Athlete Brains: Dai Tamesue's "Fluid Pacing" vol.8

A serial interview column where Mr. Dai Tamesue freely discusses "things on his mind right now." The only set theme is "What is autonomy? What is tolerance?" Mr. Tamesue shares his thoughts on various "things on his mind" in response to the mysterious "interviewer's" unexpected prompts. Well then. What kind of stories will emerge this time...? Stay tuned.

──For this installment, we've set the theme "What is loneliness?" under the overarching topic of "Autonomy and Tolerance." Since it's a rather unconventional theme, I'd like to take a bit more time than usual to explain the concept behind the project, or rather, why we chose this particular theme.

Tamesue: Thank you for having me.

──Amid the ongoing stay-at-home period during the pandemic, a somewhat peculiar phenomenon has started occurring around me. For instance, I myself started keeping medaka fish on my balcony. In a large pot, the kind you'd use for making soba noodles. Among my peers, some have suddenly started keeping toy poodles. Others have gone out and bought luxury foreign cars they have absolutely no use for. Still others have become obsessed with ordering gourmet food online. You could just call it a pastime or a way to kill boredom, but it made me wonder if there isn't a deeper sense of loneliness underlying it all—a loneliness felt by individuals, companies, and society as a whole.

Tamese: I see.

──Relationships with family, friends, or partners; workplace dynamics; the struggles of business owners. At the root of all these lies the "loneliness" inherent in modern society. Based on this hypothesis,
I'd like to hear your thoughts, Mr. Tamesue. Fundamentally, I imagine that loneliness is the greatest enemy for athletes. It evokes the image of a solitary battle, a relentless confrontation with oneself. So this time, I'd like to explore "What is loneliness?" based on how you yourself have faced and overcome loneliness.

Tamesue: I think I understand the gist of your question.

──Well, I apologize for jumping right in with such a direct question, but what do you think is the true essence of "loneliness"?

Tamesue: That's a tough question. Of course, the physical loneliness of being alone is a major factor. The reality that your desire for human connection and communication
But I think what's even more important is a sense of efficacy.

──"Sense of efficacy"?

Tametsu: Like the pet example at the start, it's about "knowing there are beings who couldn't survive without you." That's what matters. Whether it's a lover, spouse, child, or even an employee for a business owner—it applies to everyone. The crux of loneliness and solitude lies in suddenly realizing, "Society keeps turning even without me." That sense of desolation—it sends shivers down your spine.

──I see.

Tamesue: Even if it means being scolded, you want someone to "react" to you. It's because of that reaction
is what allows people to keep living. It sparks the will to live. Money, status, or
and money are important too, but for humans, "getting a reaction from others" is
the greatest reward.

──That's why people get so obsessed with things like social media, to get that "reward," right?

Tamesue: People "react to things that react to them," apparently. Casinos are a prime example—I've heard that just tweaking the sound and light effects can drastically change revenue. When you insert a coin, the slot machine lights up. It blasts out a loud noise. That elevates your mood. In that moment, you're freed from loneliness.

──That's true of anything addictive, isn't it? Alcohol, cigarettes, golf. Something reacts to the action you take. When the ball you hit with your club lands right next to the pin, it's an incredible feeling of satisfaction.

Tamura: I think one essence of loneliness lies in "taking action, yet receiving no response whatsoever—whether from an object, a person, or anything else."

──I see. This is getting interesting. I'd like to continue our discussion on the theme of "What is loneliness?" in future sessions. We haven't even touched on the relationship between athletes and loneliness yet, after all.

Tamese: I look forward to it.

(Interviewer: Web Dentsu Inc. Editorial Department)

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From Hibi, Athlete Brains Production Team

This interview provided a fresh opportunity to reflect on "loneliness." The term "sense of efficacy" Mr. Tamesue mentioned. I believe everyone seeks meaning in their existence, and the moment they recognize that meaning is the moment they feel a sense of efficacy. Athletes are also individuals who have battled loneliness and overcome it. That's precisely why I think they develop their own core principles, extend that core upward, and gain a broader perspective. You could say it's an environment that forces them to acquire this. I was reminded once again that this broader perspective is something that can be applied in various situations.

Athlete Brains Production Team Dentsu Inc. / Akimichi Hibi (3CRP) · Kohei Shiraishi (Business Co-creation Bureau)

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"Athlete Brains," centered around Dai Tamesue.
For details on this team that connects the knowledge cultivated by athletes to solving challenges in the world (businesses and society), click here.