Happy New Year, everyone.
Thank you, as always, for your support.
How was your 2024? And… what kind of year do you want 2025 to be?

Recently, I’ve been thinking about the following even more deeply than usual:
“With the help of the entire GP team, we want to create amazing events that bring joy to many companies and individuals.”
To make that a reality, I am determined to approach each and every task with greater care and precision.
For companies and people alike, “emotion” is a powerful source of energy.
It revitalizes organizations and drives business forward.
If this energy spreads over wider distances and revitalizes society and economy, it would be truly wonderful.

Moreover, business events that involve all employees and corporate stakeholders are also crucial ways to contribute to corporate sustainability.
At GP, our purpose is to “Bring Happiness to the World Through Events.”
We have incorporated this ideology into our sustainability initiatives and services, branding them as the “BH Project”—derived from the initials of Bring Happiness.

“The right time, the right place, and the right harmony”

There is a Japanese saying that roughly goes: “The right time, the right place, and the right harmony.”
It’s a saying I’ve personally cherished for a long time, and one I’ve been reflecting on since the end of last year.
As we start a new year, I’d like to take this opportunity to think about this phrase in the context of our daily work.
(Incidentally, one of GP’s guiding principles, “ONE GP,” is inspired by the idea of “the right harmony.”)

This phrase originates from Mencius, a Chinese philosopher from the Warring States period.
“The right time” refers to opportunities given by the heavens.
“The right place” refers to favorable geographical conditions.
“The right harmony” refers to the power of unity among individuals.
Each of these elements is essential for strategy, and Mencius emphasizes that “the right harmony” is particularly important. I find these ideas to be highly applicable to business as well.

I have been working in event production for 25 years and have been running my own company for 13 years.
Recently, I’ve been especially attuned to the meaning of “the right time.”
There are moments when the social flow aligns perfectly, and everything seems to progress smoothly. Conversely, there are times when nothing seems to go right, no matter what you do.
“The right time”—something which is beyond our control—is something I’ve come to acknowledge. 
We all likely felt this during the pandemic.
Over the past few months, I’ve felt somewhat out of sync with “the right time.”
Looking back, I’ve experienced this feeling several times before.
In hindsight, these periods felt like a “recharging phase” before moving on to the next level.
Have you ever felt something similar?
During such times, I focus on the following:

1. Proceeding with the work in front of me more carefully and thoroughly than usual.
2. Reading books and noting down the most impactful points.
3. Valuing human connections even more and meeting people in-person.

What do you think?
I hope that this might be able to serve as a small source of inspiration for you.

“The right place,” and our new office

Last year, I had a significant experience that made me keenly aware of the concept of “The Right Place.” 
This occurred in November when we relocated to our new office in Omotesando.
The decision to move was made with “the right place” in mind. 
The new location offers convenient access to Tokyo’s major business districts and provides an environment that fosters cultural exchange. 
The office layout allows all team members to work on the same floor, which improves operational precision. 
It is also a space designed to consistently produce high-quality events. 
Moreover, the office is filled with natural light, and I immediately thought, “This is it!” upon seeing it for the first time.
If you haven’t had the chance to visit yet, I would be delighted to welcome you anytime.
As we enter 2025, I encourage everyone to place importance on “place.” 
This doesn’t necessarily mean undertaking a large move. Even making small adjustments to your layout, or creating spaces that encourage people to gather and collaborate, can lead to significant progress and evolution.

What does “the right harmony” look like in a company?

Finally, let’s talk about “the right harmony.”
What exactly constitutes the ultimate form of “the right harmony” for modern companies?
It could be a state where the entire organization’s intentions are unified.
Or a state where there is a strong sense of solidarity and belonging.
Perhaps it’s a state where information flows smoothly in all directions, allowing it to be shared effectively.
Or even a state where each individual takes an appropriate amount of responsibility for their work and executes it well.
Indeed, all of these are correct. These are universal principles that have been recognized for ages.

But… in the year of 2025, what is the true answer? 
Times are always changing. What does “the right harmony” mean in today’s world?
While it’s difficult to put into words, here are two thoughts I have:
“Bringing out the unique individuality of your team members and placing them in positions where their abilities can shine to the fullest.”
“Then, combining those strengths to create true ‘harmony.’”
On top of this, I believe that building trust and showing respect for others will become even more essential for organizations in the future. Moreover, this mindset shouldn’t just belong to the top leaders or management—it’s something every single person within the organization should be aware of and act upon.

It might sound obvious, but we are living in a time where diversity continues to evolve.
Team members who excel at presentations or have unparalleled AI expertise, those with a high level of aesthetic sensibility, or those who naturally attract trust and goodwill—all are invaluable assets to the future of companies.
At Global Produce, we aim to become a collective team where diverse talents merge and continually produce the highest-quality results. 
That is my vision for 2025.

To wrap up:
Keep it Simple, Just Do It.
We will always be here, cheering you on.

Sincerely,
Masaki Kouhata
President and CEO
Global Produce Inc.