Terry Ito Column Vol.17 It's gotten much prettier than last year

I've decided on my theme for 2024. It's exactly right! "It's much more beautiful than last year." I'll go with that. These words are used in Iruka's hit song "Nagorie Yuki" (1975, lyrics and music by Shozo Ise).

Relic snow
As you wait for the train, I keep an eye on the clock
It's snowing out of season
This is the last time we'll see snow in Tokyo.
You mutter sadly
I know when the lingering snow will fall
After a season of fooling around too much
Now that spring has come, you've become prettier, much prettier than last year

It depicts a heartbreaking scene of a man and woman parting ways in Tokyo. I think of this song every time winter comes. The best part is the line, "She's so much prettier than last year." How you live, how you live, and how you behave throughout the year is key. Of course, appearance is included. Even if someone is very successful in business, if they have an unattractive face, you start to wonder if they're doing something bad to make money.

Speaking of which, I know a used car dealership president who smiles, but whose eyes never smile. That doesn't seem pretty. Even if you work hard for a year, sacrificing sleep, improving the company's performance, getting promoted to manager, and earning money for your family, if you ruin your health by overeating and drinking too much, you won't be considered pretty. Even if you greet everyone with a refreshing "Good morning! Thank you for your hard work today" on your way to work every day, you won't be considered pretty if you walk with your head bowed and hunched back. Even if you give your junior colleague sound advice when they're struggling with their life, and they thank you, spitting all over their face throughout the entire consultation won't be pretty. Even if your best friend who was laid off asks you for money and you lend them money without asking about the repayment date, showing your manliness, if your teeth are full of cavities, you won't be considered pretty. Furthermore, if you walk away briskly from your friend who's thanking you with tears in her eyes, with a lot of fat visible on your slacks... It's really hard to say, "You've become so much prettier than last year!"

I'm up for the challenge! "Beauty" is not something I decide, it's something others judge. My goals! ・Say only funny things no matter what adversity I'm in ・Manage my own health ・Don't speak ill of others ・Don't cause trouble for society ・Be kind to the elderly ・Eat sweets sparingly (I do eat a little though) ・Contribute to society as much as I can　　
I wonder if I can do it. I don't know if people will say "Terry Ito! You've become so much prettier than last year" in 2024, but it sounds fun, so I'll give it a try. Please let me know your opinion!

Terry Ito (director)

Born in Tsukiji, Tokyo in 1949. After attending Waseda Jitsugyo Junior and Senior High School, he graduated from Nihon University's School of Economics.
In March 2023, he completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University.
He joined the television production company IVS Television, where he worked on variety shows such as "Tensai Takeshi's Genki ga Deru TV" and "Neruton Benikujidan."
He then went independent and worked on planning and directing a number of television programs, including TV Tokyo's "Asakusabashi Young Clothing Store."
His book "Comedy North Korea" became a bestseller, and he subsequently made numerous media appearances under the name Terry Ito.
In addition to his work as a director, he is also active in a variety of fields as a producer, entertainer, and commentator.
YouTube channelTerry Ito's Comedy Backdrop'
Currently writing a column in LALALA USA
https://lalalausa.com/archives/category/column/terry