Starting in 2022, this marks the third December I’ve sat in front of my computer, compiling highlights. It’s also the third year I’m sharing them with you.

Last December, I was in Honolulu, crossing the finish line of a marathon. This year, however, I’m ending the year with more time spent in my home country, more hours at the office, and a deeper focus on reading and writing.

As I find myself in my usual corner of my favorite coffee shop, welcoming one of the final weekends, I gaze out at the soft morning light streaming through the large window, larger than my own body.

As I finish the cup, I take a moment to reflect on the journey from twelve months ago to today, once again becoming aware of the passage of time.

Here are the nine moments that highlight my 2024.

1. Grew Within the Japan Team

Throughout my career at the company, I have primarily worked with multinational merchants, regardless of whether the market was in Japan.

However, this year, as the company has shifted towards localization, I became increasingly aware of my role as a member of the Japan team.

I spent a significant amount of time reflecting on how I can contribute to product development specifically for the Japanese market and leverage my knowledge and experience to add value to the local team.

This shift in focus has been a key learning experience for me at work in 2024.

2. Published My First Book

Publishing my first book feels like a significant milestone in my writing journey.

During the week I spent in Sri Lanka attending my friend’s wedding, I was putting the finishing touches on the manuscript. A few weeks after returning home, I officially published my debut book, Behind the Uniform Skirt: Ikigai-less Frontlines.

While the act of publishing hasn’t dramatically changed my day-to-day life (though I have started receiving fan letters), it has made it easier to explain what I do when people ask.

The process of publishing has taught me a lot about sharing my work with the world and has deepened my understanding of what it means to be a writer.

3. Took Two Business Trips to Singapore

In April and November, I traveled to Singapore for business.

The November trip, in particular, proved to be especially rewarding, yielding many valuable insights and achievements.

4. Started Weekly Self-Reflections

I began sharing weekly reflections.

This practice has become a form of journaling, helping me track the changes and progress in my life.

It has encouraged me to articulate my experiences, which has allowed me to internalize the lessons and apply them moving forward.

5. Designed My Workspace

At the beginning of this year, I moved into a new apartment in Tokyo and dedicated time to designing my workspace.

I invested in creating an environment that would enhance my productivity and inspire my writing.

Now, it’s one of my favorite corners of the city and one of the reasons writing has become the activity I look forward to each morning.

6. Established a Daily Running Habit

As of this month, it’s been over 200 days since I made running a daily habit.

For the past 200 days, almost every morning, I’ve slipped into my running shoes without hesitation, almost automatically heading out the door.

This new healthy habit has made me healthier, both mentally and physically, than I was a year ago, and I’m grateful to have incorporated it into my routine.

7. Worked on Styling My Eyebrows

I inherited my eyebrows from my father — bold and thick for a Japanese person.

Throughout my twenties, I couldn’t bring myself to touch them, feeling a sense of guilt about altering something that was part of my father’s DNA.

When I started working, I visited an eyebrow salon for the first time, but I wasn’t happy with the outcome. The neat, thin shape made me feel like my expression was too soft and uncharacteristic of myself.

In 2024, as I entered my late twenties, however, I decided to give eyebrow styling another try, inspired by a friend. I spent some time researching and experimenting with different techniques, learning about balance, hair texture, and angle.

Eventually, I discovered a style that felt right for me — one that complemented my natural features while maintaining the bold look passed down from my father.

8. Attended a Friend’s Wedding in Sri Lanka

What made this summer so special was traveling to Sri Lanka to attend the wedding of my high school friend, where I had the honor of being a bridesmaid.

Although we had stayed in touch and met a few times since graduation, seeing her again this summer was truly special.

She had grown into such a remarkable woman, and as a friend, it made me incredibly happy to witness her joy on such an important day.

It was also my very first time attending a wedding, which made the experience even more memorable.

9. Donated Blood for the First Time

During my visit to the donation tent, I realized that this was my first time donating blood.

The experience of giving blood (further shared in The Power of Giving — see entry 2) made me reflect more on how I can give back to society through small acts in my daily life.

“I can’t believe another year has passed. Time flies so quickly.”

This was a phrase I often used to say at the end of the year. However, since I started making time for self-reflection, I find that I don’t feel that way as often or as intensely anymore.

I see this as a sign that I’ve become better at fully experiencing each moment, savoring it more deeply. This is joyful growth.

May 2025 be a year that brings all of you more joy.