New Year's Greetings for the Year 2026

As we usher in the New Year, we extend our heartfelt greetings.

We trust you have welcomed this splendid new spring in good health. We sincerely thank you for your exceptional understanding and cooperation throughout the past year with the Katsushika Ward Commercial Association and the Katsushika Ward Revitalization Association's efforts to promote the shopping district.

We also express our deep gratitude for the support received from Katsushika Ward Mayor Aoki, Katsushika Ward Assembly Chairman Umezawa, and all members of the National Diet, Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, and related organizations.

Although the current economic environment is described as showing a “gradual recovery,” the situation surrounding small businesses remains severe. Shopping districts continue to actively hold various events despite the difficulties. However, the significance of shopping districts in supporting local life remains unchanged. We firmly believe that continuing to operate with sincerity and enthusiasm is the way to protect the local economy. We must encourage and support each other to overcome this challenging situation.
Under these circumstances, the Katsushika Ward Commercial Association collaborated with Katsushika Ward to implement the “Katsushika Premium Gift Certificates,” issuing 200 million yen worth in June-July and an additional 600 million yen worth in November. Furthermore, we issued 480 million yen worth of the digital version, “Katsushika PAY,” which was used by many residents. These initiatives stimulated consumption within the ward, promoted the circulation of the local economy, and contributed to further revitalization.
Furthermore, we actively hosted various events aimed at enhancing the appeal of shopping districts.
The “7th Katsushika Gourmet Championship Japan Cup 2025” and the “6th Katsushika Meat Festa 2025” featured menus showcasing each shop's unique characteristics, attracting large crowds. The “Katsushika Marugoto Bar 2025+” event, featuring 167 participating shops, offered a fresh way to enjoy exploring the local area.
As a new initiative, we launched “Captain Tsubasa: Kickoff in the Shopping District!!”. This project, utilizing the character's appeal through themed events and a stamp rally, began promoting Katsushika's charm both domestically and internationally. These activities demonstrate new possibilities for shopping districts, with an eye toward inbound demand.

We actively participated in major district events: at the “Katsushika Ward Industry Fair,” we set up 25 booths and energized the venue with street performances; at the “Katsushika Food Festa 2025,” we welcomed 78,000 visitors over two days, significantly raising the shopping district's profile.

Meanwhile, member skill development is essential to adapt to socio-economic changes. To tackle challenges like digitalization and internationalization, we conducted study tours of advanced shopping districts, gaining valuable insights.
While national discussions on policies for regional revitalization address Japan's economic challenges like rising prices, the true strength supporting local economies lies in the daily efforts accumulated by us, the shopping districts.
Economies inherently operate through “circulation.” When shopping districts thrive, local lives become richer, and positive effects spread to our business partners. We aim to build a future where we share prosperity by leveraging our vital business resources: knowledge, skills, history, and the bonds of our community.

The horse, this year's zodiac animal, symbolizes “vigor” and “advancement.” We sincerely hope this year brings great economic leaps for Katsushika Ward and fills our shopping districts with the smiles of many customers.

This year, the Katsushika Ward Commercial Association, the Katsushika Ward Revitalization Association, and each shopping district will join forces. We humbly request your continued support so that 2026 can be a year of even greater progress. With this, we extend our New Year's greetings.