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

ーー: So many items were born thanks to you writing the words “Ochitsuke” for us. The hanging scroll, pin badges, keyrings, mugs… and now the Hobonichi Techo joins the lineup. Working with you, I felt that you clearly knew what items would work well and what won’t.

Ishikawa: Actually, my wife decided whether something would become a “Ochitsuke” item or not. Basically, if it could be easily thrown away or may be treated roughly, it was a big no from her. With that in mind, techos and diaries have importance to them. This isn’t only with the Hobonichi Techo, but I don’t throw any of my techos away.

Ishikawa: Techo’s have an element of a diary. In East Asia, techo’s are integral in the category of literature. On top of that, Hobonichi Techo’s have daily quotes written in them. I love to read these.

ーー: We’re pleased to hear you’ve enjoyed the daily quotes. By the way, there are so many times I want to choose your words as a daily quote that come up during your talk with Itoi.

Ishikawa: I do wonder why everyone is in such a rush these days. I’ve learnt that “the slow and steady win the race”. Everyone makes decision on the spot, especially in business. I think it’s important to accept it, let the thought process, and then reply.

Ishikawa: Everyone chooses with reactions and not words. I think people respond by reflex. That’s why I say: throw away your smartphones. At least throw it away during your personal life, and know that time can flow slowly, freely, and feel as if there are no limits. You might realize that that’s the most human-like way of living. Looking at the younger generation, I also think they’re too eager to know the how-to’s.

Ishikawa: When I listen to conversations between lecturers at university, it’s all about the how-to’s. Everyone is learning answers to “In this case, let’s solve it this way”. I don’t think that’s right. What’s important is underneath that layer. If you know what you’re doing something for, and what’s important, there’d be so many different answers to how it can be solved. But all the young ones want answers on how to solve each problem case by case. TV commentators are the same, and only give answers case by case. They don’t see where the root of the problem is, and what they actually have to fix. They don’t go down to that level to find the answer. I suggest they take in that problem, and face it.

ーー: So the younger generation tries to find an answer as soon as they hit a problem.

Ishikawa: On your days off, It’s boring to use your smartphone to find where the destination is, go there, have fun, and head straight back home. We should spend more time thinking about where to go loosely, otherwise we’ll all become boring. We should face what life means directly. What does it mean to marry someone? What does it mean to fall in love? How should we think about having a household? What does it mean to bring up a child? We should all face each other, think richly and live a life you won’ regret. Innovative technologies should have developed with that as the base, but smartphones were suddenly pushed into our lifestyles and distorted it. We think that that distorted lifestyle is normal.

Ishikawa: Indeed. So, let’s bring ourselves back. We have to think how we should live as the protagonist of our own lives. If we don’t take it back, we’ll be manipulated by instructions given by smartphones and live in a distorted world. That’s why I emphasize “Stay calm”.

Ishikawa: To stay calm is to get yourself back again. We should think “I did all I can, and this is my all”. If we could all our best, I think that society would turn out interesting.

Ishikawa: So, for that to happen, you have to get yourself back. We work to live, not live to work or to gain economical results. We just have to live. Each person just has to live their own life. That’s the best society, and whether we should connect people with smartphones, or whether you go overseas or not isn’t important.

Ishikawa: You have to take the lead of your own life. Have confidence in yourself, rely on yourself, and be responsible for yourself. To do that, you have to lose hope.

Ishikawa: Despair towards living. The young ones will probably wonder what they’re living for when they face problems, but they should know that to live is based on despair. Despair is the definite starting point, and everything after that is a gamble. If you live with sadness that comes from despair, you’ll be grateful for everything, and not take anything for granted. Youths have to lose hope at least once. Nothing starts without despair. If you start with despair, everything after that is a positive.

Ishikawa: Everyone who’s job hunting before graduating from university all wear the same suits like it’s a rule, and look more or less the same. We have to be a society where we can say that “I’m doing this this way because I want to” “I don’t want to do it”. Everyone should have their own ideas, and not base everything on comparison with one another but your own ideas and your own way of living. It’ll be more fun if more people like this gather around.

ーー: Through the word “Ochitsuke” I was able to hear of what it is to live. I hope this will become a message to those starting a new life from this spring. Thank you so much for your time.

(End)