SOMEONE’S GARDEN: An Interview with Daisuke Nishimura and Asako Tsurusaki, Part 2

FLOWER BY YOU connects artists and creators across Europe with red poppies. Looking back, the two recall that even their month-long, car-based, shoestring journey was enjoyable. What did they discover at the end of their travels?

Text by Juro TamuraPhotos by Kaoru Kitahara

—When you open the FLOWER BY YOU website, the first thing that strikes you is a photo of a woman holding a red poppy. Was that you, Asako?

AsakoYes, that's right. Daisuke took the photo. Since it was just the two of us, we didn't have many other options to document our journey...

—You traveled around Europe by yourselves?

DaisukeIt was a shoestring trip from the start (laughs). We started in Milan, then went to Vienna, Berlin, Amsterdam, Antwerp, London, and finally Paris—a month-long road trip in a rental car. We didn't have much money, so we slept in the car several times, didn't we?

AsakoThe car broke down on the highway once (laughs).

DaisukeI thought we were going to die.

—How dramatic! But surely you had decided in advance which creators you would meet?

DaisukeWhen I conceived this project, I consulted some creators I knew from a magazine called 'TOKION' that I used to produce, and a few of them gave me introductions. Beyond that, it was mostly improvisational.

—Did everyone agree to meet you readily?

AsakoEven though we were in different countries, they were people with similar aspirations. Plus, perhaps because we looked like we were on a shoestring budget, they were especially kind to us.

DaisukeCreators don't operate based on corporate logic. They won't cooperate unless they feel there's meaning in what they're doing. This project started from our desire to meet artists and creators all over Europe, so I think that understanding was key. We chose the people we wanted to meet from our own perspective. We introduce the approximately 70 people we met on equal footing, regardless of whether they are emerging artists or established figures, major or independent. And everyone has a red poppy. We felt a tangible sense of connection growing as we traveled.

AsakoWe had many unexpected encounters too. When we stopped in Denmark, a film festival was happening by chance, and we watched several films. But all the cinemas were modern multiplex style, and not particularly impressive. Among them, there was an old cinema run by an elderly couple. It was in a basement, full of character, and the couple even distributed films themselves. When we visited, they were showing a film by director Roy Andersson, who directed 'A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence.' They told us they had supported Andersson since his early, unknown days. That kind of situation is almost unthinkable in Japan.

DaisukeWhat we discovered on the FLOWER BY YOU journey might be something Japan has lost. Is the reality that nothing can be done without massive capital the only truth? But when you actually take action, even a small red poppy can connect people's hearts. That's why we want to cherish that kind of expansion. That, I believe, is the message of KENZO PARFUMS.

Daisuke Nishimura
Received a Master's degree in Biophysics from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo. Dropped out of doctoral program. Began painting activities around the same time. Moved to New York in 2001 on an artist visa and worked as a web designer and editor (and shop staff) for 'TOKION' magazine. While in the US, he lived as an artist-in-residence at art space CAVE, holding monthly open studio exhibitions, and also participated in a solo exhibition at Transplant Gallery (2003) and the 'NEWS FROM HOME' exhibition (2004) with participants including Yoko Ono and Kim Gordon. Concurrently, he was active as a live performer with the indie band Doro. After returning to Japan, he was involved in the relaunch of 'TOKION JAPAN' as editorial director and planned events such as '2004/2005 Tokion Creativity Now' (Laforet Museum Harajuku). In 2007, he launched 'SOMEONE'S GARDEN,' actively engaging in the planning and operation of free magazines, art events, exhibitions, music events, video production, and live performances. As a web designer, he has also created websites for 'TOKION,' 'ecocolo,' 'Space Shower TV,' and 'Myx.'

Asako Tsurusaki
Graduated from the Department of Film, College of Art, Nihon University; withdrew from the Graduate School of Letters, Waseda University, majoring in Theater and Film. Worked for a film distribution company during her studies. She was involved in distribution and public relations at EUROSPACE, The National Film Center of the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, SPIRAL, and UPLINK, engaging in activities to introduce artists focused on film. At SOMEONE'S GARDEN, she has been involved in project planning and operation for tie-ups such as 'Flower by you' (KENZO PARFUMS) and 'Pulse of life' (NIKE).