2月9日には、北海道日米協会主催の特別な新年ランチョンイベントに参加しました。特別なアメリカのゲストとして、ラーム・エマニュエル駐日米国大使が東京から来訪され、力強く説得力のあるスピーチに感銘を受けました。（弁護士橋田）

On February 9, I had the privilege of attending the Japan-America Society of Hokkaido’s exclusive Special New Year’s Luncheon event. The occasion was graced by the presence of a distinguished American guest, Mr. Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, who traveled from Tokyo to deliver a compelling and impactful speech.

As Mr. Emanuel eloquently pointed out, the world has undergone dramatic changes due to the three Cs – Corona, Conflict, and Coercion. In this context, Japan’s efforts to strengthen deterrence and the deepening of Japan-U.S. relations bear significant importance in maintaining stability and order in the Asian region, in my opinion. (Yukinori Hashida)