Lounge
May 11, 2015
ACT5 | Bancho Meets Ryuichi Sakamoto (4)
ACT5: Bancho Meets Professor
Tatsuhiko Akashi × Ryuichi Sakamoto: Dialogue (4)
Concluding our four-part series, we touch upon what was mentioned at the beginning of our previous conversation,“more trees”the eco-value wood BE@RBRICK Akashi-san is developing for the project. The conversation then expanded to Sakamoto-san’s concepts for a BE@RBRICK of his own design, making us even more excited about the future collaborations between these two.
Text by Kunihiko HatanoSummary by Takeshi Takahashi (This Magazine)Photo by Jamandfix
AkashiSince 2006, I've been helping with a charity campaign calledMerry Green Christmasat the request of Isetan. It's a project to donate desks and other products made from domestic timber to children, and to foster forests to grow the necessary trees. Listening to you speak about more trees just now, Professor, I realized we share a similar perspective.
SakamotoDesks are wonderful. For example, let's say this conference table in front of us has about 500 kilograms of carbon fixed within it. If we use it with care for 50 years, without discarding or burning it, the carbon remains fixed and doesn't enter the atmosphere, which is truly remarkable. Using things for as long as possible is very important. Not too long ago, it was commonplace, like passing down your grandmother's chest of drawers, something everyone did naturally. So, when making a desk, it's important to consider designs and functions that ensure it lasts as long as possible.
AkashiI thought it would be interesting to participate in the more trees project by using thinned wood for a BE@RBRICK. After discussing materials with Karimoku, we experimented with a recycled material called eco-value wood, and surprisingly, we created something with a unique character.
SakamotoNo, this is incredible. It's art at this level.
AkashiIt's cute, isn't it? I'll try making a full-body version, so please take a look when it's finished.
SakamotoI'd love to. As I mentioned, wouldn't it be great if it had the more trees logo branded on it as a carbon-free product? I'll buy one myself (laughs).
AkashiSince you're interested, why not try designing one yourself? For your reference, I brought the brochure from the exhibition“BE@RBRICK World Wide Tour～Triumphant march～”which was held at Shibuya PARCO Factory until recently. Creators from around the world have designed various pieces based on the BE@RBRICK motif.
Sakamoto(Looking at the brochure) These are all cool. Hosono-san would probably do a great job. He was so good at drawing that he once considered becoming a manga artist, so I think he'd definitely be interested in something like this.
AkashiI believe Hosono-san mentioned he's a fan of the works of manga artist Shigeru Sugiura. This isn't for the "BE@RBRICK World Wide Tour," but recently, we had Yukihiro-san design a “BE@RDOG” based on a dog motif as a gift for our mobile site.
SakamotoThat's adorable. He's a huge dog lover, you know. I, on the other hand, prefer cats (laughs).
AkashiThen, a cat design it is! I love cats too; I have six of them (laughs).
SakamotoIs this exhibition going to tour further?
AkashiActually, it has already traveled to New York, Florence, and Milan, and has now triumphantly returned to Tokyo after three years.
SakamotoSo, new pieces were added during that time?
AkashiYes. There were 44 pieces during the initial tour, but more were added, bringing the total to 63 by the end. If you'd like, please take this brochure with you.
SakamotoThank you. I'll think about it then.
Signed by Ryuichi Sakamoto
“Yellow Magic Orchestra BE@RBRICK”!
The application deadline for this was Thursday, April 11, 2008.
Thank you for your many applications.
(OPENERS Editorial Department)
MEDICOM TOY products are now available for purchase on
the web shopping magazine “Rumors”.We currently offer the following three Yellow Magic Orchestra related items.
Please click the banner below if you are interested.
Please click the banner below if you are interested.
Yellow Magic Orchestra: Set of 3 Multiplied Figures
A figure set faithfully reproducing the props used on the album jacket of “X ∞ Multiplication”.
Scheduled for release February 2008, ¥29,400
REAL ACTION HEROES: Yellow Magic Orchestra 3-Figure Set
A complete reproduction of the three members wearing the red People's Liberation Army uniforms from the album “Solid State Survivor”.
Scheduled for release February 2008, ¥39,900
Yellow Magic Orchestra BE@RBRICK
A luxurious set of three: one made of BRICS MONO designed by Yukihiro Takahashi, wearing the white shirt and black pants from the World Tour; one in the red People's Liberation Army uniform from the “Solid State Survivor” album jacket; and one in the black uniform worn during the breakup tour.
Now on sale, ¥2,940