Lounge
May 11, 2015
ACT5 | Bancho Meets Ryuichi Sakamoto (3)
ACT5: Bancho Meets the Professor
Tatsuhiko Akashi × Ryuichi Sakamoto: A Dialogue (3)
In this third installment, Sakamoto himself outlines the project he is spearheading, 'more trees'.
With the Kyoto Protocol entering its implementation phase in 2008, terms like 'emissions trading' have become commonplace. What can we do to prevent global warming and restore forests? This is a highly anticipated dialogue.
Text by Kunihiko HatanoEdited by Takeshi Takahashi (This Magazine)Photo by Jamandfix
AkashiI heard you started a new project called more trees, Professor, so I made this prototype (shows a photo of a BE@RBRICK made from thinned wood).
SakamotoThis is amazing. Using thinned wood is a great idea. Thinning allows healthy trees to grow better, and it's good to make use of the excess wood.
AkashiWhat inspired you to start the more trees project in the first place?
SakamotoI was pretty detached from environmental issues, wasn't I?
AkashiYes, even from my perspective of watching you for a long time, it's a bit surprising. You've changed so much.
SakamotoIn what way? Be honest (laughs).
AkashiSince my initial fascination was with 'B2-UNIT,' I had a strong image of music for urban dwellers.
SakamotoIt's true that I was born and raised in Tokyo and don't know much about nature, but even so, I can't ignore recent environmental issues. In other words, I think the situation is so dire that even someone like me, who had no interest, can't help but be concerned.
AkashiThat's certainly true.
SakamotoEveryone must feel that global warming has accelerated in the last two or three years, right? Normally, CO2 in the atmosphere is absorbed by the oceans and terrestrial plants, but according to recent research, the oceans are already saturated, and their absorption rate has significantly decreased. So, that leaves terrestrial plants, but with forests being lost at a rate equivalent to a soccer field every second worldwide, we're heading for disaster if we don't increase our forests. Of course, creating forests from scratch is important, but in countries like Japan, which already have many forests, thinning and other interventions can make the trees healthier and significantly increase their absorption capacity. This can then be traded as 'emissions credits.' When more trees increases absorption capacity through forest maintenance, it becomes a valuable asset.
MEDICOM TOY products
are now available for purchase on the web shopping magazine 'Rumors'.
We currently offer three types of 'Yellow Magic Orchestra related products'.
Please click the banner below if you are interested.
Yellow Magic Orchestra: Three-Figure Set
A figure set faithfully recreating the props used on the jacket of the album 'X∞Multiplication'.
Scheduled for release in February 2008, ¥29,400
REAL ACTION HEROES: Yellow Magic Orchestra Three-Figure Set
A complete recreation of the three members wearing the red People's Liberation Army uniforms from the album 'Solid State Survivor'.
Scheduled for release in February 2008, ¥39,900
Yellow Magic Orchestra BE@RBRICK
A luxurious set of three figures: one designed by Yukihiro Takahashi in a Bricks Monotone style wearing a white shirt and black pants from their world tour; another in the red People's Liberation Army uniform from the 'Solid State Survivor' album jacket; and a third in a black uniform motif worn during their disbandment tour.
Now on sale, ¥2,940