Though it’s only early July, Tokyo already feels like midsummer.But at six in the morning, the breeze is pleasant—perfect for a jog.The surface of the river is calm, and the streets are nearly empty.
For a brief moment, it almost feels like I’ve wandered into a quiet town while traveling somewhere far away.
Where It All Began
My grandfather first established his business in Edogawa in 1938.After the war, he restarted it under the name Ito Paper Works in Azumabashi, Sumida.
Later, we moved to our current location in Honjo, where we continue our work to this day.
There are several bridges crossing the Sumida River, each with its own unique charm. During my runs, I pass under many of them, but I’m especially drawn to the base of each bridge—the foundations that support it all.
They seem to carry the quiet weight of time, of all the people and goods that have passed overhead.
A Morning Routine
Now in my fifties, I jog with a conscious effort to care for my body. I remind myself: Don’t overdo it. Keep your pace. Keep looking forward.
My favorite route is 5.5 kilometers, and I run it at a slow, steady 8 km/h.Perhaps because we’re close to Tokyo Bay, the air often carries a faint scent of the sea.
For about 45 minutes, I check in with how my legs and joints are feeling, while letting thoughts drift—conversations with family and friends, work ideas, the day ahead.
By the time I finish, a quiet sense of accomplishment begins to well up within me. Two years ago, we opened a shop inside our factory to offer our drawing pads and memo blocks.
Since then, we’ve welcomed visitors not only from across Japan but also from overseas. Someday, I hope to take some of them on this same jogging route— to share the calm of the Sumida River, and the rhythm of a morning that continues to guide me forward.