Possess things so that you can choose the right thing for the right place.
-By the way, you have a large number of photo books in one corner of your studio, don't you? There are a lot of hard-core books such as "IN MY EYES: JIM SAAH," "FUCK YOU HEROES: Grean E. Friedman," "Out & About: Ari Marcopoulos," "BEASTIE BOYS: SPIKE JONZE," and so on. Ari Marcopoulos," "BEASTIE BOYS: SPIKE JONZE," etc. What are your criteria for placing these books?
Nishiyama: The lineup on the bookshelf is the very essence of identity, isn't it? In that sense, what I have here is a collection of photographs of the culture that has protected my mentality. I think I can say that this is one of the essentials for me.
-As with "Leica", do you have an important concept in choosing products?
Nishiyama: I don't have a consistent standard for everything. For example, when it comes to motorcycles, I ride both Harleys and scooters. If I had to say, I would say that I choose what is appropriate for my mood and the occasion based on my own sensibilities. It is like wearing formal clothes to a formal occasion, and I choose a Leica as my everyday camera because of that kind of decision. In this way, I have things in my possession so that I can choose the right one for the right occasion. This way of thinking may be my standard for choosing things.
-What kind of mood do you have when you are choosing things now?
Kawachi: I recently bought a "Toshiba" boom box. I was so taken in by what Mr. Tsunoda of "waltz" told me about cassette tapes that I've been listening to the cassette tapes I originally owned again. I feel as if I am once again searching for the charm that can only be found in such old media. Tapes have a sound that can only be found on tapes, and it is necessary to make time to watch DVDs and VHS properly. If you don't take the time to do so, everything you do will be a one-sided affair. The same is true for people. Nowadays, a single smartphone is often enough, but I feel that I am gradually regaining the time to meet with people properly.
-Of course, there are parts of our lives that are enriched by the existence of smartphones, subscriptions, and other services, but on the other hand, there are many things that can only be obtained through analog media and actual time spent with people.
Nishiyama: It is not that I am nostalgic, and I like new things, but as I spend less and less time with them, I am less and less serious about something. I feel that if that happens, the essential things that are the theme of this project will also disappear from the world. That's why I want to cherish the time I have now to face something, and I think one of the ways I do that is by taking pictures with a Leica camera.
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