Cultural Riches Defy the Confines of Currency – Exploring the Realms of Value with Masafumi Goto

tami: Harmonizing Societal Issues and Personal Emotions in Songs

tami： Did you feel the same way about organizing your own festivals?

Goto: “NANO-MUGEN FES.” started when I thought that the barriers between Western and Japanese music were not good. They are closed to each other, but music is connected, so I thought that unless we bridge the gap without creating strange valleys, there will be no future for us.

The fact that there is no future for us is also about ourselves. Speaking selfishly, I felt that unless more people listen to music with an ear and sensitivity that does not discriminate between Western and Japanese music, we would not have a foundation for people to appreciate our music. Therefore, I felt that we were increasing our number of friends by holding festivals. We are increasing the number of our friends, including listeners. Interesting things are born out of convection, and I felt that if we did not enjoy that, it would not be good for our culture.

tami： When I hear that, I feel that building a studio for young people is also fundamentally the same or connected.

Goto: That’s right. I’m looking at “soil” all the time.

Tami：Do you think about social issues and send out messages from such a sense of being conscious of the soil?

Goto: Of course, yes. Music was the first thing to be considered inappropriate at the time of the earthquake and the Corona disaster. Music cannot be enjoyed unless everyone is relaxed, so the groundwork must be solid.

tami： Some people say, “Musicians shouldn’t talk about politics,” but for me, social issues and personal feelings are all part of this world in which I live, so it is natural for me to sing about both. But since it is difficult to change people’s minds, I have no choice but to do it first and show them that this is possible.

Earlier you said, “You have to have an open mind.” It is true for both the listener and the creator. One of the things I am glad I built my studio in the countryside is that people who come to my studio can have more time to relax. Seeing the stars and listening to the birds, they can relax and create good things.

Goto: When you think about the issue of mental space, you also have to consider the issue of how to work. It seems strange to be so busy with work that you can’t even take time off to make an album. Or something like that. So, society and music are closer than you might think. I think it would be good if people from all walks of life thought about this. It would be great if everyone could work a little more loosely to enjoy something, not just those who play music.