The word of “stay calm” to those starting a new life. An interview with Kyuyoh Ishikawa

ーー: “Ochitsuke” (meaning “stay calm” in Japanese) is coming out as a Hobonichi Techo. Looking back at previous covers, I think it’s the first time that a Hobonichi Techo cover has a message printed out front.

ーー: I hope it turns out well. We first came out with the Hobonichi’s Ochitsuke goods in February 2018, and the hanging scroll and pin badge sold out instantly. How do you feel seeing the finished product of the Hobonichi Techo version of “Ochitsuke”?

Ishikawa: I’d only seen it as a design, but I think it turned out well. The color of the indian ink is expressed well, and the word “Ochitsuke” is positioned grandly. I like how the word is placed slightly high up.

ーー: Have you imagined how you wish people to use this techo with the words “Ochitsuke” printed on it?

Ishikawa: First, it’s important to stay calm. Really, everyone’s too busy these days. For example, place this on your desk at work or somewhere that it will always be within eyesight. The hanging scroll might take up some space, but you can prop this techo up to have the same effect.

ーー: Hobonichi Techo’s are easy to carry around, so the word “Ochitsuke” might become more familiar.

Ishikawa: There are so many people around me telling me that they want “Ochitsuke” goods. When you initially sold the first collection, people told me they didn’t make it before they sold out.

ーー: Perhaps everyone was waiting for some kind of item that allowed them to carry your calligraphy around. Here’s the actual piece you wrote for us.

ーー: Exactly. I get asked this sometimes, but the word “Ochitsuke” isn’t positioned exactly in the center, and is slightly towards the right, isn’t it. How have you consciously made the decision to position it?

Ishikawa: I’ve left some space on the left. When you write vertically, you write from the right to left. Leaving space on the left means that there’s space left to develop. This also means that if the word is placed on the left, it will stop the flow. I’ve left “Ochitsuke” to be slightly opened and not too secured.

Ishikawa: When you disect the word “stay calm”, you’ll see that you have to firmly say it, but at the same time not be too strong. You can’t say it too loosely either. Before anything, “stay calm”. To express how things can move on afterwards, I’ve kept the words slightly to the right.

ーー: I see. So it was a decision made with a deep meaning, and not just for visual appeal. Sorry, I’m just an amateur.

Ishikawa: If the word “Ochitsuke” is placed in the middle, it will become too obvious and therefore unsophisticated. But thinking of the size of this techo, placing it in the middle will make it stand grand as well. Since the bottom of the calligraphy spreads out slightly, it sits well. To briefly explain the blank spaces of this cover, it’s spaced out so it seems like it’s telling you to stay calm in a dignified manner. It’s asking you why are you scurrying around, where are you rushing off to?

ーー: Do you have times when you aren’t calm and get carried away by emotion or tend to rush?

Ishikawa: When you come to my age, there aren’t that many times I’m in those kinds of situations, but I guess when it could happen when I’m close to a deadline.

Ishikawa: I do feel bad, but there’s no point in rushing and make a fuss. So when I can’t meet a deadline, or I’m late to a meeting because of a traffic jam, I do say sorry to not worry the opponent, and of course for the trouble I’ve caused them, but after that all that’s left to do is to say “so what?”

ーー: It’s not that you can hurry when you rush. When did you decide to take the “so what” attitude?

Ishikawa: I was definitely not calm when I was younger. I was especially busy when I started to work independently, and that’s when I threw my watch away.

Ishikawa: When I took my watch off, I realized how stupid I was to let time lead my life. You should try it once, too.

Ishikawa: Well, I guess It may be hard because it’s hard to get work done without it. In my thirties, I decided not to wear a watch for a year. By doing so, my mentality changed a lot. I still don’t own a smartphone. I believe I’d have a different mentality if I lived with a smartphone.

ーー: You can connect with everyone on one hand, but feel like you’re watched on the other.

Ishikawa: Exactly, exactly. I teach at university, and there I’ve banned mobile phones and laptops during class. Some students actually are glad, because messages can be left unread during my lectures. (Laughs) It’s easy to connect with everyone, but there’s something unnatural to that as well. It might be hard to eliminate it completely because of work, but on your days off, or after working hours, throw away your smartphones. There’s no need to use it for your personal life. By doing so, your quality of life will increase and I think this will help you to stay calm.

(To be continued)