It is a storybook place where Sion Sono also lived.

Midori-so" is currently curated by Mr. Oya, and has been steadily expanding its scale with the opening of the new "Midori-so 3" this year. How did you start "Midori-so" in the first place?

arrow with feathers that curve to the left (the first of two arrows to be fired)It all started when our boss Kurosaki, the former founder of IDÉE, a woman named Koshiba who used to work at an investment bank, and Jonathan, an international school principal from California, and I were talking about creating a place where creators and interesting people could gather. We decided that if we were going to go to the trouble of creating such a place, we wanted it to be an interesting place, and when we were looking for a place, we found "Midori-so" in Nakameguro, which was originally a ghost building, or rather, nearly abandoned. The ivy covering the exterior, which has become a symbol of the building, has remained intact since that time.

The atmosphere is unique for a so-called shared office, isn't it?

arrow with feathers that curve to the left (the first of two arrows to be fired)The location and real estate value were high, and the area was very popular, so companies and organizations were constantly coming to us wanting to move in, but they could not get permission, perhaps because they did not match the owner's tastes. In the case of "Midori-so," however, they were able to rent it because it resonated with our aspirations. The story of this place, where the director Sion Sono once lived and where creation has taken root, also fits well with the project.

Midori-so" was an urban shared office space that was just beginning to be recognized as a place to work in Japan.

arrow with feathers that curve to the left (the first of two arrows to be fired)Koshiba: Actually, we didn't originally set out to create a shared office. However, we wanted to create a place where creators could gather, so Koshiba and I went around researching shared offices in Portland and New York. It was true that they were all the rage there, and there were many people gathered, but I didn't think any of them looked cool. Then, since I myself have always liked artists and creators in the art world, I wanted to create a studio-like space where they could feel at home.

It is true that this "Midori-so" gives a soft impression.

arrow with feathers that curve to the left (the first of two arrows to be fired)We also did the dismantling and painting ourselves when we renovated this place from scratch, and the furniture and fixtures are made from Portland stores and artists' things. I think this is also something that accumulates as part of the story of the place. We also have a gallery space on the third floor, as we wanted to leave some space for cultural activities even though it is a shared office.

A creative agency called Midori-so.

There are people from various occupations at Midori-so. Have there been any collaborative works by these creators in the past?

arrow with feathers that curve to the left (the first of two arrows to be fired)Of course, we sometimes share our work individually and sometimes work on common projects. We have published "WE WORK HERE," a collection of interviews with creators who embody a new way of working, and "TRUE PORTLAND," a guidebook about the creative side of Portland produced by fellow "Media Surf" members. I have also published a guidebook, "TRUE PORTLAND," which introduces the creative side of Portland. So recently, I think "Midori-so" is actually more like a creative agency than a share office. For example, when a project for music, commercials, or advertisements comes in, we can immediately put together a team from among the members of Midori-so, which is one of our strengths.

That organic connection is certainly a strength. What kind of activities are you involved in outside of Midori-Sou? Also, what do you envision for the future of "Midori-so" and yourself?

arrow with feathers that curve to the left (the first of two arrows to be fired)I myself mainly curate artists, but I also consult on other creative projects that are brought to Midori-so. For example, a clothing manufacturer has approached me about a tie-up using high-end garment materials, and instead of presenting it as an advertisement, I have transformed it into a project that will cause a chemical change by combining it with a project that the creators at "Midori-so" are working on.

I'm sure it's all very interesting.

arrow with feathers that curve to the left (the first of two arrows to be fired)In the end, the world won't change if we just make things for ourselves, will it? That is why I would like to value fundamental values such as agriculture from now on. We are not capitalistic developers.

I see. It seems to me that this will also indicate a new form for "Midori-so," which until now could not be categorized in terms of its social positioning.

arrow with feathers that curve to the left (the first of two arrows to be fired)I would like to work more in this way in the future. In the future, I would like to work more in this way. In order to do so, I need to be more committed to society myself (laughs). (laughs) But in fact, I don't think the members of "Midori-so" are aware that they are working in a shared office. We work with people we like doing what we like with people we like. This is the mindset and stance that Kurosaki, who is also our boss, has always embodied, and I want to share that with everyone without changing.