INDEX
The Illusion of Happiness Through Constantly Seeking New Things
I think actions where ‘fun’ comes before messages or issues might be a first for NOT WONK.
Kato: Hahaha, that’s so true.
The idea is that fun and joy come first, and individual realizations are found within that. It seems to me that this is a departure from the previous approach you had, Kato.
Kato: In that sense, I might have had the mindset that I needed to create something new on my own.
But it’s not about creating something based on circumstances or pretenses. The essence of it remains the genuine interaction of each person’s life.
Kato: After all, you don’t need to force something to be created—there’s already culture and life there. Even the cityscape that seems boring can become interesting with just a slight change in perspective. What seemed like isolated points are actually formed within a larger, more gradual flow. Creating those perspectives is crucial, and I think that showing those perspectives is an important part of ‘FAHDAY.’ That’s what I believe the role of art is.
Exactly. Expanding our perspectives, showing different angles or options—this is where the power of music and art lies. We live in an era where it’s easy to become skewed in our thinking about ourselves, society, or the world. Systems have long since collapsed, wars and massacres still continue, and malice pervades both the real world and the internet. The reality of these issues often feels like we’re already shown the end credits in advance. In this context, finding a way to enjoy and live with a smile using what we have now is a minimal approach that actually connects to the largest world.
Kato: The question is whether a new future of great happiness will come from continuously acquiring new things or creating new things. Honestly, I feel like continuing to seek new things doesn’t lead to a happy future. Creating new things and adapting to new technologies may be important, but that’s a means, not an end. I’d like to build a house if I ever become wealthy, but that alone doesn’t define happiness. If we equate happiness with constantly acquiring things, then what do we need to buy after building a house? It becomes endless.
Happiness, for me, can’t be measured by degrees, comparisons, or quantities. It’s about the collective presence of different forms of happiness and the fact that they coexist and breathe in the same way. That’s what I think of as ‘exchange of expression.’ Whether it’s watching an EGO-WRAPPIN’ live show or eating the incredibly delicious vegan ramen made by Kurogome-san in Tomakomai, even though the costs differ, the direction of the happiness gained is the same. This sense of ‘sameness’ is similar to how my personal expression, ideology, and city life have merged. Personal happiness and the expression of life should be understandable even without knowing terms like alternative or punk. If it’s simply placed there, I want it to be a day that everyone can freely engage with. Although I’m the curator, my face isn’t necessary for free enjoyment.
