#3 Steering the Course to Be There for You — The Story Behind the Creation of the Character "GONNYS"

To be there for them—The reason I decided to focus on character expression.

Thank you to those who are meeting me for the first time, and also to everyone who always watches over me.

Today, I'll be writing about the background of how I started drawing the character <GONNYS>, not as a result of "leaving abstraction behind," but as a result of "my direction gradually changing." It's a story of my own choices, while maintaining my respect for abstract expression.

The direction of travel changed.

I want to create expressions that can quietly support you in your daily life, when you're lost or struggling.

That feeling pushed me to make a change, steering me towards the format of a character who can "walk alongside people." I chose characters to give a sense of touch to someone's step.

The chain of unconsciousness

I had been looking at the works of Yoshitomo Nara, whom I respect, quite often without realizing it. Without being able to articulate the reason well, only a quiet aftertaste remained in my heart, and about a month later, I realized that I had started drawing characters myself. Looking back, I think I was unconsciously influenced at a deep level. It was more of a natural progression than a direct "trigger" for making the choice.

Why I chose "blue"

I don't intend to burden the color blue with an excessive amount of special meaning.

But deep blue speaks to deep places. Quietly, yet surely. I nodded in agreement with that feeling, and painted GONNYS in blue.

The wishes I entrusted to GONNYS

Everyone has their own unique "excitement" within them. Whether it's something they want to eat, a place they want to go, a person they want to connect with, or something they want to research today—it's about cherishing, exploring, and expanding on those small impulses.

GONNYS wants to be your companion as you take on challenges. We want to be someone who whispers "Let's go" alongside you, rather than leading the way.

You are my inspiration.

Your "now" is the starting point of our creation.

Promises for the Future

GONNYS is "our brand," created collaboratively with you and everyone else.

We will continue to carefully refine our products and stories that support the endeavor of deeply exploring our desires, interests, and concerns, and expanding the world together while helping each other.

To you who read this today.

After you finish reading this article, please take a step towards the desires that are unique to you.

Choosing what you want to eat tonight, deciding where you want to go tomorrow, contacting someone you want to see, looking into something that interests you—the series of small decisions shapes your world in your own way. GONNYS quietly lends its support to that effort.

Next time preview

To arrive at this brand message, I would like to introduce some books that have unconsciously supported my "pursuit of excitement" throughout the years. I hope these books will serve as a guidepost for reading, inspiring you to take a small step forward after finishing them.

— GONNYS