Making "Summer" More Exciting

Introducing "Ideas to Make XX More Interesting" from Dentsu Inc.'s young art directors. This time, Shōtarō Takizawa presents "Making Summer More Interesting."

 

Ordinary × Ordinary = Something Special

──Why did you choose "Summer" as your theme?

Takizawa: It was another muggy day. I was staring blankly out at my backyard. That's when I noticed a mosquito coil burning—and it suddenly caught my attention. It burns for a long time, but visually, it's just... well, I know this might sound harsh, but it felt kind of boring. That's what sparked it. I thought, if I could add some visual spice, maybe I could create something enjoyable to look at.

Everyday life is full of small discoveries we haven't noticed yet, and it holds untapped potential. To uncover that, I strive to combine ordinary things with objects seen from a different perspective—like spices—to create something new.

Adult Seriousness

──Tell us what you're interested in right now.

Takizawa: Part of it comes from my own experience as a high school baseball player, but I absolutely love baseball. Even now, I go see about 30 games a year, both corporate league and student baseball.

Among these, the corporate baseball tournament "Urban Baseball Tournament" is highly recommended. While the number of teams has decreased significantly compared to the past, perhaps due to the recession, the games themselves and the sheer intensity of the cheering are overwhelming. The cheering battles are a fight for unity and pride among every single employee. When teams from the same industry face off, you see the sparks fly – the seriousness of adults. Baseball fosters unity within the company, and everyone's voices become one. Seeing that makes me incredibly happy.

I thought that if the Intercity Baseball Tournament gained more momentum, it could boost morale between companies and potentially revitalize the Japanese economy. Not an easy task, though (laugh).