recently.

Aiming to realize a more inclusive society, a new section focusing on developmental disabilities was added to the CRN website last year. Furthermore, a seminar on developmental disabilities is scheduled for this year. In the meantime, we will also continue research on the resilience of children. Please look forward to the results.