INDEX
Abe: Unexpectedly Interesting Outcomes Arise from Foolish Actions
-Due to the prevalence of streaming services, it’s not uncommon to have listeners worldwide. However, while the number of artists who have actually toured abroad has increased, it’s still relatively low. Given this situation, it’s understandable that touring is seen as risky.
Abe: Running my own label, I was fully aware of the hefty costs involved in this tour. With the support of various people, we managed to make this tour happen, but some might question the wisdom of spending so much money. However, unexpectedly Interesting Outcomes Arise from Foolish Actions.
-Not only in music, but in a society where productivity has become a yardstick and efficiency has become widespread, the hurdle to taking on challenges that may seem wasteful might be higher.
Abe: If you keep making excuses like “I don’t have money,” life will pass you by. I’ve been thinking about this since I turned 30. It’s like the age when professional soccer players start thinking about retirement. As a musician, I can still do it, but my body is starting to deteriorate, so I have this intense feeling of “how much longer can I keep performing live?”
I think now is the youngest we’ll ever be, and if you feel inspired, there’s no time like the present. Otherwise, nothing will ever change. I’m not the type to mope around, so I’d rather try something tomorrow and regret it than spend a year agonizing over it. I mean, that’s like wasting about 360 days. Trying it out will help me figure out if it’s right for me, and I can see the results. Spending time in indecision is a huge waste, so I believe that gradually taking action will lead to various improvements.
-In a sense, Japan, with its well-established social security system, may also be an environment where it’s relatively easy to take on challenges.
Abe: Japan has its flaws, but it also has systems in place where even if you’re on the brink of death, the country will help you out, right? It’s not like in America where you might actually die. We have insurance and welfare, so you can manage somehow. Being able to approach music with a light sense of “Well, I probably won’t die” might be significant.
