What is a 21st Century Dandy?

Kaori NakanoIf we're to discuss dandyism in the 21st century, what kind of people come to mind? If we were to greatly broaden the interpretation of the word "dandy" and rephrase it as a man who resonates with people in the 21st century, who would that be?

Peter BarakanThere's a difference between a man you find cool and a man whose way of life you empathize with. Many talented, cool musicians are unconventional, often succumbing to drugs or dying young, so their lifestyles aren't something to aspire to.

NakanoAre there any musicians who are both cool and inspire a desire to live like them?

BarakanJohn Lennon truly had a lifestyle to admire. His attitude of doing what he felt he had to do, disregarding how he might be perceived or even his own safety – that was admirable. He continued his anti-war activities at the cost of his own life... I couldn't emulate him, but he serves as a reference.

NakanoIt's difficult to take action like that in reality.

BarakanI once interviewed Yoko Ono via satellite. She couldn't see my face, but after the interview, she asked, "By the way, are you British? How did you get so good at Japanese?" She said she wanted to introduce me to John, who was trying hard to learn Japanese. Hearing that made my heart race (laughs). I don't usually get starstruck, but I probably would have been with John Lennon. He was in a class of his own.

The Condition for a 21st Century Dandy: Confidence in One's Identity

NakanoWhat about contemporary musicians?

BarakanPerhaps many are from Africa. I listen to a lot of West African music, from Senegal and Mali. Of course, I listen to the music first, but I appreciate the dignified bearing of the musicians. Their gaze isn't hesitant. It's like they're saying, "This is me, what about it?" They aren't obsequious, but they aren't excessive either. In Britain, they might come across as defiant, like Oasis. It's not like that.

NakanoThey're relaxed, and confident in their own identity.

BarakanExactly. That's the impression you get when you see them.

NakanoThat's something to aspire to... President Obama also has that quality. He's of African descent, but it's like he's saying, "So what?" He's not defiant, but confident in his natural self. That projects a positive image in all directions.

BarakanYes, you get a sense of wanting to be like that from his presence.

NakanoPerhaps that's also a way of being a 21st-century dandy.

BarakanIt's likely something internal.

NakanoBut cultivating one's inner self isn't something you can do alone, by retreating inward. You can't refine it without being aware of the world around you.

Barakan...And so, the question leads back to "identity," doesn't it? (laughs)

What "The Genealogy of Dandyism: Men Admired by Men" Aimed to Convey

NakanoHowever, in Japan, if you assert your identity too strongly, you tend to be bullied.

BarakanIn that sense, this is an unfortunate country. You have to try not to stand out.

NakanoAs a result of that, when we truly need leaders, there are none. I think that's a problem. We need people to emerge who have a strong identity, who stand out appropriately – not just in appearance, but with a coolness that inspires the thought, "I want to be like them."

BarakanDuring the US presidential election, there was a lot of negative sentiment towards Obama right up until the end. People thought, "Despite everything, they won't vote for an African American." But this time was different. He was romantic, in a way; he had the power to inspire hope. He used the internet brilliantly, received donations from many people, and fulfilled his responsibilities to them. It was the ultimate form of individualism.

NakanoRomantic individualism – that's precisely it. It seems that only the power of romantic individuals can break through the current, superficial, money-obsessed mood that blankets Japan. That's exactly what I wanted to convey when I wrote about dandyism "now."

"Save the Males" – Dandyism for World Peace!?

NakanoReturning to the NHK dandy program, why did the producer decide to create this show?

BarakanThe producer was a woman. Not a man.

NakanoI knew it! (laughs) In my book, too, the writer is female, the editor is female, and the first person to read the proofs and write a review was also female. Women are thinking now that they need men to step up. If scolding doesn't work, then maybe encouragement will (laughs).

BarakanMen are fundamentally simple. Easily swayed, and if they're always being scolded, they tend to get discouraged. When intelligent women skillfully encourage men, they'll do anything for them (laughs). There's a saying, "Behind every great man is a greater woman," and it's truly accurate.

BarakanYou need someone to acknowledge you. The smallest unit is fine – just one person.

NakanoBeing recognized by one important person must be a tremendous confidence booster.

BarakanConfidence isn't something you can just decide to have. In my case, my wife's support is significant, but when I started working in television, I first had to become conscious of how I appeared to others. Even now, I'm taken aback when I watch myself on video (laughs). Being seen by a large, unspecified audience, and receiving even a little positive feedback can lead to confidence. It makes you feel, "Maybe I'm not so bad after all." For those who aren't in such jobs, someone needs to offer that recognition.

NakanoIn the "New British Gentleman" movement I featured in my book, there are suggestions like "Praise others" and "Make people feel good." The idea is that if many people feel "I am not someone to be rejected," it could lead to world peace (laughs).

BarakanIn Japan, many people are shy, and excessive praise can be construed as sexual harassment. Again, I think that's an overreaction in Japan.

NakanoPerhaps we need to acknowledge that overreaction and launch a campaign like "Flirt with everyone"?

BarakanIt would probably require leadership from the Japanese government (laughs). If they created a ministry for that, perhaps the suicide rate would decrease a little.

NakanoDandyism in the 21st century can also serve as a tool for making the world turn in a better direction (laughs). Oops, the conversation has gotten away from me again and become unmanageable...

Thank you for the enjoyable conversation today.





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