Good evening. Tonight, I, Oya, who is in charge of HERALBONY CLUB, will be writing this in place of our usual Marie.

A Ginza night where different stories intertwine. On Friday, June 26th, we held "Table of Diversity" Vol.1, a HERALBONY CLUB exchange event, at HERALBONY LABORATORY GINZA.

Today, while reporting on the event, I would like to talk about the "conflicts" I felt during its operation and the future vision we aim for with HERALBONY CLUB. There may be parts that are not perfectly organized, but I decided to honestly share even my hesitations with all of you who always support us.

I would be delighted if you could bear with me for a little while.

"Talking and Intermingling"
Behind the scenes of such a space

A time for talking and intermingling over light refreshments. Approximately 30 people, selected from a large number of applications, and staff gathered around a single table.

We also prepared original artworks curated for this day in a special meeting room that is usually not accessible to visitors. During the "Improv Art Cruise," where our representative, Takaya Matsuda, introduced each piece, we occasionally heard gasps of admiration from the attendees.

There were also moments when participating guests shared the backstory behind their purchase of original artworks and their feelings for HERALBONY. One person shared how, amidst past family struggles, visiting ISAI PARK brought comfort from the gentle taste of the food, easing their anxious physical condition. In another person's story, while concerned about the future of their child with Down syndrome, they chanted "HERALBONY" like a prayer to remember the name that came on the car radio. They felt that name was a ray of hope for their child and family—a story that moved the venue to tears.

It was a space where the concept of "talking and intermingling" truly came to life.
To all who participated, thank you very much.

However, behind the scenes, I was constantly thinking about what "fairness" means. This is the reason I am writing today.

Equality or Fairness?

For HERALBONY CLUB events, we have intentionally not asked about the presence or absence of disabilities at the time of application. We wanted to conduct the lottery as fairly as possible, given the high application rates. We didn't want anyone to think that their chances of being selected were determined by whether they had a disability. Therefore, we only asked for names and contact information, and after selection, we individually asked about any necessary accommodations or support requests to ensure comfortable participation.

And at this Ginza event, an unexpectedly large number of selected participants requested to bring family members. This is very welcome news. I believe many people expected that HERALBONY events would be accessible to them, regardless of various circumstances or needs.

However, there are limited seats. With some applicants not being selected, we could not simply say "yes" to all requests for accompaniment. We had to prioritize those requiring assistance due to accessibility concerns, such as individuals with disabilities or small children, and regrettably, there were instances where we had to decline requests from family members who did not fall into these categories.

—So, what exactly is "fairness"?

I deeply understand the desire of people without disabilities to participate with their families. However, if we draw a line due to limited seating, that very line then excludes someone. Every day brings unanswered questions. It has truly been a continuous learning experience.

I recalled one "unforgettable moment." Amidst my confusion, I remembered the words of one participant.

What is "a place where everyone can shine with their unique brilliance"?

It was at the HERALBONY CLUB open記念 dinner event held at ISAI PARK in Morioka on April 11th. At the table where a deaf person was present, the other participants who joined them expressed very high satisfaction. At the same table, there were people who had learned sign language in elementary school and some who brought sign language charts. With a sign language interpreter present and learning sign language from the deaf person themselves, communication transcended words through writing and gestures, creating a unique interaction.

One of the participants at that table reflected on the experience as follows:

"Before participating, I felt a little nervous about having a sign language speaker at the same table. But the experience that day allowed me to witness a special moment where 'difference' created a unique experience, truly embodying HERALBONY. It became a more impressive and unforgettable time."

And then, there was the child I mentioned in a previous newsletter. They honestly confessed that while they wanted to show their drawing to everyone, they lacked the courage. When I encouraged them, saying, "It's okay, let's go show it to everyone together," warm and genuinely respectful interactions blossomed throughout the venue. In the end, the child proudly presented their drawing to many people on their own. Their mother was surprised and delighted, saying, "They're usually not like this at all."

To be able to unleash one's unique brilliance without hesitation. And to have people receive it with respect. Both those with disabilities and those without. A place where individuals with any personality or circumstances naturally intermingle and coexist—that is precisely the kind of place HERALBONY wants to create.

If that's the case, then what if, by chance, no one with a disability who applied was selected? That might, conversely, be the least like HERALBONY. If there are people who usually find it difficult to participate in other events or spaces, shouldn't HERALBONY events actively encourage their participation? I came to this realization.

That's why we have one "declaration." Even with some hesitation, this is what we have decided.

While we previously asked for individual preferences after selection, for future HERALBONY CLUB events, we will now ask for them at the time of application. By doing so, we aim to create an environment where individuals who need accessibility support or emotional encouragement feel more welcome and find it easier to participate from the lottery stage. In some cases, we may even prioritize such individuals slightly. It might not always be possible to meet 100% of all requests. However, we want to gradually explore the best possible arrangements together with all applicants.

The desire that "the presence or absence of disability should not affect selection" and the desire to "create a space where everyone can easily participate." How can we genuinely reconcile both? We will continue to carefully consider specific operational methods, gathering feedback from both inside and outside the company.

To be honest, I don't expect to find the perfect answer immediately. That's why I'd like to ask for your help.

If you have any feedback on this policy, or comments such as "this kind of consideration would make it easier to participate" or "this is how I feel," please let us know through the survey at the end of this message. There would be nothing more rewarding than to improve this space together with all of you.

Next, to Morioka.
"Table of Diversity" Vol.2 to be held

The next "Table of Diversity" will be held in Morioka.

We are eagerly looking forward to a time of conversation and intermingling in this city, the origin of HERALBONY, where we can directly exchange words with all of you who share a passion for HERALBONY. This time, our Representative Director and Co-CEO, Fumihiro Matsuda, is scheduled to participate.

Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Venue: HERALBONY ISAI PARK (Morioka)
Application Deadline: Sunday, July 12, 2026, 11:59 PM
Eligibility: Open to members with ♡♡♡ status or higher.
Cost: Free. Drinks and light refreshments will be provided.
*Only selected applicants will be notified of the lottery results, scheduled for Monday, July 13th.
*Those with a purchase history equivalent to ranking up to ♡♡♡ at the time of the lottery are also eligible.

You can apply from the "Actions" list in the HERALBONY CLUB app. Please also submit any requests or opinions regarding the event through the survey at the end of this email.

We sincerely look forward to your applications.

Click here for HERALBONY CLUB (smartphone only)

A "return" function has been added to the HERALBONY CLUB app.

One more announcement regarding a new function in the HERALBONY CLUB app.

A new "return" function has been added to the app. As the first phase, you can now return your accumulated unique mileage, "BONY," to support HERALBONY's activities.

The returned BONY will be used to operate HERALBONY CLUB and support artists. You can participate in the "return" action starting from 1 BONY. We plan to gradually increase the number of places where you can return BONY in the future.

Click here for HERALBONY CLUB (smartphone only)

Click here for information on joining HERALBONY CLUB

Finally, thank you very much for reading this far.

This may have turned out to be a slightly awkward and honest letter, different from usual. Still, I took up my pen tonight with the hope that I could share with you our hesitations, which are still taking shape, and the feelings that lie within them.

A place where both those with disabilities and those without, where individuals with any unique personality or circumstances, can naturally intermingle. We will continue to create such a place together with all of you.

If you would like, please share your opinions. Your voices will shape the future of HERALBONY CLUB.

Oya, HERALBONY CLUB Staff

Click here for the survey