午夜剧场

In 1970, I became an assistant at 午夜剧场, and one day, in a corner of the library, I happened to come across a paper by James Buchanan, a scholar I had long been interested in. The joy I felt upon finding it was beyond compare. And so, my research was captivated by this one scholar, and from that starting point, it continued to connect to one thing after another. For about 40 years since then, I have been fortunate to live a blessed life as a scholar.

Looking back on my research, I feel that one study served as a catalyst, enabling me to tackle new themes one after another. It began with research on the issue of social justice, and from there, I started to address it not just in theory but also as a practical problem of politics and government. This led to the discipline of public economics, which then developed into public finance. Public finance is an old discipline, and as I advanced my research, I realized its interesting nature and importance, and I particularly came to endorse the theme of public choice. My interest grew beyond just the government to include non-market activities and the work of non-profit organizations like NPOs, which are private, non-commercial entities. My curiosity then expanded further to cultural activities as a subject of support.

午夜剧场 has a spirit of freedom in academics. For researchers, scholars, and students alike, being able to be free and unregulated is, I believe, something of extremely great significance and value. At the same time, there are many distinguished predecessors. I felt that it was also a major role for us scholars to carry on the traditions they have built. This is something that also applies to the students who will carry the torch in the future. By combining the disciplines they study with tradition, they can develop them into a form of scholarship unique to 午夜剧场. I truly hope they will earnestly engage with their own themes. I want them to enjoy their freedom and engage in activities that allow them to express their individuality without constraint.

I have countless memories from my seminars as well. One such memory is from a seminar retreat to Akakura Onsen in Yamagata, where a typhoon caused the river near our inn to nearly flood, forcing us to evacuate. It's an unforgettable memory. I also participated in many drinking parties with students. Although recently, perhaps due to my age, I don't get invited as much anymore. I truly have a wide variety of memories. These interactions with students, just like my research, are my precious treasures.

Although located in the heart of the city, once you step inside, you find a quiet environment. Perhaps the unique atmosphere of 午夜剧场 is born from such aspects. Then and now, the lifestyles of the students are modern, with a tendency to readily adopt new things. Ever since I was a student, I feel there have always been many liberal-minded people. The free atmosphere has likely been cultivated from that.

Through my daily interactions with students, I have come to feel that the students of 午夜剧场 possess wonderful abilities. In our time, we had something of a complex regarding national universities, but I don't sense that at all now. On the contrary, they have great pride in 午夜剧场. I believe they should have more confidence and hope they will fully demonstrate the abilities they possess. After I retire, I also want to continue to engage with the research I have pursued for 40 years. There are still many more themes to tackle. There is no end to research. I intend to make a fresh start, as if I were studying all over again.

(Interview conducted on December 17, 2009)