PROFILE
Vocalist and guitarist of "Asian Kung Fu Generation". In addition to his musical activities, he has been actively involved in politics and environmental issues since 3.11. In 2012, he organized the music festival "NO NUKES" with Ryuichi Sakamoto and others. He currently writes essays and serves as editor-in-chief of "THE FUTURE TIMES," a newspaper that considers the future. This year, "Asian Kung Fu Generation" celebrates its 25th anniversary, and will hold its "25th Anniversary Tour 2021 "Quarter-Century"" in six cities across Japan starting in November.
Twitter: @gotch_akg
We also drink water in plastic bottles, and despite our best efforts, we still produce garbage.
- In addition to music, Goto-san has a strong image of being actively involved in social issues. What triggered your interest?
Goto: When I was in junior high school, I was reading a science book that featured asbestos, dioxin, and pesticide problems at golf courses. That was probably the source of my environmental problems.
I feel that since 3.11, you have been sending out messages more frequently.
Goto: Of course, the earthquake was also a major factor. It was also after the earthquake that I felt the need to commit to something I was interested in. In the midst of all this, I was contacted by a professor (Ryuichi Sakamoto).
You and Mr. Sakamoto have been involved in festivals such as "NO NUKES," haven't you?
Goto: Yes, that's right. When it comes to nuclear power, I got interested in it because of the waste issue. I thought, there's no place to dump it. Also, nuclear power plants and nuclear waste disposal sites are all in remote areas. So are U.S. military bases and so on. So one day, I toured such facilities. Rokkasho Village in Aomori is very far from Aomori City, and the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant in my hometown is also quite remote. I realized that in order for us to live a better life, there is always a burden placed on us somewhere. Also, many municipalities do not have final disposal facilities for the garbage that we usually casually throw away. They pay to have it buried in a town somewhere. So now, after going through various things, I am interested in "throwing things away. Like, "Isn't that garbage bad?" Like.
The amount of garbage is enormous, even if you are just living a normal life.
Goto: I think it's over-wrapped." I think. What is the point of wrapping each rice cracker individually (laughs)? I feel there is a contradiction in putting individually wrapped rice crackers in the eco-bag that I brought with me. I think it is the wrong place to charge for it.
I feel bad every time I throw away meat and other food trays at home....
Goto: I have no choice but to take them to the supermarket and recycle them. I cook, too, so I am very thorough about that.
Do you usually generate a lot of garbage at home?
Goto: No, it's going to show up, no matter how you do it.
Do you drink water out of plastic bottles?
Goto: It's also quite difficult, to be honest. So it's troubling. I think we should reuse more. Anyway, the problem is that when we shop, we produce garbage. I would like to reduce it, but I feel that it is not decreasing. It is an irresistible part of our daily lives. As Kohei Saito (*Note) says, "There are some things that individuals cannot resist. There are some things that cannot be reduced unless they are strictly regulated.
*Note: Born in 1987. Associate Professor, Graduate School of Economics and Faculty of Economics, Osaka City University. Specializes in economic and social thought. His recent publications include "Jinshinsei no 'shihon ron'" (Capitalism in the New Age) (Shueisha Shinsho).
