Over the summer vacation, the Empath members reunited. Sharing our thoughts and feelings together deepened our connections with others. I think that by understanding each other better, we have grown as a team. I believe that these warm relationships will help us further expand our connections with wonderful colleagues all over the world.

Topic 1: EmPath members

This summer vacation, EmPath members Marie and Frida visited Japan.

I also got to know my coffee partner Yuta and Masakado from Open Factory.

We had met online, but the joy of meeting in person was something special.

We made a promise to meet again soon and began discussing business collaboration.

Why is this relationship so great?

I think this is because we are all connected by a common desire to make society a better place.

The idea of prioritizing the economy is common around the world,

I believe that a healthy society is the foundation of both the economy and the individual.

EmPath proudly embraces this belief.

By valuing aesthetic sense,

Fair and respectable business practices underpin our economy,

We can create a beautiful society where individuals can live as they wish.

I feel that this is exactly the kind of era we are entering now.

EmPath continues to connect with like-minded people around the world who are committed to making their communities better.

Let's continue to enjoy this journey together.

(EmPath Executive Director and Founder - Hironobu Matsuura)

Topic 2: North Bay Print and Poetry Festival

The North Bay Print & Poetry Festival, taking place this October, is a celebration of art with a difference. The event focuses on the written word and the beautiful art and craft that surrounds it. The event is organized by North Bay Letterpress Arts, a nonprofit organization that brings together poets and printmakers to share their passion for letterpress printing with the community.

Letterpress printing is the traditional craft of the "printing press," used for both text and images. It is part of the time-honored "book art" of printing, where the press is set up, inked, and powered by hand.

Throughout the day, there will be live music, food, and, most notably, poetry readings. Typesetters and artists will be displaying books, self-published magazines, and artwork. You can even have your own print engraved and sent in at the festival's highlight, "Steamroller Prints." This special event uses a large steamroller to press a relief print onto a large fabric canvas in the center of the town square.

Celebrate literary arts and crafts at this festival that's fun and ink-filled!

Date and time: October 4, 2025

Venue: Graton Town Square, Graton, California

Organized by: North Bay Letterpress Arts

Website: https://www.northbayletterpressarts.org

(EmPath correspondent Saby Clarke, California)

Topic 3: Announcement: Japanese Language and Culture 2025 "Learn Japanese while experiencing Japanese culture!"

Japanese language × Japanese cultural experience = Learn more with more fun!

Learning Japanese is more than just studying the language.

By understanding Japanese culture, you will be able to enjoy Japan more deeply and communicate more smoothly with the local people.

In this online class, you will learn basic Japanese as well as seasonal events and cultural customs in both Japanese and English in a fun way!

✨Learn about Japanese culture and gain confidence in speaking Japanese

✨Understand Japanese customs to make your travels and interactions smoother

✨Practice your Japanese output through interactive activities

Topic ④ Announcement: Art festival and happiness (coming soon)

Purpose of the event

"Happiness is just around the corner" — Art Festival & Happiness 2025

Have you ever stopped and noticed the happiness that already exists in your everyday life? The Art Festival & Happiness is an event that harnesses the power of art and community to help you realize that "we are already happy."

Art festival organizers, researchers studying well-being and happiness, university professors, and participants from around the world will rediscover the essence of happiness through presentations and interactive art programs.

With themes of "Oneness," "This is Me," and "Art Program," the event offers a unique opportunity to foster global connections while experiencing the beauty of local communities.

This year's event will be held online, welcoming participants from all over the world. Join us on a journey to find happiness through art!

Event details Date and time

Sunday, November 16, 2025, 2:00 AM – Tokyo (Japan time)

Saturday, November 15, 2025, 9:00 AM – Los Angeles (PST)

Saturday, November 15, 2025, 12:00 PM – New York (Eastern Standard Time)

Saturday, November 15, 2025, 2:00 PM – São Paulo (BRT)

Saturday, November 15, 2025, 6:00 PM – Paris (Central European Time)

Saturday, November 15, 2025, 9pm – Dubai (GST)

Duration: 3 hours

Format: Online

Interpretation: consecutive interpretation

Participation fee: Free

Thank you for reading to the end. This is a season when we are encouraged by the power of light and nature and are reminded of the importance of connecting with people across cultures and regions. EmPath will continue to learn, share, and connect with you to the future.

Our activities are made possible by the support of many people. If you feel that this is something you would like to support, please consider making a donation. Your support will be a great help in supporting our activities for the next generation.

Please use the URL or QR code below.

https://donate.stripe.com/bJe6oIgkxaQm9JC1PwaEE00

Please look forward to the next issue.