+digi nikki+東京

April: I hope this post finds you well. Sorry for the lack of updates, things have been going fine, which is already a good sign given the current context. I was in the US and Europe for a short time, went back to Tokyo and broke my arm; the cherry blossoms and Tokyo art week came and went (more on that later).

I am as usual preparing some new projects in music, art and other but I won’t BS you, it takes time, and I have nothing to announce at the moment. I hear a lot more people pretending everything is fine, going to openings, parties, with the same old smile of success when I know, and we all know, that things are not so rosy these days. There is a recession going on - it might be a little more subtle in Japan, but yes, it’s getting harder and harder, especially in the creative world. People losing their jobs in ad agencies, small companies going down, print magazines going online, sponsors not renewing their support: things are not what they seem. I was even surprised by the relative quietness of the streets of Harajuku on a Saturday: the Bape store was not the only empty store this time.

This being said, I truly believe now is the right time to start or (restart) projects. It may sounds stupid, but I believe the recession is the right moment to launch new small and well-thought projects. Maybe they won’t look as sexy as a few years ago, maybe there won’t be a sleek invitation and a free champagne launch party, but who cares? - it’s about establishing solid bases. When things get better the projects will expand; for now think small start, unpretentious. Yes it’s okay to work in a non-creative field and still start creative projects. Pitch ideas, but leave the “we’re going to change the world” powerpoint home. Explore your neighborhood. Buy less sneakers and enjoy food. Go outside, NOW!