Sushi, apparently cool for many (Bangkok, Nov 2007)
I remember a funny conversation, one of the first days working for an org. I had to discuss with a manager on how to deal with one issue. At the end of conversation, he said, “Is it cool?” I replied, “It’s fine with me.” Unsatisfied of my answer, he looked into my eyes to say:
“It must be COOL, hey, say it’s cool!”
For me it was just so funny. I reluctantly said, “It’s cool.”
Come to think of it, though, things should stay “cool” to be known. I am so happy to know about this year’s May Day (Labour Day) in Japan (Sorry, in Japanese only): とうとう始まったインディー系(独立系)メーデー!
It’s May Day for the youth, by the youth. Unlike all those cheesy meetings of the youth, this one is real cool. That’s why many can join, people can get interested in.
When “The Big Issue” (Street newspaper published on behalf of and sold by homeless people) came up in Japan, one TV personality commented, “But this should be something fashionable to be expanded. Like, having it should look something very fashionable.” He’s right. If it does not look cool, people would not keep on buying.
How to be cool? Any rule? I am not sure, and I am not sure if compromise is necessary. I just know that May Day and The Big Issue did not come from compromise, but creativity. Creativity… it comes only from a very limited situation, I suppose.
