2020.9.5Namichie shares her view of Art’s role – “I think we need Music which is a device to capture this space critically in this era.”Special feature "Creators and the Coronavirus crisis" 05Namichie graduated as valedictorian from the Department of Inter-media Art of Tokyo University of the Arts, a costume creator, a rapper, vocal of the band “globalshy”; a creator freely expressing her versatile talent. During this coronavirus crisis in April 2020 when the stay-at-home order was issued, she says “I’m happy that, with everything gone, I was able to examine myself.” What made her say this? And, this world with discrimination erupting in so many ways––. “Why are there still people who do not feel they are part of it all?” Namichie’s honest words, touch the heart of this world.READ
2020.8.28SUGIZO’s Thoughts on Roles of Musicians “I want to be a boost, stimulating and shaking people.”Special feature “Creators and the Coronavirus crisis” 04Guitarist SUGIZO has been full of energy even under the coronavirus crisis. Most of the nationwide tours, which started in February 2020, had to be cancelled or postponed, but he has since released a new song “Make a vow,” and held an online charity event “MUSIC AID FEST. – FOR POST PANDEMIC—” with his band. Frequently drawing attention to his political comments on the SNS, SUGIZO says that he has had an unsatisfactory feeling and frustration against this society currently threatened by the coronavirus. What is his ideal world? What would be necessary to realize it? The proactive creator told us in his own words. READ
2020.8.19Courage, Resolution, and Responsibility of SKY-HI -Culture makes everyone the “concerned person”-Special feature "Creators and the Coronavirus crisis" 03Why cultures such as music, movies, and arts are necessary for us—SKY-HI, a hip-hop artist and the member of the nationally popular dance group “AAA,” continuously casts this question through his expressions. The music and performances by SKY-HI is full of big love, trying to save the world, full of contradictions as racial discrimination. The words in his interview may seem a little aggressive and sensational at first. However, we can feel his strong will to make the world a better place, and his trust that it is possible. We would like to plainly convey his spirit. READ
2020.8.19Suzuki Takayuki – Where the coronavirus and fashion is “I believe it is a great time for clothes creators”Special feature "Creators and the Coronavirus crisis" 02In these days when people grieve about clothes not selling well, the “stay home” campaign under the coronavirus pandemic caused a massive damage and shock to the apparel industry. How does this plight look to the eyes of Suzuki Takayuki, who leads one of the top fashion brands in Japan? The reason he has been involved in a variety of activities such as creating costumes for artists, on-stage performances, and space designs along with running and designing brands is not irrelevant to social disturbances like the Coronavirus crisis. His message in the interview, “there is no easy age” brings a question to us, “how can we keep ourselves prepared all the time?” READ
2020.8.19the LOW-ATUS –– Takeshi Hosomi × TOSHI-LOW “I’m gonna survive no matter what”Special feature “Creators and the Coronavirus crisis” 01Takeshi Hosomi and TOSHI-LOW are both frontmen of bands as well as owners of their agency. The two have deepened their ties during the support for the Great East Japan Earthquake, and have been involved in many performances including performances in the devastated region together as “the LOW-ATUS.”What have been these two artists, who actually don’t even use SNS personally, thinking through this Coronavirus crisis? We asked them their opinions on the current situation of Japan, who have visited the divested areas whenever disasters occurred ever since the great earthquake (of 2011) and practiced grassroots activities. On the day of the interview. Our staff visited TOSHI-LOW's office, and made a phone call to Hosomi who was to participate online since he was working on his new album. "Huh? Are you gathering over there? Then it's easier for you if I join. Wait 10 minutes, I’ll be there."This is how the interview started––.READ