With just a few days left in 2025, we are able to close out the year safely and gratefully thanks to every customer, colleague, and friend who has visited ith. Thank you, truly.
Each year, as we look back, we are reminded that ith continues to exist because of every single encounter and connection we have been fortunate to share.
When ith first began, we never wanted our relationship with customers to end once a ring was completed and delivered. We hoped instead to build connections that would continue long after.
That wish came from a sense of responsibility toward the rings we create, and from a simple hope that, at some point in life, someone might remember ith and feel like visiting the atelier again. We have shared this thought in many ways over the years.
One particularly memorable example of a continuing connection was the creation of a full eternity ring to celebrate the tenth wedding anniversary of a couple who had their engagement and wedding rings made with us in 2015.
When we received a message through social media after ten years, I felt deeply happy that they had thought of ith again when deciding to create another ring. I found myself recalling their first consultation for an engagement ring at the Kichijoji atelier, and the story they shared about the successful proposal. It made our reunion something to truly look forward to.
When we met again, conversation flowed so naturally, as if they had just made their rings with us recently.
From revisiting the original design to adjusting it to better suit their current preferences, everything progressed smoothly. It was clear how vividly their ring making experience from ten years ago remained in their memory, which meant a great deal to me.
They also visited with their two energetic young sons, who were fascinated by the rings.
I was especially touched by the mother’s words, saying, “One day, I hope you grow up to become someone who can give a beautiful ring to the person you love, just like your dad.”
If one day those children choose to make rings at ith, it would be a wonderful connection that spans generations. Until then, we will keep doing our best.
Another unforgettable encounter was with a customer who visited the ith Kobe atelier to finally create a ring after ten years.
Back in 2014, when they were still a student, they somehow discovered our tiny atelier tucked away in a back street. To learn that they had admired ith long before marriage was even on the horizon was something entirely new to us, and deeply moving.
Knowing that someone had quietly supported us for so many years, sharing our belief in cherishing one meaningful thing over many, gave us renewed confidence to keep moving forward, trusting in the value of steady, everyday effort.
Even without meeting face to face until now, it was an experience that reminded us how strong a connection can be through ith.
Toward the end of the year, we also had customers casually drop by nearby ateliers for ring maintenance and care. The fact that ith and their rings come to mind at the close of the year feels like yet another sign that these connections continue.
Until now, we have often expressed the wish that connections will last. This year reaffirmed our desire to keep moving forward by putting those hopes into words and actions.
As we step into the coming year, we will continue to walk alongside each person with sincerity, hoping to create and nurture many new forms of connection.
ith Founder: Ayu Takahashi
