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Trust and Friendship are Truly Important
Being relentlessly straightforward can be exhausting and sometimes seem bothersome. On the other hand, living a life driven solely by calculation and pretense can be dull. What does Shetona prioritize when building relationships with others?
Shetona: I think it’s enough if there are people who stick around even if I expose my true self. I’m satisfied as long as there are people who like my genuine personality, and I don’t feel the need to conform to others by pretending to be someone I’m not. It’s enough for me to be with people with whom I can be candid, joke around, and share laughter.
Since reading the book The 80/20 Principle, which introduces the idea that everything can be divided into 80% and 20%, I’ve come to realize that it’s okay not to be liked by everyone. For instance, among my followers, only about 20% are genuinely listening to my music, while the remaining 80% might have stumbled upon it by chance or followed me on a subscription service. So, I’ve come to accept that it’s okay not to be liked by everyone.
Are there any recent works that have impressed you?
Shetona: I was really struck by the film The Holdovers. It’s about students who are left behind during the Christmas holidays and a strict, solitary teacher who gradually forms a connection with them. The story shows how two people who initially have a distance and struggle to understand each other can, over time, build trust and friendship. This kind of story gives hope that even in difficult situations, if we approach them sincerely and open our hearts, we can build trusting relationships.
Relationships between people can be challenging because of different upbringings and values. But that’s why the desire to understand and connect with each other is so important. Especially in live performances or with bands, creating something as a team relies on members opening their hearts and building trust. When we can relax and establish a trustworthy relationship, that joy and energy naturally resonates with the audience. Trust and friendship are truly essential.
What kind of themes would you like to explore in your music moving forward?
Shetona: As I mentioned earlier, I think my previous work was often associated with a mysterious, Western musical sound. Going forward, I want to present a more genuine version of “Shetona Yui.” I aim to be an artist whose music, built from my own experiences and emotions, deeply resonates with listeners.
