It is interesting to see long-established companies collaborating with new fields.
-What is the reason why you are so particular about using analog methods in your work?
Isamu: I often do analog-like things, such as using film or VHS, or daring to take a print on paper and make it into a video again. There is also the time-related aspect of adding feeling through texture and making the images look nostalgic, but the most important aspect is the "accidental nature" of the images. There are many contingencies that happen on their own that don't happen when you are working digitally, even though you can't aim for them. The film is scratched in a strange way, but that's what's good about it. It's cathartic and gratifying when something exceeds our expectations.
Arata: The visual quality is one thing, but I feel that there is also a kind of proof of existence that says, "I'm here. There is a difference between a work that is printed and re-imported and a work that is done entirely digitally. When I incorporate my own body into the work, I feel that it brings me closer to the work, and I think the viewer can feel that. I often wonder what the difference is between oil painters and digital processors. I think that the reason why I continue to work in analog is that there is a closeness and passion that cannot be measured by that alone.
Continent: Analog is great because you can feel the warmth. I like analog clocks that are more hand-crafted and have a more intricate feel than those that are quickly made by machines. I think that is why this watch was chosen for "Interstellar. I think it means that the watch will be handed down through time.
-Hamilton has a long relationship with the film industry, but in recent years you have begun to collaborate with the video game industry, such as with "Resident Evil: Requiem". What do you think about entering into such new fields?
Arata: I am very positive. It's more interesting to bring together the old and the far-flung together, isn't it? Why "Resident Evil: Requiem"? (laughs). I think it would be interesting to have a design that makes it look like there is blood flying around, and that is one of the things we would like to do.
Isamu: We are the type of people who want to do things we have never done before, so even though we are a long-established company, I really like that kind of spirit of challenge and willingness to try new things. I think the longer a company is established, the more risky it is. The more established a company is, the more risky it is, including for the fans who have stuck with it up to that point. But I really respect their willingness to take risks.
Continent: I really feel the same way. I think it is great that a big, well-established brand is doing something closely related to subculture. We are also on the subculture side, so we are happy to be able to sympathize with them. I think games are a representative culture of Japan, and it is interesting to see how they are connected to each other. That kind of multiplication is exciting.
