On the day of the Rakuten Super Baseball Game, the artist OVER ALLs performed a live painting inside the Tokyo Dome.Many people stopped in their tracks and expressed admiration for the performance that took place within the limited time from the start to the end of the match. The artwork "FULL COUNT", which was produced and completed in agreement with Rakuten's desire to create a better future for people and society through sports, embodies what?I had a conversation with Mr. Taketo Akazawa, the representative of OVER ALLs, and Mr. Yuuki Yamamoto, a painter.

– “Powered by Sports. Playing for All.” This performance began with the Rakuten’s concept but what message did you imbue as OVER ALLs?

Takato Akazawa (hereinafter “Akazawa”): “In the current world scenario that has drastically changed over the past few years, it seems that many people have realized that things we can live without were actually important. “Especially, Rakuten’s belief is “Powered by Sports. Playing for All.” In this context, I think the part about “Powered by Sports.” might be important. We are involved in art, but whether it’s sports or art, it’s not absolutely necessary from the perspective of clothing, food, and housing. However, in my view, the “food” in “clothing, food, and shelter” is changing to something like “decoration”. This is not about decking yourself out with accessories, but rather, it’s about viewing our lives and existence as being enriched by what moves our hearts. “In that sense, sports, art, music, and the like play an important role, and I believe that their becoming the center of the world will lead to a better future.”

Yuki Yamamoto (hereinafter “Yamamoto”) “What we can do, I think, is to show our hard work and make people feel “cool” or “I can also do my best”.Personally, I used to not know how to become a painter, and I never had the opportunity to actually see someone painting.However, I believe that by allowing us to perform live inside the stadium, many children were able to establish a connection with the art.I would of course be happy if this motivates you to become an artist, and it’s also fine if you aspire to be a professional baseball player like Tanaka and Asamura, whom I drew this time.”I want you to know that even with one thing, possibilities can spread in various directions.”

― The theme of this work is “FULL COUNT”.Could you please tell us again about the message you incorporated into the theme?

Akazawa: “When I thought about the future that I felt in athletes, what strongly impressed me was the intensity of their gaze in crucial moments, even in the midst of continuous serious competition.At the same time, I believe that for many people, the most moving moments in sports are such instances, and I felt that there is a power in them to pave the way for the future. This has become the foundation of my work.This time, I planned the composition with an image that makes the viewer feel as if they are being seen like a ball, by portraying the straightforward gazes of athletes Masahiro Tanaka and Hideto Asamura.The reason I chose the phrase “FULL COUNT” is because I thought it could succinctly express the tense moment when neither the pitcher nor the batter knows which way the game will turn, and that’s why I finally decided on it.

― What were the key points you kept in mind while creating this work?

Yamamoto: “When I draw portraits, the thing I always place importance on is, indeed, the eyes.”Especially this time, I was conscious of what is conveyed from the intensity and sharpness of the gaze, in terms of the theme.”The composition is also drawn so that one eye of each player appears to overlap exactly with the ball.”

― What were you thinking about while you were drawing?

Yamamoto: “I wonder how the game is going (laughs).”I simply supported them, and now, I feel an indescribable sensation towards the situation where the character I’m currently drawing is throwing and hitting,”

― It takes approximately 4 hours to complete the artwork.On the surface, it seemed like a momentary event, but what kind of circumstances led us to this point in reality?If there are any behind-the-scenes stories, I would like to hear them.

Akazawa: “Including meetings and such, it takes about two months to complete.” Not just this time, but it’s not always the case that the theme or concept of a work is decided immediately. Therefore, I strive for the best while presenting various proposals.In this production process, we also had concepts like “the player’s high school days” and “the athlete’s image from a child’s perspective”.There were nearly 20 in total, weren’t there?”We’ve been refining it with Yamamoto, saying ‘it’s not quite this, it’s not quite that,’ and it has finally been completed.”

― Live painting not only allows you to see a completed piece of art, but also seems to have elements that allow you to enjoy the process.Is that kind of expression also intended?

Yamamoto: “That’s right.The term “detour” might sound a bit off, but the way of drawing this picture differs between doing it straight away and doing it in a live painting.In this case, we started by clearly conveying the theme in words, and then worked out a process that divided the highlights into several sections.Well, it eventually becomes invisible because I paint over it, though (laughs).Moreover, since live painting is essentially “live”, the fact that not everything is calculated in advance is part of the fun and interesting aspect for me as the artist.”

― I believe that a professional Baseball player competing in a game and live painting can be referred to as the same “live”, although they take place in different fields.Do you ever feel something like sympathy?

Yamamoto: “Personally, there are times when I envy sports athletes and musicians.”Art is rather modest, and it’s something that gradually hits you after viewing it several times or after a while since its completion.Moreover, it feels a bit different to call it a live performance, as it is something that can only be realized through the support of many people, like today.I’d also like to draw a picture and receive such a big cheer (laughs).

Akazawa: “That’s really true, isn’t it? (laughs).Indeed, I do perceive some differences, but I feel that pictures have their own unique charm, especially the power to leave a lasting impression.Sports and music can of course be revisited, but it is generally considered that their greatest value lies in the moment.”In this particular painting, it seems that it will be displayed in Sendai, which is the home base of the Rakuten Eagles. I think one of the charms of a painting is that you can enjoy the passage of time from completion.”

― Is the notion of “being left behind” something you’re conscious of?

Yamamoto: “That’s right.”I hope it’s not something that disappears immediately.”

Akazawa “When it comes to paintings, once they are completed, whether they remain or not depends largely on the viewer.”Therefore, as OVER ALLs, we continue to create things that are not self-centered, but instead resonate with the thoughts of others.In this case, it’s crucial how we convey Rakuten’s message of “A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER” using the figures of players like Tanaka and Asamura, and whether the conveyed message continues to be communicated effectively afterwards.

― What kind of entity do you want OVER ALLs to be in the future?

Akazawa “In Japan, art tends to attract the attention of enthusiasts.”But what we want to do is something more pop, you know.If we were to compare it to music, it’s not death metal, but rather something like pop or melodic punk rock.I do have a tendency to be drawn to the idea that it’s okay if only those who understand, understand, or to such expressions, but OVER ALLs does not aim for that. Instead, we want people of all sorts to listen and feel “WOW!””I want to continue to be aware of wanting to be something that becomes ‘this’, I think.”

TEXT: Keisuke Honda PHOTO: Masato Ura