In what looks like a recent trip to Tokyo, M. Revelli got the chance to spend some time with Tetsuya Nishiyama (aka Tet) of WTAPS. Situated in his atelier is this particular quote. I originally came across this quote awhile back when HOODS Hong Kong originally opened its doors. After reading it a few times, it really resonated with me and the concept has had somewhat of a lasting effect of me. Whilst the statement revolves around the realm of design, arguably it is a philosophy and approach that can serve you well throughout many different angles and ultimately be a method of figuring out the things that you face in life. All too often we dwell on the negatives which whilst I’m not saying turn a blind eye to the bad stuff, but there’s always a positive to draw from anything that you encounter. It may not be immediately apparent, nor will it be easy to isolate, but I firmly believe that the shit that goes down in your life is something that will inevitably have a positive benefit down the line. It’s whether you’re able to assess the situation and derive the good, figure out the bad and learn from it. Being that pessimistic asshole is the easy way out, it’s like self-handicapping yourself and it reeks of a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you can convince yourself that you’re destined down a path of negativity, you’ve already lost the battle.
I’m not sure to what degree “Miya-Daikus” are related with this other Japanese concept of Wabi-sabi, but I think both have some really strong points to take away. It’s all about flipping the script and turning things in your favor.