The Possibility of My Expression Expanded by Connections|Neighbors Miyamaedaira

Neighbors Stories" is a project of interviews with residents who talk about their encounters, changes, and growth at Social Apartment.
This time we interviewed Ramu, a resident of Neighbors Miyamaedaira. He has been living at Neighbors Miyamaedaira for seven and a half years. She has been facing "expression" through music and dance, so what has she gained from living in a social apartment?

Ramu-san, please begin with a brief self-introduction!

Ramu: I am called "Ramu" at Neighbors Miyamaedaira! I've been a resident for seven years when I realized it (laughs). I used to work as a graphic designer and burlesque dancer, but recently I've decided to give both a break in order to start another activity.

-What was the impetus for moving in?

Ramu: I was thinking of moving because of the distance from my parents' home in Saitama to my place of work. I was looking for a place where I could practice dancing and singing and also work during the day, and I found Neighbors Miyamaedaira. I found Neighbors Miyamaedaira and thought, "This is the perfect place for me! I decided to move in. It brings back memories (laughs).

-You are very creative, aren't you?

Ramu: Ever since I was a child, I have loved to express ideas in my head in some form or another. Even now, I try to connect my expressive activities such as dancing, drawing, calligraphy, and singing to my work. I have also organized many events on the property.
I recently graduated from being a burlesque dancer, but I have been working for 7 years in the business of energizing people through performance through dance and song! I also had the opportunity to create shows at the restaurant, and perhaps "creating something and expressing it" is important to me.

I wanted to fit in with the community, but I didn't know what to do.

-When did you feel that you had adjusted to life in a social apartment?

Ramu: I got used to living in a social apartment about 3 months after I moved in, but actually, I didn't get used to the community for about 2 years.
Because of my job, I had to live day and night in reverse, so I was envious of the lounge that started to get lively at night and went to work with envy on my side. I would come home early in the morning, so I continued to use the kitchen during the hours when no one else was around, and as time went on, it became even harder to join the community.
When I realized that my contract was about to expire.... I even thought, "If nothing changes in another month, I might move out" (laughs).

-(Laughs) What was the turning point for you after two years?

Ramu: Mr. A, who is like a big brother to everyone, invited me to a camp event.
There were often events held at the property, but I always passed them up because I couldn't muster up the courage or couldn't attend due to work.
But since the event at that time was a two-day and one-night outing, I thought it might be a good chance to talk with everyone and get to know them better, so I took the plunge and attended.
About 20 of us stayed at a hot spring hotel, soaked in the hot springs all day, and after dinner, sang songs in the banquet hall and talked about various things in a tipsy mood. Afterwards, we quickly became closer to the residents at that time, and it was easier to go out to the lounge.

-Ramu: It was a bold decision to participate in your first event for two days and one night!

Ramu: Now that I think about it, yes, it was (laughs).
Looking back, "It's important to show up at the lounge often and say hello during the first period!" and the staff member who was in charge of the viewing had advised me to do so, but I was too busy with other things after I moved in that I wasn't able to do so.
Even so, Mr. A and the other tenants still called out to me whenever they saw me in the lounge. But at the time, I was probably too shy and it was difficult for me to open up.
I think that camp was the right time for me to say, "Now! I think it was the right time.
I am really grateful to Mr. A for inviting me to the camp.

Connections with others have expanded my possibilities for expression.

-Rumusan: Did you notice any changes after you became familiar with the community?

Ramu: The most important thing is that my range of expression has expanded. 7 years of living here, I have met and parted with many people, and I have been exposed to diverse values, talents, and interests. All of this has been stimulating, and I have been able to do more of what I want to do, and it has also come in handy in my dance and design work.
I have also had residents support my activities with their special skills.
I am sure that I could not have completed the project alone, but with everyone's help, I was able to give shape to it.

-Do you have any specific episodes?

Ramu: One of the most memorable episodes was when we were able to give shape to our digital calligraphy performance.
In the process of creating a burlesque dance showcase, I had been wanting to incorporate calligraphy, which is a specialty of mine, into it. But I wasn't sure about the idea, and when I talked to the residents about it, they encouraged me and said, "That's great! I decided to create a piece of artwork.
I wanted to create a performance that combined the digital and the real by creating an image of letters appearing one by one on an LED screen and tracing them with a large brush.
I could scan the brush strokes, convert them to images, and layer them by myself, but it was difficult to make them move as an animation... So I asked a resident who works in motion graphics to help me!

Ramu: We also asked for a "cherry blossom dancing with each letter written" effect, which could only be done digitally, making the video even more spectacular!
I think this work was completed precisely because of the connections made at Social Apartment.

-So you created a big project with the help of your tenants?

Ramu: Yes, everyone watched over me as I worked hard in the lounge, and I was able to create large projects with the help of people who gave me feedback and were good at what they did.
But I have met many residents who are working hard on something, and not only me. Every time I do, I am inspired and think, "I am not alone, let's do our best! I can think, "I am not alone, I will do my best!

I have been given an opportunity, and now I want to be the one to give it. And then I pass that opportunity on to someone else.

-Ramu: You mentioned that you also plan events.

Ramu: I have held welcome parties for many new residents and seasonal events, but the largest event I have been involved in planning so far was a Nagashi Somen (fine white noodles served flowing in a bamboo basket) event. We actually held it using bamboo (laughs). Neighbors Miyamaedaira has Social Apartment Miyamaedaira and Neighbors Saginuma within walking distance, so we decided to hold this event as a good opportunity to interact with the other properties. I think about 40 people gathered for the event!

When I was thinking about where to get bamboo, I saw a bamboo thicket from the lounge (laugh)! (laughs) I thought, "This is it!" so I went to greet the neighbors and received the bamboo. The architectural designer calculated the length and angle of the bamboo and set it up very nicely.

-I am sure that the people who have participated in the events you have organized have made new connections with each other.

Ramu: I hope so. I think there are people who want to be a part of the community but are waiting for the right time to join. We have been planning events in the hope that these people will find it easier to interact with others and come to the lounge. Surprisingly, residents are also looking for the right time to talk to new residents.
Of course, I think it is a hurdle for some people to participate in events, so I try to talk to new residents as much as possible when they come to the lounge.

-So you are passing on what you have received.

Ramu: Looking back, when I first moved in, I was probably nervous because the community members looked like adults. But as they called out to me over and over again, I became a little less nervous, and I would like to do the same thing.
Recently, however, new people are taking the initiative in organizing events due to the generational change. I am now on the side of the people who look after them and support them when they need help. I am happy to see that the culture is being passed on.

-Do you have any specific goals for your future activities?

Ramu: As I told you a little when I introduced myself, I am actually planning to start my music career in earnest. Through my activities as a burlesque dancer, I became clear about my goal of working mainly in singing, although I also like dancing, and I am now also attending a school for composing music. Until now I have mainly used the studio, but from now on I think I will spend more time practicing my singing in the soundproof room, so I will continue to make the most of the common area while creating my work without changing! (Laughs)

-Mr. Ramu, thank you very much for your time today! Lastly, do you have a message for those who are thinking about moving into a Social Apartment?

Ramu: I think Social Apartment is a place full of opportunities. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to change something, and I especially encourage those who want to expand their activities to jump in.
I think that the timing of getting used to the community is different for each person, but I think it is a great opportunity to meet so many people of different ages, genders, and backgrounds outside of the workplace.
It is not often that you can meet so many people of different ages, genders, and backgrounds outside of the workplace,
If you take the plunge and open your heart, you may find growth and opportunities that you can't imagine.

Also, if you know someone who is involved in interesting activities, I would be happy to work with them to create a work of art!

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(Reporting and writing by Hayashi / Photography by Uchida)