What Led to Your Decision to Move into SOIL?
Being friends with Yuta Oka was a significant factor. At the time, we were considering other options besides SOIL Nihonbashi, but we chose SOIL for three main reasons.
First, the location was ideal. Our mission is “Live with nature.” It wouldn’t make sense for our employees to work without being in touch with nature. It’s quite difficult to find an office in Tokyo where you can connect with nature. SOIL Nihonbashi is next to a park, and from our office windows, we can see broad-leaved trees. Watching the leaves change colors with the seasons allows us to connect with nature unconsciously, which fits our ideal office environment perfectly.
Second, our partner company, with whom we frequently collaborate, was also based there. Since moving in, we’ve found projects much easier to manage. I can take our ideas next door to Anzai (ADX CEO), and he quickly sketches something out, saying, “How about this?” and I respond, “Exactly!” This kind of real-time collaboration is crucial for our work in creating real spaces.
Third, the timing was perfect. When SOIL opened, SANU was still a very young company with a tiny office space. It was just when our team began to grow, which made the decision much easier. Timing is everything in life.
What is SANU’s Philosophy?
As I mentioned earlier, SANU’s philosophy is “Live with nature.” This philosophy is fundamentally inspired by words from Naoki Ishikawa’s book:
“Coexisting with nature doesn’t mean ‘humans protecting nature’ but rather forming an equal relationship between humans and nature.”
With this in mind, “Live with nature” has two meanings for us.
First, to create a society that values and cherishes nature, it’s essential for people to have experiences that make them naturally appreciate it, rather than being forced to do so. It starts with people touching nature, breathing in the forest air, and having experiences that make them think, “Nature is wonderful.”
Second, after people come to love nature, the next step is to continue valuing it for the next 50 or 100 years. That’s where SANU 2nd Home comes in. Having a second home in nature means you’d notice if that nature were harmed and would want to help restore it.
SANU 2nd Home started from imagining a scenario: “What if humans had homes in nature, not just visiting as tourists, but living there as residents?”
Do You Have Any Ideas for Deepening Connections Within SOIL Nihonbashi?
Hmm, I think sharing meals together would be great. If events are too formal, people might come just for the event. It would be better to create opportunities for natural interactions. For example, having one person from each company gather for a meal. Additionally, having a Happy Hour every Friday afternoon where people can gather on the second floor for free beer might naturally bring people together and spark conversations! (laughs)
