Wherever We Go, Time Passes Equally

Thank you for inviting me to speak at the 4th Jinzukai Lecture. On July 3rd, 5th year of Reiwa, I had the opportunity to speak at the Toyama Prefectural Civic Center Hall on the topic "Learning Work and Life Tips from Designers who Shaped the Era".

Although I have a penchant for research, having completed a doctoral program and served as a visiting researcher at foreign universities, I found myself immersed in pursuits driven by niche interests. Before I knew it, discussions around "retirement" and "second life" filled the air. Having never experienced "employment," and being untouched by bonuses or retirement benefits, I found myself in a different world. I questioned the selection of someone as unconventional as myself to address active high school students.

However, upon reflection, venturing off the beaten path and exploring uncharted territories alone has its own vistas. Through forging ahead as an independent researcher, I shared insights gained and lessons learned from the lives of fashion designers I've studied in the past, as well as future predictions gleaned from researching luxury, which heralds the next era. While my intention was to gift the students with my affection, I may have overloaded them with information, causing some indigestion.

As I search for topics to discuss, I realize that I have often resisted mainstream perspectives, constantly asserting, "No, there's another way to look at it." Even regarding my initial notable resistance in British cultural studies, if I had obediently followed the professors' advice and refrained from dabbling in the "frivolous" study of miniskirts, instead opting to write "solid" papers, perhaps I would be in a more secure position now... Regrets like these occasionally surface. However, beyond overcoming resistance lies a Blue Ocean where there is no competition, and the air is refreshing. By creating a context where I can freely leverage my strengths, even former authorities will respect me (though they may still keep their distance). In a changing society, designers of the past who helped shape eras for the better also thought and acted in this way. It seems my guiding principles are heavily influenced by these great designers.

Continuing work without belonging to an organization requires robust physical and mental strength, endurance, and a bit of luck. In a sense, one becomes a "product" where every action and word directly contributes to branding, leading to a constant need for self-representation. It also requires being prepared to shoulder all responsibilities alone. However, internal passion is seldom hindered by obligations or rules. There's no need to gauge the mood of authorities or worry about human relationships, making stress relatively absent and allowing for a sense of fulfillment in creating according to one's own desires. There is no definitive answer as to which path is correct. Even if one deviates from the recognized path, it's not a failure but rather a path to new possibilities, a chance to unleash hidden abilities. I hope that someday, this "alternative" choice will serve as a source of support for someone's heart.

Whether one chooses to go with the majority or take a different direction, time passes equally for everyone. Regardless of the direction you choose, I hope that your time will be filled with surprises, awe, and discoveries. From the moment you decide to live actively as the protagonist and commit to making the best of any outcome, your journey becomes that of the "hero".

The question-and-answer session after the lecture was filled with laughter. Questions ranged from "Should I pursue humanities or sciences?" (seems like a life consultation) to earnest queries like "What should I do if people say my fashion is unfashionable?" (I'm not a stylist, you know). Yet, there were also unexpected moments, such as someone rushing onto the stage exclaiming, "I was so moved! I'm going to become a politician. Please shake my hand!" (Wait, is this a shrine?) It was such a bright and open-minded atmosphere, all thanks to the efforts of Principal Tanaka and the faculty and staff in creating such an environment. I felt that we should have kept the conversation shorter to allow more time for communication, given how enjoyable it was.

I once again felt the reliability of my alma mater, the strength of its tradition, and ended up feeling like I received strength from the students instead. To all current students, teachers, and members of the Jinzukai Secretariat who invited me, I express my heartfelt gratitude once again.

Original Article.　Jinzukai No. 62, March 2024.
Toyama Prefectural Toyama Chubu High School