Professor Sakamoto, you must have many wonderful friends. What, in your opinion, constitutes true friendship?
And what kind of person should one be to cultivate such friendships?

For me, it was Arto Lindsay

I have a personal criterion for friendship.

Shortly after I moved into my current home in New York, around 5 AM, a burglar broke down my door. It was a terrifying experience (only a new bicycle was stolen), and it made me deeply consider who I would call, who I would turn to for help in a crisis. That's when I thought of Arto Lindsay, but since it was 5 AM, I didn't contact him (laughs).

I have one or two friends in various countries—Japan, Europe, Brazil—who could do that for me. Perhaps I am fortunate?


Please advise on how to balance "business" and "creation."

There are no rules

There probably aren't any such rules.

But one example I admire is Comme des Garçons.
They must navigate the artistic and business aspects without any set rules, simply by working diligently.
Rei Kawakubo is truly remarkable.