【English text follws】
新年あけましておめでとうございます。
年頭にあたり、旧年中のご厚誼に心より御礼申し上げます
長期化するウクライナ戦争にイスラエル・ガザ紛争が加わった2023年。続く2024年には自国第一主義を前面に掲げるトランプ氏の米国大統領選出とシリアのアサド政権崩壊。欧州での極右・ポピュリズム政党の台頭、ドイツ・フランスの政権の低迷と経済不振。世界情勢は、いよいよ未来に対する不安を強くさせるものでした。
ここであらためて足元を振り返れば、人々ひとりひとりが、自国の民主主義の適正な機能をあらためて意識しなおし、自分自身や愛する者が直接かかわることとしてその実現に向けて力を尽くすこと、それから、いままで「民主主義世界の秩序維持」を米国に頼ることを当然の前提としてきた日本を含めた国際社会が、基本的な発想を転換すること、そのような必要に迫られているということかもしれません。
しかし、観念的にはそうでも、メディア上で様々に表現されているように、自国第一主義や極右・ポピュリズムの台頭は、人々の日常生活の中に、それを許す（その言葉を信じ頼りたくなる）ほどの不満が蓄積されていることの裏返しなのでしょう。衣食足りて礼節を知る―腹が減っては戦はできない―腹ペコなのに（自国の社会や経済に爆発しそうな不満があるのに）、周り（国際社会）のことなど構ってはいられない・・・というのが、世界の多くの人々の現実なのでしょう。
このような状況を打破し好転させるのは国政の役割、それを支えるのは民主主義であり主権者国民、しかし国民は腹ペコで、自国第一主義・極右・ポピュリズムを支持する状況・・・この悪循環。何とか打破の突破口を見出さなければなりません。
一方で、昨今のDXとりわけ生成AIの急速な進化と社会への静かな浸透に、人々の日常を過ごしやすく豊かにしてくれる兆しを感じます。
また、法律の世界では、そのようなプラスの側面を後押ししつつ様々に想定される（重大な）リスクをまずは予防すべく、立法作業が精力的に進められています。
「動」が、私から見た2024年を表す一字でした。
そして、2025年早々、飛び込んできたのは、Metaがファクトチェックを廃止する方針を決定したというニュースでした。特に、EUのIT/AI関連立法との関係が気になります。
このような世の中にあって、依頼者の直面する課題を、柔軟な思考と、諦めない粘り強さで解きほぐしていく。順風のときも逆風のときも、常に依頼者の傍らにいて、よりよい結果に向けて共に歩んでいく。依頼者が日本あるいは世界のどこにおられても、すぐそばで共に歩んでいるようなサポートを提供する。私共はそのような法律事務所であり続けるよう、また、少しでも社会の役に立つことができるように、努力と工夫を重ねてまいります。
本年もどうぞよろしくお願い致します。
この新しい年が、健やかで実り豊かな年でありますように。
A Happy New Year!
As we enter this brand-new year, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude for the trust and support you have extended to us throughout the past year.
The year 2023 was marked by the prolonged war in Ukraine, being further intensified by Israel’s military operations in Gaza. As we reflect on 2024, the global landscape continued to grow increasingly uncertain: the re-emergence of former President Trump with his blunt “America First” agenda, the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, the rise of far-right and populist parties in Europe, and the ongoing political instability and economic struggles in Germany and France. These (and further various) events have only deepened global anxieties about the future.
Such global turbulence may be telling us that we must reflect on our own responsibilities. The message may be that each individual must reassess the proper functioning of democracy within their own country and actively work toward its preservation, recognizing that it directly impacts themselves and their loved ones. At the same time, the international community, including Japan, which has long taken the U.S. leadership for granted in maintaining the “democratic world order,” must reconsider its fundamental assumptions.
Yet, as much as these ideals are true, I would understand that the rise of nationalism and far-right populism, as widely reported in the media, is a reflect of deeper frustration within people’s everyday lives. When basic needs are unmet and dissatisfaction with social and economic conditions grows, it is no surprise that people turn to such movements for hope. The proverb “A hungry man is an angry man” rings true — when facing personal hardship, caring for global issues feels like a luxury.
Breaking free from this cycle of dissatisfaction and distrust is the task of national leadership, supported by democracy and sovereign citizens. However, when people feel left behind, they are often drawn to nationalism, far-right, and populist rhetoric. It is imperative to find a way to break this vicious cycle.
On a more positive note, the rapid advancement of digital transformation, especially the quiet yet powerful integration of generative AI into society, offers a glimpse of hope. These technologies have the potential to enrich and simplify people’s daily lives.
In the legal field, significant legislative efforts are being made to harness the positive potential of such innovations while proactively addressing the serious risks they may pose.
If I were to choose one word to define 2024, it would be “Movement”— a year marked by profound shifts and dynamic change.
Already, as we enter 2025, notable developments are emerging, such as Meta’s recent decision to discontinue fact-checking on its platform. This decision may raise serious concerns, particularly in the context of evolving EU regulations on digital governance and artificial intelligence.
In these complex times, our firm remains committed to supporting our clients with flexibility, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Whether facing calm or stormy conditions, we stand by our clients’ side, working together to achieve the best possible outcomes. Regardless of where our clients are — in Japan or across the globe — we aim to provide close, reliable support as if we were right there with them.
We will continue to strive to be a law firm that not only serves our clients but also contributes to society as a whole through relentless effort and innovation.
Thank you for your continued trust and support.
May this new year bring you good health, prosperity, and fulfillment.