Regarding Tofu　-Murakami Asahi-do -Haruki Murakami-

In this column, I have been having Mr. Anzai Mizumaru illustrate for a long time. As for me, I have attempted to have Mr. Anzai draw a tremendously difficult theme at least once. However, when I see the resulting illustrations, there doesn't seem to be any evidence of the hardships involved. Even if it is said that professionals should not show their struggles, it's only natural for us to want to enjoy seeing them even a little, experiencing moments of weakness or difficulty. So the other day, I tried writing a piece with the theme of "General Rommel Eating Beef Cutlet in a Dining Car," and it was accompanied by an illustration of General Rommel actually eating a beef cutlet. This made me think. In the end, no matter what difficult theme I propose, I can never truly trouble Anzai Mizumaru forever. Even if I were to suggest themes like "A Showdown between an Octopus and a Giant Centipede" or "Engels Warmly Watching Karl Marx Shave His Beard," the masterful Anzai would undoubtedly tackle them effortlessly. So, what should I do? How can I manage to trouble Anzai Mizumaru? There is only one answer: simplicity.

For example, tofu. There is a place in Shinjuku that serves incredibly delicious tofu. When I was taken there, I ended up eating four blocks of tofu consecutively because it was so delicious. Without adding soy sauce or condiments, I simply devoured the pure, smooth, white blocks. Truly delicious tofu requires no additional seasoning. It can be described as "simple as it must be." This tofu is made by a tofu shop in Nakano specifically for restaurants, but recently, the availability of delicious tofu has significantly declined. While automobile exports may be good, I believe that a national structure that diminishes the availability of delicious tofu is fundamentally distorted.