Words & Thoughts: Professor Yamanaka Shunji

Shared by friends and collaborators of Japan House London, 'Words & Thoughts' is a collection of words, characters or phrases in Japanese which are particularly poignant to them or for our time.

Professor Yamanaka Shunji is the Founder of ‘Leading Edge Design’ and Professor at the University of Tokyo, whose exhibition ‘Prototyping in Tokyo: Illustrating design-led innovation’ was enjoyed by thousands of guests Japan House London in 2019.

He chose: 好奇心 ('kou ki shin': curiosity)

"Curiosity needs nourishment, it has to be fed with ‘discoveries’ or ‘realizations’ – otherwise it simply wastes away. It’s now time to feed your curiosity again – more than ever before. Take another look at the world around you – from the room you’re in, right up to global movements. Rekindle your interest. Being unable to get out can conversely bring new vistas into view. The Internet also provides opportunities to learn things you can find nowhere else. So seize the moment, and reawaken your childhood sense of curiosity. The more you feed it, the wider its wings will stretch. Let it carry you to new heights of freedom!"

好奇心は、「発見」や「納得」という餌を与えないといつの間にか小さくなって、活動しなくなってしまいます。こんなときだからこそ、もう一度、あなたの好奇心に餌付けをしてください。部屋の中で起こる様々なことから、世界の人々の活動まで、もう一度興味を持って眺めてみましょう。動けないからこそ、見えてくることもあります。ネットを通じてだからこそ、学べることもあります。今こそ、子供の時のあなたが持っていた好奇心を目覚めさせてください。餌を与え続ければあなたの好奇心はどこまでも羽を広げて、あなたをこれまで以上に自由にしてくれるでしょう。