Who Am I?

 

There is usually a short answer, simple but not accurate, and a long answer for most things. 

One question I am rarely asked is "why are you in Japan?".  

The short answer is my Japanese wife wanted to live in Japan, and I am completely okay with that. Lived here for 20+ years now.  But working and living in Japan isn't easy without the correct background and qualifications.

In my case, it was because I had done the electronics development of the later versions of the music production system that changed the music and instrument industry in the 1980s that presented a job worth having in Japan as a foreigner. Initially, anyway. I hadn't gone to school or university to study Japanese and the Culture, but electrons and software. 

The 42+ page collection of memories webcomic has more details and historic context, and isn't an autobiography at all.  

BUT, now in retirement I am getting to do what I wanted to do most, and be who I am.  Make silly cartoons and own music, go to art exhibitions, make miniatures and sculptures, go to concerts and visit a cafe listening to music when I want.  Not doing anything my career involved.

When you retire you become invisible to the bulk of society.  You are not in the work force, travelling in peak hour or climbing the corporate ladder or whatever.  I am now mostly out and about when everyone else is at work, or doing my own thing in my studio.

My Studio is a very modest affair though. Basically a 1.7m x 1.8m alcove, just big enough to sit with a Jazz Bazz and not hit the walls moving around.

But I have my REAPER based DAW, MOHO animation, Printer/scanner, Wacom tablet, drawing supplies, painting supplies all within easy reach. 

It is the perfect place where I do the stuff I want to do. 

When Covid stopped being the problem it was, and I started going out and meeting people again I made up some name cards, as it is normal to exchange them in Japan.  Made up stickers too, and give those out to people I randomly talk too, just so they might remember me next time we meet at an event. It doesn't matter if they just throw them away, or give them to their kids... 

I even gave the Flame Throwing Kyoto Truck sticker to Urasawa Naoki when I met him this week.  He may have immediately thrown it away, or maybe been just a little curious. It is vector artwork, the type he doesn't do. His whole Manben TV series is about learning stuff you may not know.

I have on my name card I am a Musical Cartoonist.  

I think that is pretty good for a short answer...

We can be found at ArtAndTechnology KYOTO JAPAN