Aiming for 'Eternally Incomplete'
column vol.846
I recently read an article about AERA.dot and YOASOBI, and I found it deeply relatable.
【The Sony culture that birthed 'YOASOBI': 'Let them do what they want to their heart's content' - Behind the scenes revealed by the creator in his 30s】
〈AERA.dot / November 17, 2022〉
【'YOASOBI' is not aiming for the top: The essence of Sony's 'doing things differently' seen in their production】
〈AERA.dot / November 18, 2022〉
Not aiming for the 'top'
Sony Music Entertainment Digital Content Division's Yohei Yashiro's words are impressive.
We are not aiming for the top. I think of YOASOBI as something that is constantly being created, like Gaudi's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain.
Do things differently.
Naturally, there will be many things that don't go well, and many detours along the way.
Even if what they are aiming for is not completed in my lifetime, I was moved by the desire to create the Sagrada Familia—a world that no one could have imagined.
It is as if they are truly enjoying being 'eternally incomplete', but reading this story reminded me of an article about ITmedia Business Online's Gundam.
【The unique new work 'The Witch from Mercury' is a hot topic: Why Gundam continues to be loved after overcoming its 'winter era'】
〈ITmedia Business Online / November 6, 2022〉
The Gundam series is synonymous with robot anime, but for someone in my middle generation, Gundam means Amuro in 'First Gundam'.
I was obsessed with it as a child, but in reality, the Gundam series is chameleon-like depending on the work.
I feel that it is constantly searching for new possibilities and encounters with new fans.
Protect the core, then break the rest
For example, the protagonist of 'Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam', the sequel to the first one, is Kamille Bidan.
If following the standard playbook, one would write a sequel starring Amuro based on the massive success of the original.
Since then, they have continued to release battles between Gunpla depicting Gundam Build Fighters, and the latest series that has become a hot topic as a school drama, a rarity for the Gundam series, titled The Witch from Mercury, which are unique works that defy the expectations of fans of the original.
However, at the same time, they periodically provide topics that delight fans of the original, such as Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin, which targeted fans of the original, and this year's film adaptation of Mobile Suit Gundam: Cucuruz Doan's Island.
While firmly keeping their foothold, they are attempting to “dare” to break the worldview, or in other words, expand the framework, to broaden the worldview.
Through this, they are able to satisfy core fans while bringing in new ones.
In other words, it is designed so that anyone can join in even from the middle.
This provides a major hint for companies on acquiring new customers.
Where a community has already been established, it is difficult for newcomers to enter.
On the other hand, if you break it too strangely, existing fans will leave.
Therefore, it is essential to core fans seek in that product or service, while breaking things down while grasping the essence.
Long-standing companies often express it as established companies saying “changing in order to remain the same.” If you don't change with the times, you will become obsolete, but at the same time, there are things that must not be changed.
I believe this discernment is the secret to being loved for a long time even while the fan base undergoes constant turnover.
Having a 'core' is also important for note
And then there is note.
I have also thought about my own core as a noter.
Purpose is 'Trend Forecaster'. Mission is 'Delivering the latest business tips'.
I write articles every day while sticking only to that.
Even though I say business, the themes are wide-ranging, including leadership, education, communication, marketing, technology, entertainment, creative, and so on.
There is a strategic intent behind that, actually...
..., simply trying not to get bored myself might be the biggest reason... (sweat)
...After all, if I get bored, the discipline just becomes a penance...
...While that is a premise, it is not quite liberal arts, but by learning across various fields and sharing them, there are many things that become visible that you wouldn't see no matter how much you dig into a single field.
For example, I occasionally take up 'child-rearing', but there are also many business tips to be gained from this.
In my case, the real, true purpose of continuing note is 'self-improvement'.
After all, how I absorb fresh knowledge and insights is what motivates me to write articles.
On top of that, by sharing it with everyone and having them be happy, or by outputting, learning deepens further, and a virtuous cycle of increased motivation is created.
Actually, when I re-read articles from two years ago when I started note, I realize, 'I see, maybe it really is better than before'.
So, I would be very happy if you could watch over my note with a warm gaze, as if you are enjoying 'eternal incompleteness' (lol).
I know it is difficult to write notes while you are busy every day, but I hope you will continue to have a good note-writing life while protecting your core while breaking the mold.
That is all for today.
I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow!