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Communication Gaps and Their Impact on Relationships

In a world where constant connectivity is the norm, a significant number of people still find themselves struggling to communicate effectively. A recent survey conducted by Suntory Corporation sheds light on the phenomenon of communication gaps—specifically those overlooked greetings, expressions of gratitude, and apologies—that can ultimately shift the dynamics of personal relationships. This survey targeted 2,000 individuals across various age groups, revealing that approximately 70% have had experiences where they wished they could have conveyed certain messages but failed to do so.

Key Findings from the Survey

The survey uncovered some startling realities. For instance, nearly 45% of the respondents reported that their relationships had become increasingly distant due to unexpressed words. Among younger generations, particularly those in their twenties and thirties, the phenomenon of communication gaps seems to be even more pronounced. In this demographic, 77.8% and 70.6% respectively admitted to experiencing such gaps within their interactions.

Some poignant examples of missed opportunities included not expressing gratitude to friends or family members. Responses highlighted instances where individuals failed to convey appreciation for home-cooked meals or neglected to congratulate friends on major life events, leading to lingering feelings of regret. Just one of the countless expressive frustrations shared by respondents included: _“I wanted to tell my mother how delicious her cooking was, but I never got around to it.”_

Cultural Context: New Year’s Greetings

As 2025 approaches, communication challenges become particularly relevant during holiday seasons—specifically around New Year’s greetings. The concept of the 'Matsuno-uchi'—a customary period in Japan where New Year's greetings should ideally be exchanged—creates pressure for individuals to respond promptly. The survey revealed that more than half of the participants felt that formalities tied to this period hindered their willingness to reciprocate greetings past the traditional timeframe.
Even after the Matsuno-uchi period, many respondents voiced feelings of apprehension. They noted that they often felt it was “too late” to respond, despite knowing that receiving late replies would be accepted by the sender. About 57.8% of the recipients acknowledged they would still appreciate late responses, highlighting a disconnect between the sender’s hesitation and the recipient's openness.

The #AkeGome Initiative

To address this growing concern, Suntory introduced a campaign called “#AkeGome,” designed to encourage individuals to bridge these communication gaps. Launching on January 7, 2026, this event aims to facilitate open dialogue surrounding missed greetings and the often-unspoken discomfort they can create. This event, hosted in Tokyo, invites participants to share their experiences and re-establish connections that become strained due to unexpressed sentiments.

The initiative will provide attendees with new, customized stamps for New Year’s greetings, along with an engaging space to creatively express their sentiments post-holiday season. Through playful interactions, participants can choose messages to accompany gifts, thus re-establishing relationships and resolving lingering feelings of regret surrounding their communication gaps.

Conclusion: Embracing the Art of Communication

The survey emphasizes the critical role effective communication plays in fostering healthy relationships. As we usher in a new year, it is essential to remember that expressing thoughts like gratitude and reminders of connection can hold great significance. By taking steps to mitigate communication gaps, individuals can enhance their interactions and ultimately lead to stronger, more resilient relationships. The key takeaway? It’s never too late to say what’s on your mind.

Whether it's an overdue 'thank you' or an impactful New Year’s greeting, reclaiming the power of expression can prove invaluable in our personal lives. Therefore, let’s embrace the opportunity to communicate meaningfully and nurture our connections as we step into 2025 and beyond.