It is the simple, everyday tale of the wishy-washy Charlie Brown and his imaginative dog Snoopy that has made Peanuts one of the world’s most beloved comic strips. UT’s new Sunday Special collection features panels from Sunday strips that depict the world of Peanuts in full color. Benjamin L. Clark of the Charles M. Schulz Museum talked to us about the humor in Schulz’s Sunday strips.
yurinasia ／ Dancer
Q: Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m yurinasia, a dancer and choreographer. Together with my husband, ayumugugu, I operate a dance spot called “jABBKLAB” in my hometown of Fukuoka.
Q: UT’s brand theme is “Wear Your World.” Please tell us about your “World” (i.e., what you like, what you are devoted to, what you cannot give up). Also, what attracts you to that and why?
The thing I like and immerse myself in is dance. As a dancer, I want to love dancing. I want to look at dance from various angles so I can maintain my love for it. What I cannot surrender is my desire to always be a multi-talented, all-round person. Doing what I like should be something that pleases both my mind and body, and also communicates to those around you.
Q: Do you often wear graphic T-shirts? On what kind of occasions do you often wear them?
Sometimes I wear graphic T-shirts with my favorite anime, movies, or writers on them. I often wear them at home and when I meet close friends.
Q: What do you think is the appeal of graphic T-shirts?
When I am reconfirming to myself, “I like this,” “I am this kind of person, right?”
Q: Based on your experience, what were your impressions of the design of the UT you wore this time, and how did it feel to wear?
Both of the T-shirts I wore this time are art related. I have been fond of paintings and drawings since I was a child. I studied calligraphy in high school and art at university. When I was 20 years old, I even visited the MoMA in New York. I feel a sense of fulfillment in being able to use my body in the form of dance to express “art that cannot be conveyed in words.” I am very happy that these two pieces were selected this time. I would like to continue to enjoy dancing so that I can influence various people through the expression of dance.
SHOW-GO / Beatboxer
Q: Please tell us a bit about yourself.
It is also the way I make my living. I started to Beatbox when I was in junior high school and have been immersed in it ever since. I have always gotten bored easily, and quickly got tired of playing video games, etc. Beatbox is the only thing I have continued to do. But I feel like I have continued to do it without being aware of it because it has become a part of my life. I think one of the appealing things about Beatbox is that you can do it anytime, anywhere.
Q: “Wear Your World.” is UT’s brand theme. Please tell us about your “World” (i.e., what you like, what you are devoted to, what you cannot give up). Also, what attracts you to that and why?
On the contrary, it is very difficult to answer this question because I have always done what I like to do…(laughs). Of course, it is great that it is fun, but it is when I am doing what I like that I feel most confident in myself, and I feel like I am alive.
Q: Do you often wear graphic T-shirts? On what kind of occasions do you often wear them?
I often wear them when the weather is warm. Rather than regular attire, I often wear them when I am off work or at home.
Q: What do you think is the appeal of graphic T-shirts?
I basically like clothing that makes a strong statement, so conversely, I don’t really feel comfortable wearing plain and simple T-shirts. The shape is casual, and they are easy to wear, but you can also make a firm statement. That is why I like graphic T-shirts.
Q: Based on your experience, what were your impressions of the design of the UT you wore this time, and how did it feel to wear?
I thought it was cute because the vivid colors of the flowers provided a nice accent to the subdued black. I always wear clothes with Japanese elements, and I felt that I could somehow feel the essence of something that is uniquely Japanese in this UT as well.
Daisaku / Model, Skater
Q: Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I like to skateboard, draw pictures, and hang out with my friends. I don’t think too deeply about it, I just do what I like to do.
Q: “Wear Your World.” is UT’s brand theme. Please tell us about your “World” (i.e., what you like, what you are devoted to, what you cannot give up). Also, what attracts you to that and why?
I like it. That is the only way to describe it.
Q: Do you often wear graphic T-shirts? On what kind of occasions do you often wear them?
I wear my favorite items when going on dates and such. I think it allows me to show off who I am in a casual way, without being too pretentious.
Q: What do you think is the appeal of graphic T-shirts?
I think the appeal lies in the fact that I am able to express myself.
Q: Based on your experience, what were your impressions of the design of the UT you wore this time, and how did it feel to wear?
Recently, I have been caught up in listening to jazz, so being able to wear a “Blue Note Records” T-shirt really puts me in a good mood!
