MAIMI'S BRAIN Vol. 2

Today, I'd like to introduce "Kiyokuna Doku wo Jibun no Naka ni Kakuse," a book by Taro Okamoto, which is my bible.

I also introduced this book as my bible when I had a pop-up store at Shibuya TSUTAYA.

I first encountered this book about 9 years ago.

At that time, I didn't know much about Taro Okamoto.

I was drawn to the title and happened to buy it, which is how I learned about Taro Okamoto.

Encounters are mysterious; after reading this book, I grew to love Taro Okamoto's way of thinking. I had never had anyone I wanted to meet before, but

he was the only person I ever wanted to meet. He has passed away now, so that wish will not come true.

The impact of reading this book was incredible.

The powerful energy that emanated from it pierced me, and the lingering impression was profound.

It was filled with strong words that seemed to challenge my weaknesses and encourage me.

"I had an ally."

It felt like the book was telling my lonely self, "It's okay," and giving me a gentle push.

That's how I felt about the book.

Taro Okamoto is famous for the phrase "Art is an explosion," but

words like "It's okay to be clumsy" and "Life is art" pierce you with every turn of the page when you open this book by Taro Okamoto.

I don't think there are many books where words pierce you like that.

I was so moved when I read this book that I once gifted it to about four people for Christmas, but

when I later asked them for their thoughts, they said,

"No one has read it yet; it's too scary, so I just left it untouched." Lol.

I was so shocked (lol), but

I wondered why it was scary.

It's because those who live honestly look at you with powerful, unfeigned eyes.

That's why Taro Okamoto's eyes in the book seemed to stare intently at me, as if he were actually there.

It was as if he was asking me,

"How is it? Are you living each day to the fullest, with all your might?"

Whenever I feel a bit down, I flip through the pages,

and I repeatedly read the section where my eyes stop.

Thanks to this book, I read various other books by Taro Okamoto and started wanting to visit the Tower of the Sun in Osaka someday.

Seven years ago, when I went to Osaka for a pop-up store, I had the chance to visit the Tower of the Sun and drove there. However, it was closed that day, so I couldn't go inside. I could only see the protruding Tower of the Sun from a distance.

I remember thinking,

(Taro Okamoto still won't meet me),

and returned to Tokyo.

Seven years later, last summer,

I went to Osaka for another pop-up and decided to retry visiting the Tower of the Sun.

Perhaps I was finally accepted, because I was at last able to stand before the Tower of the Sun.

Standing in front of it, my heart trembled.

I felt as if it was asking me again, "How is it?" and my excitement didn't stop even after going inside,

and by the time I reached the top, I was crying.

I felt as if it was saying,

"Come at me with all your might! If you've received it, return it with all your might!"

and I returned home with a pounding heart.

I've strayed from the topic, but

I think this book is one that opens the door to a new you,

whether you're starting something new or breaking away from your old self.

Just reading a book isn't enough.

You have to act immediately.

I've introduced my favorite book.