I'm in my 30s now

On April 22nd, I left my 20s and turned 30.

Looking back at my twenties, I am honestly happy that I am still able to continue working in the photography and videography industries, something I started in my twenties.

However, those 10 years also left me with regrets for being like a frog in a well, turning my eyes away from the ocean.

Since last year, I have visited many different places while researching for Utsushiki, and have met people who make a living as artists.

Although the situation was different, I visited and interviewed people who are fighting on the front lines of manufacturing, and what I saw and felt with my own eyes was so great that it made me realize just how narrow the world I had seen had been.

As I approach my 30s, and now that I'm in my 30s, I've been able to set my aspirations and goals high, which has marked a big change in my mindset.

I feel anxious because the debt I slacked off on in my twenties is so huge, but I am doing my best to make up for it and continue to deepen my learning every day so that I can fight on the front lines.

I want to survive in my 30s so that I won't find myself in my 40s before I know it, but will be fully prepared when I reach my 40s.

Now, changing the subject, the CD for Ota Miho's second album "Kiki" is about to be completed.

I still vividly remember the day in February when we recorded at Utsushiki in the freezing cold and snow was falling. That day, through the space called Utsushiki, each song was born as if it were my own precious child, and I was moved throughout the experience; it was an incredibly beautiful time.

I felt a lot of pressure to make music videos for the two songs that were created at that time,
I feel relieved that I was able to release it safely in a way that I am satisfied with.

Making it isn't the end; our role and the challenge begins now.

I hope to continue sharing each and every song that Miho has created with such care so that it can reach many people.

The CD packaging, designed by Ono-san of Yamaka Design Office, and the booklet with Miho's powerful words are both beautifully done, and I'm most looking forward to getting the CD in my hands as soon as possible.

We are currently accepting pre-orders for Miho Ota's second album, "Kiki," so please check out the link below.

And today I am on my way to Kagoshima to visit Tokuda-san, who has an atelier there, where I will be exhibiting in June. As always, I am having fun with lots of travel.

I hope to deliver each one carefully to you as a "video" or "conversation," so please look forward to it.

Well, I hope this week will be a learning one for you.

Yudai Oda