The Ability to Make It Work

Itoi

When I first arrived today, I suspected I’d be talking with someone that feels quite distant, in a way.

Masuda

Yeah.

Itoi

But I decided to come and talk with you because I didn’t want Hobonichi or myself to be trapped in a circle of people who we can generally relate to. I didn’t know how Hobonichi readers would react to your aesthetics, but I did know as soon as I sat down in your cafe that I was absolutely fascinated. It made me want to gather up the courage to reach out to you, and sure enough. I had a lot of fun today.

Masuda

I’m honored. And I’m so happy that this is the place that first caught your attention.

Itoi

I was even waiting for the release day!

Masuda

When the staff found out that you knew about this place, they had a fit. Where did you find out about it? A news article on the internet?

Itoi

Probably. But I figured there would be a lot of regulars on the release day, and was too embarrassed to intrude on that. So I waited a few days before I came.

Masuda

Oh, you were ready to come even on the first day! I appreciate that. But don’t worry, you came before anyone else did. I’d invited people to the opening, but after that, you were the first one. So everyone was impressed with how sharp your radar is.

Itoi

Not at all. But you know, when something is about to make big waves in the world, it certainly has those signs of the coming storm beforehand. All you have to do is sit around, and those signs will reach you. Yazawa was the same way, as was SMAP immediately after their debut.

Masuda

I don’t know if I belong in a lineup like that. I’ll have to up my game.

Itoi

No, you’re fine just the way you are. And just to clarify, I really don’t know much about Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. I know you work with her and she’s interesting, but that’s about it. When I see an idol that’s really successful, my first thought is, “Normal kids are so interesting!” They all have the good points in them that normal kids do. Same goes with Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. I had been seeing her, assuming she’s got those good points in her, too.

Masuda

Yeah, for sure.

Itoi

I’m sure most of our Hobonichi readers aren’t normally into things like the Kawaii Monster Cafe, but I’d like them all to be interested in your work after reading today’s interview.

Masuda

After talking with you today, it seems like there may be things for people to be interested in about me after all.

Itoi

I’m sure there are. And we’re in an environment nowadays where things are connected with hashtags in addition to just searching for things on Google. There are all sorts of hashtags nowadays connecting things that are related. That’s even how this very interview started. I was interested in your work but felt very distant from you, so I came to see you today. And in the end, you weren’t very distant after all.

Masuda

That’s true. I feel as if you’re an important superior of mine.

Itoi

So, how have the customers been for this place?

Masuda

I don’t think many people know about this place yet.

Itoi

Isn’t that because you never decided on your target audience even though that’s usually where it starts?

Masuda

Oops, you figured it out. (laughs)

Itoi

It’s easy to see. (laughs) I’ve done a lot of projects that same way. Someone will ask me who my target audience is, but my only answer is, “Everyone.” And I’d kind of joke around, saying, “Because everything I find interesting is interesting.” I’m sure you did the same thing.

Masuda

That’s true. Although, that’s not enough to get the point across, so I make things first so I can show them to people. At all times, I’m constantly pouring my best effort into my works, desperate to make people understand my personal point with them.

Itoi

I see… But everyone’s had that experience before. All the Yazawas, anyway.

Masuda

All the Yazawas? (laughs)

Itoi

Everyone works with that level of desperate urgency from the fear that no one will care, and that’s what leads to the next interesting development. It was only because Yazawa made it past that period of desperation that he made it to where he is today. And when he felt like he was getting old, he put together a new band of young members and toured around small venues across Japan. And before he went to America, he knew it might not work out. But he took these thoughts seriously, and he made it work. And that’s what makes everyone Yazawas.

Masuda

And you didn’t end up being the person I thought you were.

Itoi

Perhaps I was the opposite. You assumed I was someone who was gifted at calculation and foresight, and planned everything out beforehand, didn’t you?

Masuda

I thought that might be the case. But that’s not true at all. You’re more of a person who follows your heart, which makes me feel like we’re closer than we thought.

Itoi

I was told the same thing by the comedian Sanma Akashiya. “Itoi,” he asked me, “isn’t it painful thinking so much all the time?” Of course, there are times when I’m deep in thought, but not always. It’s crucial to follow your heart. But at the same time, not bracing for anything and just plowing ahead causes problems for other people. It would just makes the people in my life and my employees cry.

Masuda

(laughs)

Itoi

Well then, let’s meet again soon.

Masuda

Yes, thank you so much. I had a wonderful time.

Itoi

I did, too. Thank you.

[End]

2016-12-06-Tue

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