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September.23.2021 KIP Forum "How the culture and art can survive during the pandemic"
Mr. Tamio Kano
Profile:
Mr. Kano graduated from Tokyo University of Arts. After joining NHK (Nippon Hoso Kyokai), he was seconded to NHK Symphony Orchestra, where he organized the concert programs. Later, he became an executive director. Now he works for Japan Arts Council and dedicates himself to create public subsidy systems for culture and art organizations.
【Speech and Q&A】
First, Mr. Kano spoke about the efforts of the arts and culture sector in the wake of the pandemic, the government's subsidy policy, and comparisons with other countries. Besides the cancellation of music events and the challenges of online broadcasts, he talked about the serious effects of the travel restrictions on the musical instrument lending business by the foundation. His speech reminded us once again that the pandemic has affected various aspects of the music industry. He also mentioned new initiatives that were launched as a response to the pandemic, with an eye to the future promotion of culture and art.
During the Q&A session, there was a lively exchange of questions from the standpoint of performers and audiences, as well as current issues. In response to the impact on amateur performers, Mr. Kano mentioned that various measures are currently being adopted, and continued to say that it is important to enjoy the performance and to keep doing it in any way possible. When he asked what culture means to Mr. Kano, he said that culture is something that nurtures people and that people nurture culture.
【Group discussion and grand discussion】
The theme of this debate was "Should cultural arts be broadcasted online for free to expand the customer base, or should they be broadcasted online for a fee to ensure scarcity and quality?” In the floor discussion, participants were divided into two opinions: one was that there should be a fee based on the burden of broadcasting and the importance of price to secure the value, and the other was that free distribution should be used both ways as it can be an opportunity to expand the customer base. During the plenary discussion, it was pointed out that it is necessary to think about the issue not only from the perspective of the audience, but also from different standpoints such as that of the performers.
【Opinion】
Having witnessed the various damages on the rehearsals and concerts of the orchestra which I belong to after the pandemic, I was particularly impressed by the Mr. Kano because he was not only pessimistic about the pandemic. He pointed out that the pandemic also had a positive aspect in that it gave music organizations an opportunity to pause, and he stressed the importance of taking a positive view of the universal value of culture and art and continuing to do so. He taught me the importance of looking for new things to do instead of lamenting the current situation.
(Eri Satake, The University of Tokyo, Economics, 3rd year)