Azalea flowers and fresh verdure are very beautiful now in Japan. 
When I was a kid, I often sucked nectar from azalea flowers.
Whenever I see azalea flowers, it would help me recall happy sweet memories.

Last April 23th, we opened a new company "Yamashin Korea Inc." in Seoul, Korea.
I went to Korea with my wife to attend the Opening Ceremony that was modest 
just like our new office. 

http://www.yamashin-filter.co.jp/products_process/news/04-04/

After the ceremony, we had lunch together with the people who attended.
Of course, the lunch was Korean Barbecue and Jinro !
Here also, the subject of business in China became a topic of conversation.
The construction machinery industry and semi-conductor industry in China
will be expanding for some years. 

Recently, the demand of most materials far exceeds the supply in Japan
because of the sudden expansion of the Chinese market. 
Sudden rise in prices of raw materials such as steel and iron are unbelievable.
Of course, price adjustment for products is not easy, even though it is a result of 
a sudden increase in the price of raw materials.
Yamashin, especially in the production division, are very busy to purchase materials
at reasonable prices.

In Korea, it's all very well that exports to China are increasing, but at the same time 
imports from China are also increasing.
The problem is that the rising prices of raw materials and low priced chinese products are weakening Korean competitiveness in the world markets.
That is to say, the price of Chinese commodities are more reasonable than Korean made commodities and on the other hand, quality and technology of Japanese products are much better than Korean products.
The present Korea, including its political situation, is in an awkward position, 
caught between two interested parties.

In the years ahead, as a national strategy, Korea is expected to re-build its 
economic and political systems to become more effective and competitive.
As one of the Korean companies, Yamashin Korea Inc. would like to contribute
to Korean customers through our Filter Business. 

Our motto of this year is "Quick Response to Your Needs."
I hope for your continued patronage and support for the Yamashin Filter Group.
Thank you.