more trees | A Report on the More Trees Night Vol. 3: Fine Drinks, Exquisite Food, and Inspiring Stories

more trees | A Forest Feast in the City: Fine Drinks, Food, and Stories

more trees night vol.3 Report (1)

It has been a long time since the word "platform" came to encompass not just its physical meaning of a place for arrival and departure, but also its social meaning as a "place for innovation." It refers to a space where people gather, where intellect, knowledge, and abilities converge (arrive), and then spread out into society (depart). Mr. Shigeo Goto, our guest for this more trees night, is a pioneer who has explored the role of the city as a platform and has been involved in creating such spaces. At more trees night Vol.3, the guest's talk once again added great esprit to the fine drinks and food.

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Forests and Cities: Value as Platforms

Mr. Goto is arguably one of Japan's most prominent editors. His work is extensive, including the YMO revival project, the Ginza Shiseido Culture Salon, and Kirin Plaza Osaka. He currently serves as a professor at Kyoto University of Art and Design, while also working under the title of "Unique Editor/Creative Director." Mr. Goto's current focus is on creating a platform that connects art and the city, centered around the new facility '3331 Arts Chiyoda' in Chiyoda Ward. In a world overflowing with goods and information, Mr. Goto argues that the skill of "editing" is highly effective as a means of honing individuality and for understanding people and things.

"We are exposed to a vast amount of information every day, and we select what is necessary. This itself can be considered a form of editing. How do we become the 'selves we want to be'? The method of editing is of great help in achieving this."

Furthermore, Mr. Goto speaks about the nature of contemporary platforms: "Currently, the great metropolis of Tokyo is losing its appeal, and countless people are migrating to the web. Of course, the evolution of the web is remarkable. However, the real world also holds immense potential. Cities are among the most powerful platforms. Therefore, while exploring how 'content' such as design, fashion, and art should exist within future cities, we want to re-recognize the value of the city as a platform and build new attractions."

Mr. Shinkichi Mizutani, the director of the more trees office, who served as the facilitator for the talk, stated that Mr. Goto's perspective resonates with more trees. "more trees has aimed to be a platform connecting cities and forests. For a time, Japan's forests lost their appeal and fell into disuse. By engaging with them, we want to offer various content and re-convey their charm. To achieve this, we believe the existence of content, as Mr. Goto mentioned, is crucial." He noted that forests and cities share similar issues, emphasizing the need for new concepts and visions for both.

more trees | A Forest Feast in the City: Fine Drinks, Food, and Stories

more trees night vol.3 Report (2)

The 'WaRE-bashi' Itself is a Platform

On this day, Mr. Masaaki Ikeda, vice-representative of more trees, made a surprise appearance to discuss "WaRE-bashi," an initiative he is currently promoting to encourage the use of thinned wood. "WaRE-bashi" are unbleached disposable chopsticks made from thinned wood. After use, they are collected and turned into sawdust, which serves as bedding for livestock. This is then composted and used to enrich soil for growing vegetables. Mr. Ikeda stated, "WaRE-bashi is a truly seamless and sustainable environmental activity. We sincerely ask for your cooperation." The "WaRE-bashi" itself becomes a platform, connecting human life, animal husbandry, and the food industry through the cycle of the environment.

After the talk, attendees passionately shared their thoughts. By considering both cities and forests as "platforms," new ways of engagement can be explored.
Positive feedback was heard from participants, such as "It made me rethink my perspective" and "I contemplated the potential of cities and forests." With each iteration, more trees night offers increasingly enriching talks and higher attendee satisfaction.

The Next more trees night Features the Developers of the Popular Wooden Mobile Phone 'TOUCH WOOD SH-08C'

~A Forest Feast in the City: Fine Drinks, Food, and Stories~ 'more trees night'

more trees night Vol.4 is scheduled for November 29th (Monday). Each more trees night features a guest from among the many prominent supporters of more trees, engaging in a talk with Mr. Shinkichi Mizutani, director of the more trees office. For the next event, the guests will not be supporters, but rather the two developers behind the much-talked-about "TOUCH WOOD SH-08C," announced by NTT Docomo on November 8th. The development of this mobile phone involved NTT Docomo, Sharp, Olympus, and more trees.

The guests participating in the talk on the day will be the development representative from NTT Docomo, responsible for the product's planning, and the development representative from Olympus, who handled the processing of the wooden panel used on the phone's back. This is the first mobile phone in Japan to utilize wood. It boasts a high degree of design appeal and has already received positive reviews online. This more trees night promises to be a valuable opportunity to learn about the latest information and development secrets behind "TOUCH WOOD SH-08C." The capacity is limited to 35 people and will be held at Restaurant-I in Harajuku. While anyone can apply, a lottery will be held if applications exceed the number of available spots. What is the connection between this cutting-edge mobile device and the forest? Let us ponder the future while indulging in fine drinks and food.

November 29th (Monday) more trees night Vol.4
Click here to apply for the next more trees night.