#But this situation is similar to how I see Kenzo

[rubberduckyrye]

You guys ever think about the tragedy that is Junko Enoshima? That she wasn't a sadistic girl seeking out to hurt others for sadistic glee?

Because everything Junko did was her trying to emotionally abuse herself? That she wanting to feel something so badly that she hurt the people she loved most, and even brought about ruin to the world, simply to destroy herself with it?

[mirai-e-jump]

Animage December 2024 Issue Kamen Rider Gavv ft. Hino Yusuke Interview (translation below)

Publication: November 9, 2024

Letting his fighting spirit "melt" into his bullets

Even within the Kamen Rider series, which has enjoyed a history spanning over half a century, there are only a few who have been chosen to become a Kamen Rider with as much tragic resolve weighing on their shoulders as Karakida Hanto. Hanto's mother was kidnapped by a Granute when he was a child, and while investigating the Granutes, his mentor, Shioya Soji, loses his life. In order to avenge Shioya's death, he decided to accept the offer to undergo a life threatening remodification surgery from Suga Kenzo, someone who's researching a method to exterminate the Granutes. The result of his suffering is that he obtained the power to transform into Kamen Rider Valen.

Sometimes, he guesses a Granutes true identity based on the slightest bit of evidence, other times, he shows his kindness in order to support a girl who's chasing her dreams, and at other times, he shows his playful side by instinctively posing when the cameras are pointed at him……Being able to calmly consider the situation and remain open to one's emotions like that may be what's needed to confront the "monsters" that prey on people's happiness.

Although allies like Suga are currently present, Hanto's still pursuing information about the Granutes on his own. Will he be able to reach the enemy responsible for taking his mother from him? We hope you'll watch as Kamen Rider Valen's battle intensifies. _

-This also expands the range of Hanto's feeling-

"Since his first transformation in episode 6, Hanto's also been active as a Kamen Rider."

Hino: After the first transformation episode, I received heartfelt messages from tons of people, such as, "I'm looking forward to seeing what Valen will do going forward." I was also impressed by the response to the sequence of events leading up to the transformation, with comments like, "They're depicting a setting similar to a Showa Rider in a Reiwa Rider."

"It was a very unrefined first transformation scene."

Hino: It was my first transformation, and I was just trying to keep up with the flow of the performance, so I acted with conflicting feelings. I think it was because of the way Director Morota Satoshi said, "Let's make it this kind of taste," and created it on the spot that a sense of liveliness was born. This is one of my personal favorite scenes, as since I started this job, I've been working hard and doing my best, and I felt as though it connected me and Hanto.

"The avant garde exchange with Kamen Rider Gavv in episode 7 was also funny. He calls himself Valen, a name he associates with Valentine (laughs)."

Hino: That scene was fun to act out (laughs). I got into it as best as I could imagine, and the "In the end, the concept is still chocolate….." scene was given the OK with just one take. Still, I had a hard time at first deciding on which of the emotions from my previous performances to keep consistent. For everyone watching, a week has passed, but Hanto's just fought his mentor's enemy out of revenge, and he's still physically damaged. However, Sugi-san (Director Sugihara) told me to go all out, and since I myself like comedic scenes, I didn't hold back.

"Is there anything memorable from filming the transformation scene?"

Hino: For the fixed transformation pose from the second time onwards, I couldn't close the lever of the gun (Valen Buster) fully, or the Gochizou would pop out when I swung it downwards too aggressively, so I had to do alot of retakes until I got used to it (laughs). I remember having to work at it until I could make cool gestures and movements like a Kamen Rider. One of the Directors gave me some advice about the transformation, and it really struck me. It was, "It's a privilege for the chosen ones to be able to say "Henshin," and the word transformation must convey how the character is feeling as they fight." So, every time I transform, I'm conscious of how to convey my emotions in that moment.

"Once again, please tell us your impression of Hanto."

Hino: Hanto became lonely after losing his mother, met his mentor when he was acting like a delinquent, became his apprentice, and is looking for monsters in his work as a writer. He's someone who's had many experiences that I haven't had. I was conscious of this past before we started filming, and I thought that he was nothing like me. But as I talked with Screenwriter Komura Junko-san and Sugi-san, it was almost like Hanto came to me. While respecting what was different between me and him, I began to draw from my own clumsiness and roughness in order to become closer to Hanto.

"Considering he has a passionate side, and a serious backbone despite being silly, Hanto seems to have a wide range."

Hino: That's right. Shouma's pure and Sachika's a gyaru, but I think there are situations and relationships that are created by each and every one of Hanto's "faces." I'm challenging myself to widen my range, and not settle for, "This is just how Hanto is."

"You're thinking, "If this isn't Hanto, then this is," right?"

Hino: Yes. If I perform as Hanto, then I become Hanto, or to put it another way, it's my job to create Hanto, and I consider it rewarding.

"In episode 9, the most recent episode, we got a glimpse of Hanto's more mature side in a scene with Kirari."

Hino: I wanted to express Hanto's clumsy yet passionate attitude toward children in the scene where he consults with Kirari-chan in a friendly and helpful manner. In the scene before that, when the safety buzzer is set off, he's mistaken for a suspicious person even though he didn't mean it that way, which is typical of Hanto (laughs). I think it's a funny scene that shows off Hanto's cuteness.

-We hope that Hanto will be rewarded one day-

"What are your impressions of Kaji Kotaro-san, the Suit Actor who plays Valen?"

Hino: I feel that Kaji-san has a passionate kindness within him, and that he's pulling me along. Valen's actions are also broken down into a fighting style that's typical of Hanto, and I realized that we were creating one role together. We sometimes talk over a few drinks, and in a positive way, we have friendly competition, where we can say what we want to say to each other.

"What do you find important when doing post recording?"

Hino: Hanto has a wide range of expressions, but when he transforms into Valen, he's fighting a Granute, so I'm aware that he's in a state of hostility and wanting revenge. I try to avoid feeling strangely calm, I always act with the feeling that I'm risking my life.

"Maybe it's like you're switching over into battle mode."

Hino: That might be it. When I speak as Hanto, I go back to my natural self, so I think that this is fine.

"How's the atmosphere on set?"

Hino: Hide has a strong sense of responsibility as the main character, and thanks to his leadership, we were able to communicate with each other from the very beginning, and as filming progressed, the vibes between Shouma, Sachika, and Hanto were established. Hide and Miyabecchi tease me in a nice way, so I think we've established an equal relationship. In regards to Hide, I've always played younger brother characters, so I was alittle nervous that "the younger generation has appeared" (laughs), but he has a pure, brotherly cuteness to him that naturally makes me want to spoil him.

"Speaking of Hanto, we think the presence of his mentor, Shioya Soji, who was mentioned earlier, is significant."

Hino: Komatsu Toshimasa-san's performance gave me goosebumps…..! It's natural, subtle, convincing, yet very unconstrained. I feel a sense of respect for him and thought that I'd like to do a performance like that in the future. He's someone I truly want to call "mentor," and I think it was thanks to Komatsu-san that I was able to cry real tears in the scenes where Hanto cries thinking about his mentor.

"Now that Shioya's passed away, his interactions with Suga Kenzo at his lab are striking."

Hino: Suga's making a mess out of Hanto's life (laughs), but the scenes with Suga are also interesting to perform. The very beginning of the show is focused on Shouma and Sachika, and Hanto and Suga, but it was a valuable experience for me to be able to perform one on one with Asanuma Shintaro-san, as I learned alot from him. I'd seen some of the anime that Asanuma-san was in, but when I looked up his appearances, I was shocked and thought, "He was in this one too?!" I'm happy that we communicate with each other on set, talking about all sorts of things, from matters relating to personal life and acting.

"He's a reliable senior who's the complete opposite of Suga."

Hino: That's true (laughs). I think the gap between him and his role is interesting. I'm working together with him with alot of respect.

"Do you have a favorite anime?"

Hino: Most recently, I like "The Dangers in My Heart." Once I became an adult, I stopped watching romance series like that out of embarrassment, but when I watched The Dangers in My Heart for the first time in awhile, it made my heart skip a beat! I'd say that it gives off a sense of purity that only a middle school student can have, and injects you with emotions that we can't get in the real world….it's a really good series. I myself used to play soccer, so I watched alot of sports anime and manga such as "Haikyu!!," "Ace of Diamond," "SLAM DUNK," and "Major." Those are what got me addicted to watching real sports like the NBA.

"If you had to pick an anime that you especially like, what would it be?"

Hino: I love Kyoto Animation's "Beyond the Boundary," and not only have I seen the main TV series, but I've also watched the movie more than 10 times! I was in middle school at the time, and I used to imitate Kanbara Akihito, the main character who's obsessed with glasses, and say, "Pretty girls with glasses are nice, huh?" (laughs). I was so absorbed in it, that I even established a glasses research club at school using my authority as the student council president.

"Isn't that an abuse of power? (laughs)."

Hino: Of course, but it was an unofficial club, okay? (laughs). Now, I'll often watch live action movies and TV dramas in order to study acting, but before I became an actor, I was exposed to various works to the extent that I had a modest interest in them.

"In the future, are there any situations you'd like to perform as Hanto?"

Hino: Things like explosions are areas I haven't experienced yet. Falling into water……isn't a challenge I'm actively looking to take on (laughs). Personally, I'm interested in what would happen if Hanto were to experience something like love being directed toward him. Hanto lost his mother, and he's the type to have narrow, but deep relationships with people, so along with friendship and human affection, I think he's hungry for love. What I imagine is that in a peaceful world where he doesn't have to fight against the Granutes, Hanto will most likely develop a longing for family and a desire to overcome the trauma of losing his loved ones.

"Only painful things happen to him, so we hope it all works out for Hanto."

Hino: I really hope so. On the other hand though, there's something appealing about being unrewarded (laughs). While being the spice that enhances the excitement of Kamen Rider Gavv, I hope that Hanto will continue to be loved by everyone, and I too will continue to devote myself to Hanto with love and care every day!

[melishade]

Attack on Prime Hizuru OVA: All quotes of Megatron showing displeasure in the country (AKA Megatron being such a fucking child while escorting Mikasa)

Main Story

“Noblemen. I hate them with every fiber of my being,” Megatron growled as he stopped.  (In reference to Kiyomi’s home)

- “Disgusting,” Megatron commented as he knocked on the gate. He tapped his foot impatiently while Mikasa continue to stare. (In reference to Kiyomi’s home)

================

The dragonflies flew above the flowers and past her head. Mikasa smiled at the sight while Megatron swatted one that flew near his head to the water.

==============

Mikasa was startled when Kenzo began to growl at Megatron, but the titan was not amused at the situation.

“Kenzo,” the prince scolded.

“Sit,” Megatron ordered the dog in an ominous tone.

Kenzo whined as it lowered its head in submission and backed away before sitting down.

“Well, that was just mean,” the prince remarked as he petted Kenzo to comfort it.

====================

Mikasa didn’t reply to that as she stood next. “So this is a royal party?”

“It’s pretentious,” Megatron rolled his eyes.

======================

“That’s good,” Mikasa said before looking outside, seeing the cherry blossoms in bloom. “The flowers are beautiful.”

“It’s too vibrant,” Megatron proclaimed, “And frail. Apparently, they only last for a week.”

===================

“Black’s a good look for you,” Kenshin complimented.

“I hate it,” Megatron declared.

===================

“It’s similar to sword fighting, but usually a lot safer,” Kenshin explained as he grabbed another wooden sword, “Its purpose is to help train the body and mind.”

“Sounds boring,” Megatron commented as he leaned against the wall.

=====================

Mikasa nodded her head in response.

“By the Allspark, this is boring,” Megatron declared.

“If you want, you can try it,” Kenshin offered.

“Absolutely not,” Megatron declared, “I have no reason to lower myself to rather cheap techniques.”

===================

“Sorry,” Kenshin apologized as he walked up to them and adjusted the jacket of the suit that he was wearing.

“We could’ve left an hour ago,” Megatron commented, “You humans and your appearances.”

================

“How about this?” Kenshin offered.

“By the Allspark, how does that look more off-putting than the actual cat?” Megatron demanded.

“Oh my god,” Kiyomi rolled her eyes.

=================

“It’s beautiful,” Mikasa commented.

Megatron noticed Mikasa staring and quickly crushed the petal in his fist.

==================

“You didn’t seem to be having fun,” Mikasa retorted as she stood up, “So let’s go have some fun.”

Megatron rolled his eyes as he stood up. “I doubt anything on this wretched continent would constitute as fun.”

=================

Mikasa bowed respectfully while Megatron eyed the daruma doll with slight disgust.

“What’s wrong?” Mikasa asked him as they walked away from the booth.

“Somehow this is more unsettling then that cat you got for one of your comrades,” Megatron explained, “And this thing is suppose to represent good luck?”

=======================

Megatron looked over to see Mikasa staring at him with the fox mask on. “You look ridiculous.”

==============

“I can,” Mikasa answered, “You should put yours on. It matches your eyes.”

“I’m not going to put cheap plastic over my face,” Megatron declared.

==================

However, there was one game that involved live fish, and Megatron wanted no part in handling those ‘slimy, disgusting creatures’. Mikasa could agree on that. She wasn’t exactly a fan of touching fish.

===================

He’s such a child; it’s great. I will be doing commentary on the Hizuru OVA, but that’s just going to take a while for me to write up. Also, the deleted scene on how Armin and Eren were coping with Mikasa being gone. It’s gonna be fun.

[lee-sanghyeok]

While I'm happy for DK to have been given the opportunity of ambassadorship for a heritage brand such as BALLY, I've been wondering for a while now how long these connections will last.

On the one hand, the 'hallyu' wave caused major interest in Korea which made idols influencers with devoted fans that'll happily open their wallet. Their audience have buying power, so it's normal for brands to see that and invest in these idols, hoping that those fans will transfer to their brand.

Secondly, since 2020 big fashion houses have noticed their Western customers have become reluctant buying luxury. Such brands have always have an interest in the Middle East and China, but for the past three/four years they've gone all in on South Korea; essentially regarding them at the same level of China in terms of how the status of their brand is perceived and the country's buying power. Majority of the population are adults, so they have the disposable income to buy, for example, the new LV bag.

But when the hallyu wave inevitably dies down, I wonder how many of these connections will remain. Which idols actually have a good relationship with these brands and will have a lasting impact? I've spoken about it numerous times, but Vernon x KENZO is one of the smartest partnerships I've seen in a while.

It's a ready-to-wear mid-range brand that any adult with a proper disposable income can afford. A brand with a recognisable name, yet given a fresh look under the new creative direction of Nigo. A brand that currently pushes the idea of East meets West in their new collection, essentially mirroring Vernon's own identity. It's so smart, man.

BALLY and DK? I'm hesitant to say I see the connection. (Aside from the fact that BALLY has been moving East since 2020 and has seen success.) While it's a deeper cut than, say, Dior or Chanel, I wouldn't think of a Swiss leather-goods brand when I think about DK. Jil Sander, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Thom Browne - that makes more sense to me.

Again, maybe I'll see why in the future, but right now it seems like a mismatched choice. (Similar to the way I feel about the NJ girls repping the biggest brands of the moment. Their situation is even more egregious though; their audience is literally made up of tween girls. None of them are going to buy your lipstick for several years, Chanel!)

In conclusion: all eyes on the East. But like every trend, it will only be a matter of time before brands will migrate to another region of the world, probably leaving a whole slew of idols behind.

[argumentl]

The Freedom of Expression Ep 14 - The Party To Protect The People From The NHK (N Koku Party) commences "Same sex, same name stealth operation".

K: Hi this is Dir en grey's Kaoru, starting this episode of The Freedom of Expression. Joe san, Tasai san, welcome....Well, recently, who knows whats really happening?

J: Yeh, its troubling. I've been spending a lot longer looking at my phone and computer. I've been getting a lot of coupons. My favourite shops or brands are all going online...well, no ones going into the shops, so they can only sell online. So i've been getting coupons like, if you spend over a certain amount, you'll get 20,000yen off.

T: I see.

J: I think like, 'Waa, I wanna spend!'..but then I think, actually since April, I've had less work so I need to restrain myself. I experience this conflict every day for about 15mins. Like, whats wrong with me?

T: I see.

J: Thats thier strategy.

K: If you have free time...

J: Thats it.

K: You'll end up spending money.

J: Normally, they have expirations, and I just think 'Aghh', so its really...

K: You can't help buying stuff, right?

J: I do end up buying stuff!

K, T: *laugh*

J: I really do! I bet there are people out there addicted to coupons! Aren't you? Are you ok?

K: Well, im ok. I just shop by mail order.

J: Ahh

T: I see

J: People are shopping like that a lot right now.

T: Hiranabe san, who works at our place, he's got a lot of offers from night time establishments, and he's troubled as to what to do.

J: Oh, to get him to go there?

T: Yeah. He got an unprecedented amount of messages.

K: (quietly) Unprecedented?

T: Like, 'please come, please come, please come'.

K: He only gets them now? Cause he'll be quick to spend.

J: How is Hiranabe san doing?

T: Well, as expected, he seems scared. He's in his 50s, it looks like he finally understands that his life might be in danger if he caught the virus. He wears a mask, he wears pollen protection glasses. When he goes outside he's like..'the virus won't get in my eyes'.

J: Sounds like a terrorist! Thats just like him.

T: He flipped 180°. He used to be the guy who says, 'Im not wearing a mask'.

J: Oh, really?

T: He's that different now.

J: Well, Im a similar age to Hiranabe san...

T: I can't believe it!

K: I can't believe it.

J: So, what was it?..Its risky, if you are over 50 its more dangerous?

K: Ohh right, yeah.

J: If you catch it, there's a higher death rate at this age?

T: Also, men are more at risk, right?

K: Yeah.

T: They are saying the death rate is higher for men.

J: Well, we are among that group. Shall we get on with the main topic? I thought we'd go with a topic that is unrelated to corona this time.

' "N Koku Party's 'same name, same sex' stealth strategy for Shizuoka no.4 district Lower house by-election". With the death of Mochizuki Yoshio, the LDP's former environment minister, candidates standing for election are the LDP's Fukuzawa Youichi, an independent group of the unified opposition's Tanaka Ken, independent candidate Yamaguchi Kenzo, and the Party Against the NHK (N Koku Party)'s Tanaka Ken, whose name is the same as the unified opposition's candidate. N Koku's Tanaka Ken uses the same kanji, and has the same reading as the unified opposition's Tanaka Ken. The opposition parties, electoral commission, and local media are racking thier brains about it. If a vote is for 'Tanaka Ken', there will be no way to distinguish between the two. Its a proportional division system, so ambiguous votes will be split according to the overall percentage of votes. The electoral administrative committee have taken measures to change the rule that makes a ballot paper invalid if it includes anything other than a candidate's name, to allow a candidate's age to be written aswell. As a result of this, with the aim of reducing ambiguous votes, the unified opposition are promoting 'Tanaka Ken - Age 42' in thier election cars, posters, and online in order to attract votes. On the other hand, N Koku's Tanaka Ken surprisingly hasn't taken any action. He has refused pre-election interviews with the media, hasn't published an campaign bulletin, he doesn't appear in election posters, he has no plans to visit the area. There are expected to be people voting who are unaware that two Tanakas are standing for election. As for N Koku's aim, their leader, Tachibana, had this to say.."We want to test how the votes will be split when there are candidates with exactly the same name. We are not appealing for votes either online or on the ground. We are a weak political party, and want to know how we stand *1'.

There's also suggestion of running another female candidate named Koike Yuriko for Tokyo governer. I thought we could talk about this kind of same name/sex disturbance strategy which the N Koku party has set up.

T: Its amazing, isn't it?

K: So are they doing it to siphon votes?

J: It seems like it, yeah. Especially, that would be the aim if it was for Tokyo Governor.

T: They said they wanted to test how the votes would be split, so like you said Joe, for Tokyo Governor, if it was someone else called Koike Yuriko, they would want to get the data of how the votes are split.

J: Well, its not about freedom of expression, but there is nothing illegal about what they are doing in terms of the election, so its totally ok for them to do this. What do you think, Kaoru?

K: Well..*laughs*, even if you ask.....its interesting but...how will it end up? But, well, hmmm...its fine, isn't it?

J: As it happens, I've been on a radio event with Tachibana san once. And also...well, in this kind of election, a candidate who no one is expected to vote for is called a bubble candidate, the most famous example is Mac Akasaka. I've worked with Mac Akasaka before, so I've listened to what these kind of guys have to say. I mean, certainly, these guys are laughed at and made fun of a lot, but apart from the question of what Tachibana Takashi is doing, to be a candidate for Tokyo Governor, you have to pay a deposit of at least 3 million yen. And if you recieve under a tenth of the total valid votes, you have to forfeit your deposit. The Tokyo Governor elections get about 5 million votes, so if you get under 500,000 votes, you will lose your deposited 3 million yen. As for national elections, the deposit is 6 million yen. So you can call it a prank all you like, but they are spending a lot of money to do this. What a lot of bubble candidates will tell you is, its not free, so they are doing this with the intention to win, they do think thier ideas will improve the country, improve thier party. If there was no financial risk, it would end up at the level of annonymous postings on SNS. But after they've actually paid money, most of them will start electoneering. Making election posters costs money, and there's the cost of gas to run a car to go handing out flyers, and all sorts of things like that. It will end up costing another huge chunk of money in election costs. So in doing this, there is another side to these guys other than, 'they are just idiots'. Maybe they are trying to get people to change the way they see elections, instead of just routinely voting for the faces they know.

T: Well this case has great advertising effectiveness.

J: It does, yeah.

T: Tachibana san's name has really been sold with this.

J: It has.

T: Like, with his own business, and on you tube and stuff *2.

J: Well, as for my personal opinion, I remember Uchida Yuuya running for Tokyo Governor. You can still find his political broadcast on youtube, its great. If you compare Yuuya san to Tachibana san, honestly, Tachibana san seems to have more of a knack for it.

T: Its interesting seeing that kind of political broadcast on NHK. ????*3

J: Well, even in times such as these, we are still having elections. From now on, due to corona we'll probably see new ways to vote and new ways to do all sorts of other things.

K: Its created a need to re-think things, like with the custom of personal seals...in Japan there's a big custom of 'You have to do it this way', or 'You need it on paper'.

J: Yeah, as you mentioned Kaoru, the custom of using personal seals...in the end, even Japan's IT minister also stands as the head of the organization to retain personal seals. Somehow in Japanese society, one of the things companies insist on is the personal seal. There are those who ask why they can't just settle things digitally, but if the minister responsibile for advancing IT is also the head of a group advocating to retain the personal seal, there is a clash going on now. This is the kind of time to think about changing the political system.

T: Things would change a lot if we switched to online voting.

J: They would change, yeah. If young people started voting a lot online...

K: Yeah, right now, in the situation we have now, I think people are starting to think about future.

J: Yes, in that respect, although its very difficult with corona around, I feel like we are starting to wake up to the things we have just put up with till now. I mean, what comes next? In particular, with coronavirus, a lot of countries' governments have taken on huge powers, and in some countries its almost like a corona dictatorship. So, its very difficult, but we really need to slightly re-think the way we carry out elections and the way the state operates from now.

T: We, ourselves are a part of it, right?

J: Yes, yes...Yep, so, same sex, same name...it even hard to search for him. I wonder what this candiate actually intends. ?????*4

K: He's not showing his face much.

J: What will he do if he wins? ...Eh? Hello??

K: Is he sleeping?

Kami: Yes, yes.

J: Were you asleep, Kami?

Kami: No, I was waiting till you called on me.

J: Oh, you were waiting? Oh, sorry.

Kami: I've had a thought.

J: Oh, have you?

Kami: I have...Um, Joe should run for the N Koku Party.

J: *laughs*

K, T: Ohhh

J: Me?!

T: Thats a good idea.

J: Would it be ok, though?

T: In the Tokyo Governor election.

J: In the Tokyo Governor election? Which election?

Kami: It would be ok, yeah.

J: Would it?

Kami: Yeah, anything is ok.

J: *laughs* You couldn't participate in the election could you, Kami? You don't have voting rights?

Kami: No, I don't, but instead, I can make myself into substance.

J: What?

Kami: By pretending to be a citizen.

T: Prentending to be a citizen?

J: Oh, is that it?

K: So that means you could pile up votes for someone?

J: Right?

Kami:...No, I can only do it once.

J: Oh, so you can only take on substance once?

Kami: Yeah, yeah...a bit like Devilman.

T: Ah, like Devilman.

J: But if you could do that, surely you'd be able to do it will two or three people? I feel as if you've just made that up.

*K laughs*

J: Did you just make that up, Kami?

Kami:...Yes, I did.

K: *laughs*

J: He did.

K: I feel like his heart hasn't been in it for a while now.

T: *laughs*

J: Kami, has your mind been elsewhere?

Kami: Ye...uh, no no no.

K: He said yes!

J: *laughs*

Kami: Crush the NHK.

J: Yes, crush it.

K: Well, on that note, I think we can finish here. Thank you, please tune in next time. Please subscribe, thank you very much.

J: Please do.

Kami: Vote for Joe!

*1 I think the confusion arises here, because rather than ticking a box, Japanese voters have to actually write down the name of the person they are voting for.

*2 Think thats what he meant.

*3,4 Couldn't catch these bits.

[dear-dr-kenzo-tenma]

Doctor Kenzo Tenma - TV Tropes 

https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Characters/Monster

An Aesop: In-universe, he gives some of these.

Action Survivor: Dr. Tenma is initially an average person, insofar as a well-known brain surgeon can be average. The series' circumstances force him to become a hardened survivor.

Adaptational Attractiveness: In the manga, he starts off plain and downright funny-looking. The anime takes its cue from the later chapters' more adorable Tenma◊.

Adorkable: Before his badass upgrade made him stop being a doormat.

Adrenaline Makeover: Ahem.◊

All-Loving Hero: This is both a large advantage and similarly a large disadvantage to him because of the complex location on the Sliding Scale of Idealism vs. Cynicism that Monster inhabits.

The Atoner: As kind-hearted as he is, he sees his absolute biggest mistake as being something he alone can fix. And despite numerous opportunities he gets where he could abandon his self-set mission, he refuses every time. Johan: (Seconds after killing Junkers in front of Tenma) I was supposed to die that night. You're the one who resurrected me, doctor.

Badass Pacifist: He can take a beating, jump off a bridge to avoid confrontation, and save people's lives while avoiding the police and criminals alike.

Beware the Nice Ones: Tenma is kind and righteous, but false accusations force him on a path to become much more assertive.

Barbarian Longhair: Subverted, he's not, by any definition, a barbarian. But by most persons in the series, his long hair is perceived as ugly.

Beard of Sorrow: He is normally beardless, but after he learns about Johan's true colors, he attempts to grow a beard and overly disregards his appearance.

Beware the Honest Ones: Tenma's idealism turned out pretty bad for his money-grubbing boss.

Big Good: This is particularly evident in arcs where he is offstage or not the main character. In keeping with his nearly messianic role, by the end, nearly all the characters would do anything to protect him.

Break the Cutie: By all accounts, he's sweet and adorable, but his entire life was ruined by the actions of a former patient.

Care-Bear Stare: He frequently does this, illustrating his initial idealism.

Celibate Hero: Post-Eva, although there is some subtext involving Nina that may avert this. In Another Monster, it is explained that he was still quite the celibate during his high school years and even purposely didn't get together with a girl who liked him (and the feeling was somewhat mutual) merely because he was friends with her (cheating) boyfriend.

Character Development: He begins as a well-respected, compassionate doctor. Over the series, he becomes more driven and relentless.

Cheaters Never Prosper: Averted, though not soon enough for poor Gillen's complex. He cheated on a test in medical school, which made him excel, and caused jealousy in one of his classmates. This acquaintance later becomes an important character.

Chronic Hero Syndrome: Despite his goal of hunting down Johan, he'll never turn down helping a stranger, even if the person's a criminal.

Clear My Name: Averted. His reason for hunting down Johan isn't to clear his name, but rather to correct the error he made in keeping Johan alive.

Combat Medic: "This is the carotid artery. Even a ballpoint pen could kill him, if you pierce it in the right spot."

The Drifter: Justified, since he was a murder suspect and has to be on the run from the police.

Expository Hairstyle Change: Starts off clean-cut, but gets progressively more disheveled.

Extreme Doormat: He used to be very submissive to his boss and his fiancee.

The Fettered: His beliefs frequently make him question his mission.

Forgets to Eat: Quite frequently. At other instances, he'll bemoan the lack of soy sauce in Western cuisine.

Friend to All Children: The good doctor loves children, and he is perfectly willing to help them. He even formed an Intergenerational Friendship with Dieter, a kid.

Friend to All Living Things: He saved a hurt bird in the time he was training as a gunmen. Later, when he was talking with a former friend to all living things, a finch landed in Tenma's arm.

Gentleman and a Scholar: He is a highly-accomplished brain surgeon and an incredibly caring and selfless man.

Good Is Not Dumb: Well, he's good, and intelligent. Heck, he's a brain surgeon. Beyond fitting the literal trope title, however, Roberto underestimates him at one point because of his goodness and pays for it by losing the use of his right arm.

Good Is Not Soft: While a genius neurosurgeon, he is nice, humble and compassionate. When Johan becomes a threat, he takes a level in badass and takes a journey to stop him. Also, he doesn't hesitate to threaten people with his pistol if their actions endanger one or more lifes.

Grew a Spine: He decides to stop being the doormat of his fiancee and his boss after seeing the immorality of both (the fiancee is not that evil, but this counts).

The Heart: Tenma is the moral center of a morally complex series.

The Hero: He is inarguably the protagonist, and he's very heroic, motivations and rumination aside.

Heroic Resolve: Kenzo has one in his battle against Roberto.

Hero with Bad Publicity: Wanted for the very murders that he keeps trying to stop.

Honor Before Reason: Though he cares about the "right thing" rather than any type of personal honor.

Hospital Hottie: He has a cute appearance, be well-groomed or not.

Humble Hero: He never takes credit for his good deeds and maintains that all people are equal despite conspicuously being better than everybody else in every imaginable way.

Hurting Hero: He's haunted by the actions of a former patient, who destroyed his life.

I Can't Dance: According to Eva, Tenma claimed to not be able to dance. They stood and held each other on the dance floor instead.

I Just Want to Have Friends: According to Eva in Another Monster, he was chronically lonely and thanks to his workaholic tendencies, he was unable to make friends other than Dr. Becker.

Intelligence Equals Isolation: His medical capabilities make him isolated among peers.

I'm Not Hungry: When he was captured by the police, he refused to eat for so long they had to put him on an IV. Which doubles as Fridge Brilliance, as he was trying to end up in the infirmary in order to get in touch with Gunther Milch.

Inconvenient Hippocratic Oath. All the more so (or not) for being an integral part of what he comes to be about after the first episode.

Incorruptible Pure Pureness: One of the rare examples of this trope being pulled off successfully. No matter how complicated things get, he retains his idealistic views on humanity.

Just in Time: He saves Reichwein, who came VERY close to being killed by Roberto, just in time in episode 30.

The Last DJ: Both played straight and averted, in short succession. His integrity makes him lose his job.

Last-Name Basis: People tend to call him by his last name rather than his first name, even when they've got to know him well—including Nina and Eva (though the latter is the one that does it least).

Looks Like Jesus: His long hair and stubble look make him somewhat similar to Jesus.

Magnetic Hero: He's kind, charming, and persuasive.

Manly Tears: He does cry, but it doesn't make him appear weak; it showcases just how horrible his life gets, in spite of how much he tries.

Married to the Job: Noted constantly, one of his fellow physicians tried to hook him up with other loves, but he was more focused on his job.

Messianic Archetype: To counter Johan's Antichrist

Nice Guy: He's very nice and will help even his enemies. This is both a blessing and a curse, considering how dark the series is. It gets him a lot of friends, but it also gets him into difficult situations.

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished: He helped Johan, and then he's framed for murder. Johan: I was supposed to die that night. You're the one who resurrected me, Doctor.

Parental Favoritism: It's mentioned in Another Monster that his father favored him, his youngest son, over his other brothers. However, his mother favored his two older half-brothers (who are unrelated to her) more than him.

Perma-Stubble: He grows one during his Expository Hairstyle Change.

Save the Villain: At first unknowingly, in the case of saving the young Johan from his asked-for bullet wound to the head. By the end, [spoilers] he does it again, this time intentionally, to defy Johan's point.

Screw the Rules, I'm Doing What's Right!: Thoroughly believes this, when he decides to operate on Johan's brain-bullet and disobey the director's orders to ignore the kid and work on the mayor's cerebral-thrombosis. He starts doubting himself, when he sees what Johan has become.

Skilled, but Naïve: Tenma's a surgical prodigy, but it's not his relative inexperience with a scalpel that gets him into trouble in the beginning. It's his inexperience with another aspect of being a doctor: hospital politics.

The So-Called Coward: "Tenma the Weenie! Tenma the Weenie! He peed his pants, too!" Even more so considering the full story given in Another Monster. After the first time the other boys scared him during hide-and-seek, Tenma decided to go through it again in order to conquer his fear. What ended up happening was that they couldn't find him and thought that he just went home, so when one of the mothers told them it was time to go home, they left Tenma by himself. When they found him still hiding in the abandoned yard at night, they probably stopped picking on him simply because he had the guts to do all that.

Technical Pacifist: Although he has no problem pushing, kicking, shoving, and threatening with violence, he has a hard time causing harm to others even if it is to defend his own life.

Think Nothing of It: Does not like to take credit for his achievements, e.g. denying that he'd saved the Turkish district.

Thou Shalt Not Kill: A personal philosophy that looks especially interesting when pitted against his initial tantrums of, "These people need to die."

Took a Level in Badass: Early in the series, after receiving weapons training from an ex-mercenary.

Trademark Favorite Food: Heckel notes that Tenma thinks that any recipe can be improved with soy sauce. And if the fandom on Tumblr has anything to say about it, sandwiches.

Turn the Other Cheek: Constantly, over and over again. He does this to his fellow doctors, as well as his enemies.

Übermensch: By the end of the series, although he starts out as a very clear-cut Last Man. His personal beliefs evolve over the course of the series. He becomes less conflicted, and more willing to do what's necessary.

Unkempt Beauty: He looks like a hobo and still looks very well. Even most fans think he looks better with the hobo look.

Unwitting Pawn: Used, reused, and subverted. A lot of his actions, even his goal are propelled and encouraged by Johan.

White and Grey Morality: How he sees the world.

Wide-Eyed Idealist: Determinedly and stubbornly so. Tenma is convinced that all life is equal, and that everyone can be saved. His beliefs put him at odds with nearly everyone, as he's one of the few idealists in the series.

Wrongly Accused: The whole plot is to save Johan who framed him in the first place, though he's more concerned about saving him and less concerned about being proven innocent.

source: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Characters/Monster

[jennyboom21]

the L chat brought up a speculation about Don’t blame me and dianna, what if the song is about her? Dianna posted a curious caption last year on IG “please don’t est the daisies” it’s interesting

I had assumed it was bearding, the “front” she has to put on that goes against what she’d rather do, and does; and the negative fallout it brings to an already fragile relationship or situation. The daisy I figured was a proxy for how girls/beards see her (new girlfriend or a girl she’s “hanging out with”. Get it, Tay)? A confessional song.

The daisy mention is an interesting parallel [I HIGHLY recommend cross referencing Dianna’s IG, it’s got passive aggressive shade (and music choices), some of which has been deleted], but didn’t think to connect the Daisy to her IG

March 2nd, Dianna reblogged her “Rebel Without a Clue” that she had reblogged earlier in 2016 (or 2015): https://instagram.com/p/BRI-l-CFzdN/March 5th - Taylor posts the hand written note about “Delicate’s” mv being released (I had previously mentioned to a mutual about Dianna’s List of 5 Things That Make Me Happy, but girls like to write notes, so it’s a reach?) https://instagram.com/p/Bf8UgoRn_PY/• Video is very Red Era in theme• Kenzo-appropriation, in which Dianna’s co-star Margaret Qualley, danced in a similar number in that 2016 mv.• In the ending of the mv, it’s been theorized that two of the women at the bar represent Dianna and Karlie, or her past relationships with women.

Dianna posted “Don’t eat the daisies…” on March 6th. https://instagram.com/p/BRTUW2ulBUv/

https://www.ftd.com/blog/share/daisy-meaning-and-symbolism

There’s also that time Taylor added Freya Ridings (Lost Without You) that gave me pause, but apparently the goddess has a connection with daisies, so that’s my reach.

https://youtu.be/iH77LUvAKuA">https://youtu.be/iH77LUvAKuA

If you’d like to discuss this more, my inbox is open.

[ask-the-monster-nest]

As if on que Eiden came in leading a small army of children behind him. All the kids had various costumes. Mercedes was dressed like her dad Edmond and wearing a outfit similar to his royal knight gear. Apollo and Artemis were dressed up as little witches. Kenzo was dressed up like mafia character like his dad Chuya. Noah dressed like his father Trevor and looked like a vampire hunter. Eiden also had the tiny Aster and Morvay with him. Lydia was also dressed as pirate princess. "You needed something?" Said Eiden as we walked over. All the parents were in awe about their children looked.

Yakumo explained the situation and how they needed a knight costume, a princess and a ghost. The kids all looked at him. "Well you see I can but I had help from someone else"

Yakumo blushed as he nuzzled his husband and he was tending to his babies. "We need to get you both ready to go trick and treating. So what do you both want to be?"

Striker was smiling while looking to their babies seeing both Katsuki and Yui thinking about it. He was swaying his imp tail wondering what his little ones wanted to be.

"Uhh..I..I wanna be a princess.." Katsuki mutters but felt the shadow snakes nuzzling to help her remain from being nervous. She only nuzzles back feeling calm.

"I wanna be a knight daddy! A strong knight!" Yui smiled.

[omgmamakenzo]

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[brandseo]

Positioning strategies for your brand or business

Let’s start by clarifying that positioning refers to the image of your brand that the consumer projects in his mind .

It is built from your personal perception based on the brand itself and on the competition.

In marketing we position a brand taking as a reference fundamental criteria: qualities of competence, characteristics of the consumer and benefits for society.

As you can see, your brand goes beyond the logo, name and slogan. Positioning it encompasses the experience it generates in your clients .

On the other hand, positioning is also the first thing that comes to the mind of the consumer when thinking about the brand.

To define positioning strategies you must be clear about what your brand represents.

Thus, to make it occupy a space in the mind of the consumer will be easier.

In other words, it is about building a good perception in the minds of the people we want to reach.

Brand positioning strategies seo positioning Before thinking about how to position your business, consider that brand strategy defines what you represent.

Why? Well, the brand is present in the daily interactions it has with the environment. All through images, messages, opinions, campaigns and even proposals.

In this way the strategy of brand positioning goes beyond the digital.

You can not leave aside how employees and clients interact.

With this, it is sought that people consider me as the best solution for their need. We want you to place me in a preferential place at the time of choosing.

Positioning yourself according to the needs you satisfy or the benefits offered by your business adds value to your positioning strategies.

Ultimately, the strategy you choose gives life to your positioning. It is an exciting field where you compete to attract potential customers.

Examples of positioning strategies Positioning by celebrities A common practice in marketing is to hire the services of famous people or celebrities to position brands.

The objective? Associate the business with celebrities in order to be recognized and increase confidence in consumers.

Although this option is a costly monetary investment, the consumer usually trusts celebrities because they have credibility.

So linking your brand with a celebrity can bring benefits. Applying this strategy for the sale of articles, perfumes or clothes is usual. Let’s see an example:

During 2018 Britney Spears represented the Kenzo clothing brand wearing clothes that evoke the urban.

Also, at age 19 Spears signed a contract with Pepsi – Cola to promote their products.

This familiarity encouraged buyers to follow suit and both brands increased their sales pretty fast.

Even Britney received congratulations from her fans for representing both brands.

Troubleshooting and positioning It is also a high impact strategy. It consists of creating the perception that the company can solve one or several consumer problems.

But with one condition: the solution must be quick and efficient so you can make your life easier.

Helpways is an e-commerce that provides multi-services in Argentina. Offers solutions at home, services for people, events, pets, among others.

In addition, the company permanently monitors the work performed by its members. It increases the confidence in those who hire their services.

In this way they position themselves thanks to the solution of specific problems that arise in the daily life of people.

Offer benefits to the client Highlighting the most important attributes of your business is a popular strategy to position brands. It is about communicating the benefits of the product or service valuable to the client.

Your business must make a promise of profit. For example: Colgate toothpaste promises its buyers oral health thanks to the prevention of tooth decay.

But not only that, it also reduces plaque and gingivitis, whitens teeth, removes stains, combats bad breath, helps prevent sensitive gums and strengthens the enamel.

Many choose to build a brand based on its benefits because it is a safe bet. They consider that in this way they will reach more people.

Positioning by quality Fortunately, the quality of a product speaks for itself. When you combine this factor with other qualities it is possible to apply strategies to position it more easily.

Are you committed to the quality of your product? If the answer is positive, my recommendation is that you distinguish yourself.

Think about the most outstanding feature that defines the quality of your product. Once you know it, focus the strategy towards the quality of the brand in that particular aspect.

This action generates confidence in the clients. By having a distinctive stamp consumers appreciate it as a competitive advantage.

For example, Benito Urban is a leading brand in the urban equipment industry. It stands out because it pays special attention to the quality and innovation of its products.

They use raw materials capable of withstanding adverse weather conditions. In addition, they apply special treatment to the supplies with which they build street furniture.

Positioning by value or price Another option is to refer to the value or price of the product, but both depend on the quality it offers.

To achieve it you have two options. First of all you can focus on high-end products whose high price tells the people who will bring value.

An example of this is the sale of high-end telephony. Samsung has the Galaxy S, high-end smartphones preferred by users.

Another way to approach this positioning is with high quality products or services at a good price.

We mentioned the case of the airline Wingo. This brand stands out among its competitors because it offers cheap flights to various destinations, sometimes with free luggage.

Position yourself based on competitors It consists of focusing the strategy towards one or several competitors in order to demonstrate superiority in the same type of product or service.

Who uses this strategy often? The insurance companies. We can take as reference the health insurance, automobiles and real estate.

His idea is to set an attractive rate for clients in order to acquire current and better coverage.

Usually competition between insurers is presented on a national and international level where they seek to conquer the market.

In Colombia, Sura and Seguros Bolívar lead the insurance market thanks to consumers perceiving them as tradition and support companies.

Situation that motivates them to compete among themselves to maintain or advance in their position with respect to other national or foreign insurers.

SEO positioning strategies seo positioning strategy When you think about how to implement SEO positioning strategies , consider that most consumers do a Google search before making their decision .

They write various terms or keywords that help them solve their concerns and Google shows them a list of web pages linked to their search.

So, if your online business does not appear indexed on the first page of Google it will be more difficult for your potential customers to know you.

For this reason you should consider SEO strategies that allow you to position yourself better than your competition in the results.

Do you want people to find you? It is time for you to work on the positioning of your page with the help of SEO.

Keep reading and pay close attention to the Internet positioning practices that I will show you below:

Investigate keywords This is part of what is known as SEO within your page or On-Page . To attract people interested in your website you need to research what keywords are related to your business.

Now, you’re probably wondering how to investigate. Well, to do a good research, follow the following tips:

Create a list of possible keywords that your visitors would use in their search.

Search the Internet for alternatives to those keywords.

Take note of the keywords people use to find your website.

Decide which keywords position you better in the search engines.

If you follow these recommendations it will be easier to position yourself.

This way you are optimizing your page for visitors, but also the search engines understand the purpose of the page and decide how to index it.

The most important thing about this process is that you know yourself which keywords are related to your business and learn how to use them.

Create content linked to your keywords web positioning Do you want to help search engines rank your website thanks to your organic content?

I recommend focusing the content around two or three keywords linked to the theme of your page.

Use words of short and long tail to face the competition and achieve conversion. Many people, instead of looking for a single word, prefer the longer sentences.

For example: black dress for formal wedding. The content that you create with this keyword must be unique and relevant, without plagiarism.

To verify its originality use CopySacape or PlagSacan and let the words flow naturally in the text, titles and descriptions.

Finally, the text you write besides being useful for your SEO strategy, should also add value to your visitors .

So that more and more people take your page as a reference in a specific topic.

Add inbound and outbound links When we apply SEO strategies we must bear in mind that the authority of our page depends on the number of web that link it.

A large part of SEO work should be aimed at generating links with the aim of improving their positioning in search engines.

If you have more links that link to your website, you have the possibility to improve your ranking. But, it’s not about any link. Quality is especially valued by Google.

In short, Google improves your positioning when you have links that add value. An example of this would be to obtain a link to a page whose theme is similar to yours.

On the other hand, webs of maximum confidence as official sites of universities, institutions or government pages are better valued than others.

In summary, remember that your input and output links must have certain characteristics: relevance, trust and authority.

Summary: Invest time in SEO SEO and time go hand in hand, right? It represents a rigorous work of sweet fruits that requires discipline, perseverance and patience.

To obtain success of your SEO strategy you have two options: you do it yourself, following my recommendations step by step or you hire specialists in the field.

There are those who move away from that deserved triumph because they do not have enough knowledge or are impatient.

Remember that the process of each business is different but has a common goal: to attract more customers, making more people find your company.

And to achieve it, we have to be disciplined in every area of ​​our life.

Pay attention to the small details of the strategy, add points with Google and your potential customers.

The post Positioning strategies for your brand or business appeared first on Brand SEO

[juliandmouton30]

"I feel embarrassed by some of my buildings" says Kengo Kuma

With his stadium for the 2020 Olympics now underway in Tokyo, Kengo Kuma has revealed how his design involves Japan's tsunami-affected regions, how Kenzo Tange inspired his work, and why he now avoids iconic architecture at all costs.

Kuma, 62, is among a number of prolific architects working in Japan at the moment, but is particularly well-known for his use of wood, on projects such as his Garden Terrace Nagasaki hotel in southwest Japan and the Yunfeng Spa Resort in China.

However, the architect's early career was dominated by projects that were more experimental in style and form – the most radical example being his postmodern M2 Building, which reads as a mishmash of different architectural styles.

In an exclusive interview, Kuma – who ranked at number five on the Dezeen Hot List – said he now avoids this type of architecture all together.

"To be honest, sometimes I feel a bit embarrassed by some of my buildings," he said.

Kuma's early projects were more experimental in style and form, such as the postmodern M2 Building in Tokyo

"My method is to avoid heroic gestures, because you get to a point where the heroics kill the beauty of the material," he added.

"I want to find a balance expressing form and material. The form of the building should be as subtle as possible, because then the material's character can reveal itself."

This approach is best illustrated by the stadium that Kuma has designed for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games: a wooden arena, with plants and trees filling the terraces that make up its exterior walls.

It is a far cry from the more sculptural design created by Zaha Hadid, which won the original design competition but was controversially scrapped by the Japanese government after two years of development.

It will also stand in striking contrast to the curved concrete arena that Kenzo Tange designed when the city last hosted the games, back in 1964. Kuma said that Tange's work inspired him to become an architect – but that he decided not to follow the same path.

Kuma's current projects include the stadium that will host the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, which features a wooden structure

"The Olympic Stadium designed by Kenzo Tange showed the success and economic power of the last century by using concrete and steel," he said. "My own design reflects a different time and different needs."

"I believe concrete and steel were the materials of the previous century, and the key material for the 21st century will be wood again, he said.

Wood used to construct the stadium will be sourced from parts of Japan affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami of 2011, according to Kuma, and help create a building with a human scale.

"It is oriented horizontally, its silhouette is as low as possible, and key structural parts are small and made of wood," he said. "Its size is closer to the human body, and there is a clear reference to the current situation in Japan."

Read on for the full interview conducted by Filip Šenk, reporting for Dezeen from the Czech Republic.

Filip Šenk: Your architecture has a lot of respect for tradition. But tradition is a broad term. Could you explain what specifically it is that you appreciate about tradition?

Kengo Kuma: Tradition for me is a history of construction. I'm very interested in the technique and technology of making a building. Most of the history of architecture is about the changing styles of architecture. But behind the change of style, there was often a change of construction method and changes in the way material was used. Especially in Japan, before the concrete technology that came from Europe and the USA, we had a very long tradition of wooden buildings.

In Japanese wooden buildings, technique and style are very much related. I studied changes in technology, and it gave me many hints for my designs.

I'm very interested in the technique and technology of making a building

Wooden buildings and concrete buildings are totally different from each other. Of course, it is not only the essential material but the life of the building that is very different. For wooden buildings, ageing is very important. With wooden buildings, we are able to design the process of its ageing. But with concrete buildings, people seem to forget the ageing of the material.

Concrete is actually not as permanent a material as it appears to be. And we can see it clearly nowadays, because there are big problems with modernist designs. Traditional Japanese buildings have a very smart system of replacing materials. An ancient wooden temple is still very alive because of this system of replacing. But with concrete buildings, you cannot replace the parts.

For my own buildings, I would like to have a similar system of reconstruction or replacing with a new technology. That is the reason why we combine wood with carbon fibres, for example.

Kuma is particularly well-known for his use of wood, on projects like his Garden Terrace Nagasaki hotel in southwest Japan

Filip Šenk: But modernism has also become part of the heritage of Japanese architecture, and Kenzo Tange in particular, with his stadium for the 1964 Olympics. And now you're following in his footsteps, with your stadium for the Olympics in 2020. Do you find inspiration in Japanese modernist architecture, and in the work of Kenzo Tange?

Kengo Kuma: Kenzo Tange and the buildings he designed are one of the reasons why I became an architect. Above all, I think I was influenced by his method. He studied the Japanese tradition very deeply and learned many things.

I also studied traditional buildings, although the character he found in traditional buildings was different from the one I found. He learned a great deal about the vertical line and its symbolic position, but I didn't want to use that. He appreciated and respected tradition, and I also have a lot of respect for tradition.

Kenzo Tange and the buildings he designed are one of the reasons why I became an architect

Filip Šenk: Respect for tradition can easily be seen in your designs dating back to the early 1990s. It has a completely different form, however – it is more like postmodern architecture, with oversized parts like Ancient Greek columns. How do you view those works now?

Kengo Kuma: To be honest, sometimes I feel a bit embarrassed by some of my buildings. I studied the history of architecture and discovered that the basis for the European and American architecture tradition was in fact Ancient Greek and Roman architecture.

Later, when I studied at Columbia University in New York City, I realised through discussions with my Americans friends that I should study Japanese architecture because I'm Japanese. In America, they have great knowledge of European architecture, but as I studied Japanese architectural history, I found depth that one could view as equal to that of the European and American history of architecture. I realised that traditional Japanese wooden architecture is as great as Ancient Roman architecture. And that's actually the result of my American experience.

Other recent projects by the architect include Yunfeng Spa Resort in China's Yunnan Province

Filip Šenk: When you talk about construction, it is a more material view. Could you tell me more about your interest in the immaterial part of architecture, and how you handle light and space?

Kengo Kuma: Shadow is a very important part of my designs. A good example is the new Olympic Stadium. In section it has many levels, with trees to create shadows, but also to protect the wood from natural light and rain.

The shadow is aesthetically very important, but there are also technical reasons for it. I believe concrete and steel were the materials of the previous century, and the key material for the 21st century will be wood again.

Shadow is a very important part of my designs

The Olympic Stadium designed by Kenzo Tange showed the success and economic power of the last century by using concrete and steel, and that is also why the vertical line is so strongly present there. My own design reflects a different time and different needs; it is oriented horizontally, its silhouette is as low as possible, and key structural parts are small and made of wood. Its size is closer to the human body, and there is a clear reference to the current situation in Japan; the wood comes from various areas in Japan, but mainly from areas devastated by the tsunami in 2011.

Filip Šenk: I've heard you say before that you don't like to do big and heroic gestures, even with large structures. Can this idea work in the case of an Olympic stadium?

Kengo Kuma: My method is to avoid heroic gestures, because you get to a point where the heroics kill the beauty of the material. I want to find a balance expressing form and material. The form of the building should be as subtle as possible, because then the material's character can reveal itself. If the balance is there, it's beautiful.

Related story

Sharply pitched roofs break up the scale of Kengo Kuma's kindergarten in Saitama

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"I feel embarrassed by some of my buildings" says Kengo Kuma

With his stadium for the 2020 Olympics now underway in Tokyo, Kengo Kuma has revealed how his design involves Japan's tsunami-affected regions, how Kenzo Tange inspired his work, and why he now avoids iconic architecture at all costs.

Kuma, 62, is among a number of prolific architects working in Japan at the moment, but is particularly well-known for his use of wood, on projects such as his Garden Terrace Nagasaki hotel in southwest Japan and the Yunfeng Spa Resort in China.

However, the architect's early career was dominated by projects that were more experimental in style and form – the most radical example being his postmodern M2 Building, which reads as a mishmash of different architectural styles.

In an exclusive interview, Kuma – who ranked at number five on the Dezeen Hot List – said he now avoids this type of architecture all together.

"To be honest, sometimes I feel a bit embarrassed by some of my buildings," he said.

Kuma's early projects were more experimental in style and form, such as the postmodern M2 Building in Tokyo

"My method is to avoid heroic gestures, because you get to a point where the heroics kill the beauty of the material," he added.

"I want to find a balance expressing form and material. The form of the building should be as subtle as possible, because then the material's character can reveal itself."

This approach is best illustrated by the stadium that Kuma has designed for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games: a wooden arena, with plants and trees filling the terraces that make up its exterior walls.

It is a far cry from the more sculptural design created by Zaha Hadid, which won the original design competition but was controversially scrapped by the Japanese government after two years of development.

It will also stand in striking contrast to the curved concrete arena that Kenzo Tange designed when the city last hosted the games, back in 1964. Kuma said that Tange's work inspired him to become an architect – but that he decided not to follow the same path.

Kuma's current projects include the stadium that will host the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, which features a wooden structure

"The Olympic Stadium designed by Kenzo Tange showed the success and economic power of the last century by using concrete and steel," he said. "My own design reflects a different time and different needs."

"I believe concrete and steel were the materials of the previous century, and the key material for the 21st century will be wood again, he said.

Wood used to construct the stadium will be sourced from parts of Japan affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami of 2011, according to Kuma, and help create a building with a human scale.

"It is oriented horizontally, its silhouette is as low as possible, and key structural parts are small and made of wood," he said. "Its size is closer to the human body, and there is a clear reference to the current situation in Japan."

Read on for the full interview conducted by Filip Šenk, reporting for Dezeen from the Czech Republic.

Filip Šenk: Your architecture has a lot of respect for tradition. But tradition is a broad term. Could you explain what specifically it is that you appreciate about tradition?

Kengo Kuma: Tradition for me is a history of construction. I'm very interested in the technique and technology of making a building. Most of the history of architecture is about the changing styles of architecture. But behind the change of style, there was often a change of construction method and changes in the way material was used. Especially in Japan, before the concrete technology that came from Europe and the USA, we had a very long tradition of wooden buildings.

In Japanese wooden buildings, technique and style are very much related. I studied changes in technology, and it gave me many hints for my designs.

I'm very interested in the technique and technology of making a building

Wooden buildings and concrete buildings are totally different from each other. Of course, it is not only the essential material but the life of the building that is very different. For wooden buildings, ageing is very important. With wooden buildings, we are able to design the process of its ageing. But with concrete buildings, people seem to forget the ageing of the material.

Concrete is actually not as permanent a material as it appears to be. And we can see it clearly nowadays, because there are big problems with modernist designs. Traditional Japanese buildings have a very smart system of replacing materials. An ancient wooden temple is still very alive because of this system of replacing. But with concrete buildings, you cannot replace the parts.

For my own buildings, I would like to have a similar system of reconstruction or replacing with a new technology. That is the reason why we combine wood with carbon fibres, for example.

Kuma is particularly well-known for his use of wood, on projects like his Garden Terrace Nagasaki hotel in southwest Japan

Filip Šenk: But modernism has also become part of the heritage of Japanese architecture, and Kenzo Tange in particular, with his stadium for the 1964 Olympics. And now you're following in his footsteps, with your stadium for the Olympics in 2020. Do you find inspiration in Japanese modernist architecture, and in the work of Kenzo Tange?

Kengo Kuma: Kenzo Tange and the buildings he designed are one of the reasons why I became an architect. Above all, I think I was influenced by his method. He studied the Japanese tradition very deeply and learned many things.

I also studied traditional buildings, although the character he found in traditional buildings was different from the one I found. He learned a great deal about the vertical line and its symbolic position, but I didn't want to use that. He appreciated and respected tradition, and I also have a lot of respect for tradition.

Kenzo Tange and the buildings he designed are one of the reasons why I became an architect

Filip Šenk: Respect for tradition can easily be seen in your designs dating back to the early 1990s. It has a completely different form, however – it is more like postmodern architecture, with oversized parts like Ancient Greek columns. How do you view those works now?

Kengo Kuma: To be honest, sometimes I feel a bit embarrassed by some of my buildings. I studied the history of architecture and discovered that the basis for the European and American architecture tradition was in fact Ancient Greek and Roman architecture.

Later, when I studied at Columbia University in New York City, I realised through discussions with my Americans friends that I should study Japanese architecture because I'm Japanese. In America, they have great knowledge of European architecture, but as I studied Japanese architectural history, I found depth that one could view as equal to that of the European and American history of architecture. I realised that traditional Japanese wooden architecture is as great as Ancient Roman architecture. And that's actually the result of my American experience.

Other recent projects by the architect include Yunfeng Spa Resort in China's Yunnan Province

Filip Šenk: When you talk about construction, it is a more material view. Could you tell me more about your interest in the immaterial part of architecture, and how you handle light and space?

Kengo Kuma: Shadow is a very important part of my designs. A good example is the new Olympic Stadium. In section it has many levels, with trees to create shadows, but also to protect the wood from natural light and rain.

The shadow is aesthetically very important, but there are also technical reasons for it. I believe concrete and steel were the materials of the previous century, and the key material for the 21st century will be wood again.

Shadow is a very important part of my designs

The Olympic Stadium designed by Kenzo Tange showed the success and economic power of the last century by using concrete and steel, and that is also why the vertical line is so strongly present there. My own design reflects a different time and different needs; it is oriented horizontally, its silhouette is as low as possible, and key structural parts are small and made of wood. Its size is closer to the human body, and there is a clear reference to the current situation in Japan; the wood comes from various areas in Japan, but mainly from areas devastated by the tsunami in 2011.

Filip Šenk: I've heard you say before that you don't like to do big and heroic gestures, even with large structures. Can this idea work in the case of an Olympic stadium?

Kengo Kuma: My method is to avoid heroic gestures, because you get to a point where the heroics kill the beauty of the material. I want to find a balance expressing form and material. The form of the building should be as subtle as possible, because then the material's character can reveal itself. If the balance is there, it's beautiful.

Related story

Sharply pitched roofs break up the scale of Kengo Kuma's kindergarten in Saitama

The post "I feel embarrassed by some of my buildings" says Kengo Kuma appeared first on Dezeen.

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