Decluttering Log: From Things to Experiences. Why I 'Left Without Buying Merchandise' at This Concert

The other day, I went to a concert for a performer I have been supporting for many years. It was the final performance of a tour that had been traveling across the country since last year. Although this was my second time attending this tour, it was a wonderful night, wrapped in the special excitement unique to a finale, and even more thrilling than the last time.

On my way home, while the excitement was still fresh, I happened to look at my hands and realized something. 'Wait, I'm not holding anything today,' I thought.

I used to be the kind of fan who would buy merchandise with the intensity of 'buying out everything from right to left' whenever I visited a venue. I wanted to support the person I loved and keep a tangible proof of that support. I still understand that feeling well. However, for the current me, who is re-evaluating my lifestyle and aiming for a life that values mental and physical space, this concert became a major turning point, shifting from 'supporting by increasing possessions' to 'supporting by fully embracing the experience.'

The pounding of my heart the moment the curtain rises

I arrive at the concert venue, hand my ticket to the staff at the reception, and have the entry stub torn off. This moment is the first thrill. A happy and special feeling wells up, as if I have taken a big step closer to the performer I adore.

Once I successfully enter, the merchandise sales corner spreads out before me. The old me would have lined up without hesitation, but recently, my own standards have changed to only purchasing items I can use in real life or small goods that don't take up space.

I am well aware that buying a lot and contributing to sales is a way to support the performer. However, it is also a reality that the more I buy, the more space it occupies in my home. I have learned to strike a balance between the desire to support and a clutter-free life, and I have become more careful about choosing what I buy.

Stepping into the seating area while harboring such conflicts, I found that this time I had even better seats than before, with the stage spread out right in front of me. As I sat and waited, the venue lights dimmed, and the curtain finally rose. The moment the intro music played and the long-awaited performer appeared with a smile, saying, 'Good evening, everyone!', my mood soared to its peak along with the cheers of the crowd. From there, a dreamlike time unfolded where I forgot everything about my daily life.

Why we seek 'live' experiences even as ticket prices rise

When I calm down, I feel that concert ticket prices have risen compared to the past. It likely depends on the venue and the performer's popularity, but rising prices, including labor costs, must also be a factor. The same can be said for the price of merchandise.

Amidst all this, one phrase crossed my mind: 'It is said that when you buy something, you feel the most joy right after paying at the register.' Even if the sense of omnipotence at the moment of acquisition is wonderful, once you bring it home, your attachment to the 'thing' itself can fade surprisingly quickly.

There was plenty of attractive merchandise at this final performance, too. It wasn't that there was nothing I wanted. However, when I imagined bringing those glittering 'fan goods' into my home as objects, a small sense of resistance to owning them arose. Although I am overflowing with the desire to support the person I love, I chose to leave the venue without buying any merchandise at all to protect the peace of the life I want to cherish right now.

The value of a 'once-in-a-lifetime experience' that 'things' cannot provide

I didn't buy any merchandise. Yet, my heart was filled with a sense of happiness like never before. That is because that dreamlike time has changed form and continues to remain as a vivid memory even now.

In this modern age, we can listen to our favorite songs at the same quality anytime via CDs or subscriptions. However, a concert is completely different. No two performances are the same; little accidents happen along the way, and you can see ad-libs that only happen that day. These are all precious 'experiences' that only those who were there can share, which 'things' like CDs do not have. Above all, the excitement and emotion of the performer on stage and the fans filling the seats becoming one is something I feel is well worth the high price.

This shift in values from 'things to experiences' is similar to talking about travel souvenirs. When we return from a trip, we talk passionately about our experiences there, saying things like, 'The lake we saw from the observatory was beautiful,' or 'The freshness of the fish at that small diner was the best.' There are few people who would prefer to keep talking about, 'This keychain I bought at the souvenir center is so cute.' It is precisely because it is an emotion gained through experience that it remains so vivid.

Tangible 'things' may eventually break or come to a time when they must be let go. However, the emotions and memories of the heart gained through 'experience' will remain in one's heart for a lifetime.

My hands are empty as I return home without having bought any merchandise. However, my heart is overflowing with that wonderful singing voice, the sense of unity in the venue, and the warm energy of thinking, 'I will continue to support this person.' This is the best souvenir my favorite artist gave me—one that will never fade.

From now on, I want to live by pouring my full passion into the 'experiences' that truly matter, while cherishing the clear and comfortable space in my life. I will continue to keep these intangible, yet never-fading memories tucked away in my heart.

Thank you for reading until the end.