Hello. I am Terashima, the representative employee of Godo Kaisha Jibun Rashiku.
Recently, during a conversation with an artist friend, I had the opportunity to hear the word "Kakugo" (resolve/readiness). While discussing my artistic expressions and how I devise ways to present them, she expressed, "I want to approach it with resolve."
I remember that word inexplicably deeply resonating with me. Looking back at my activities so far, I realized I had never consciously thought about "Kakugo." Yet, for some reason, the word wouldn't leave my mind. Today, I'd like to talk about this feeling of unease and the new form of "Kakugo" that emerged from it.
My Career Path and the Origin of 'Living Authentically (Jibun-rashiku)'
Throughout my life, I have engaged in a truly diverse range of activities. Designer, copywriter, director, promoter, bodyworker, and artist. I have pursued an endless number of varied careers. And I continue all of these activities, albeit on a small scale, even now.
Why have I done so many different things? It is simply the result of living "as my interests led me." In other words, it boils down to the fact that I have "a nature that cannot live other than authentically (jibun-rashiku)." Rather than strongly "deciding" on one particular thing, it feels like I have naturally gravitated towards what attracts me, the direction my heart moves.
Currently, I strongly focus my activities on "using my talents and abilities to bring joy to others." To give form to this aspiration, I established Godo Kaisha Jibun Rashiku. Through this company, I want to create "a society where value is born from living authentically (jibun-rashiku)." That is my unwavering wish and the world I aim for.
For example, workshops hosted by Godo Kaisha Jibun Rashiku, such as "Drum de Dance Club" and "Rakugaki Labo," and events like "Min nano Live," live painting, and "Yururi Tsunagaru Cafe," all began from my inner voice saying, "I want to do this," or "This would be interesting."
When actually held, many people experienced the joy of expression just as I did. The pursuit of my own "joy" in turn leads to the "joy" of others. I feel that this is an invaluable example that substantiates my belief that living authentically creates value.
A New Interpretation of 'Kakugo': My 'Uncommitted Resolve'
When I heard my friend's word "Kakugo," to be honest, I felt a slight sense of confinement. "Kakugo" typically brought to mind an image of strong determination, of abandoning everything else, of a single-minded focus. For me, whenever I "decide" something, I feel a loss of freedom, and something holds me back. Perhaps that's why I've intentionally avoided strongly "deciding" on any one particular thing. My honest feeling is that I've entrusted myself to things happening naturally.
However, while contemplating "Kakugo" deeply this time, I realized something. This stance of mine, of "not deciding," and my very nature of "not being able to live other than authentically," might actually be my own form of "Kakugo" (resolve).
If I were to express my "Kakugo" (resolve) in one word, I feel it would be "living true to my essence."
This means consistently being true to my inner voice, my "essence," without being swayed by external expectations or societal norms. It is a flexible posture, not forcibly conforming to patterns or sticking to a specific path, but moving as my essence guides me. And it is exploring various fields as my interests lead me, connecting all of them through my own filter. I am now convinced that this is my "Kakugo" (resolve).
The Power of Expression Brought by 'Uncommitted Resolve'
From my friend's word "Kakugo," I felt that "with resolve, one can achieve stronger expression." However, I believe this is not necessarily limited to the form of "making a clear decision."
In fact, my friend's words, "I want to focus firmly and resolve on how to present and deliver, and what kind of impact I want to create," made me realize that I had already been practicing this in my activities so far.
My "uncommitted resolve," my "resolve to live true to my essence," truly gives unique power and depth to my expression.
First, there is the unwavering core of "being oneself (jibun-rashiku)." My diverse expressive activities may seem disparate at first glance. However, at their root, there is always a consistent theme of "being true to myself." It is because of this core that every area of expression reflects my own truth and resonates persuasively with the audience.
And then, authenticity and purity. My expression doesn't stem from calculated "decisions" but from something that naturally wells up from within. There is no artifice, it is pure, and precisely because of this, it carries an "authenticity" that deeply and powerfully resonates with the hearts of those who witness it.
Furthermore, infinite possibilities and freedom. By "not deciding," I am constantly opening new doors to expression. By not conforming to specific patterns, I can explore new perspectives and methods without being bound by fixed ideas, expanding the breadth of my expression. This freedom is the wellspring of my creativity and makes my expression richer and more powerful.
That I have experienced roles such as designer, promoter, and director, and am currently planning and hosting various workshops and events at "Godo Kaisha Jibun Rashiku," is precisely the result of unconsciously practicing my friend's spoken "resolve regarding delivery"—how to deliver expression and what kind of impact to create. Now I understand this.
What is 'Kakugo' (Resolve) for You?
This time, I deeply contemplated the word "Kakugo" and found my own answer. It is not something given by someone else, but a deeply rooted and unwavering "resolve to live true to my essence" that naturally wells up from within me. And I realized that this resolve is also at the core of my activity of "delivering expression."
The form of "Kakugo" varies from person to person. It might be a strong determination to move straight towards a goal, or like me, a fundamental "nature" of living authentically (jibun-rashiku).
For you, who are reading this blog, what exactly is "Kakugo" (resolve)? If you would like, please try to find the form of your "Kakugo" in your own words.
Godo Kaisha Jibun Rashiku will continue its activities to create a society where all individuals living authentically can shine with their unique "Kakugo" (resolve).