I’ve been feeling lost since around May last year, but I think I’ve finally managed to get myself back on track—what I’d call a successful “dandy tuning.” It feels like my heart is in order again.
The tricky part, though, is that emotional turbulence often brings about the best creative ideas for my work. However, when it comes to performances or organizing projects, even a slight imbalance throws everything off. Balancing this dual nature is a real challenge.
It’s the fate of a playing manager, I suppose.
Someday, I hope to have a strong right-hand person, like a capable manager, by my side. But I do acknowledge that I’m a bit difficult to handle—a dangerous man, so to speak. Recently, I’ve become more aware of this.
While I don’t think I’m the type to engage in power harassment, I do have a certain contradiction: I’m open-minded yet distrustful of others. This makes me prone to misunderstandings. Sharing concepts effectively has never been my strong suit either, so that remains an ongoing challenge for me.
Ultimately, it probably comes down to whether someone can genuinely take an interest in me and share my dream. Perhaps I need to set my life goals in a more catchy or relatable way.
Let’s say, for instance, “founding an independent nation.” Trends aren’t meant to be followed—they’re meant to be created. Something like that, I guess.
By the way, I’m always on the lookout for an art advisor to help address my biggest weakness: the visual aspects of my work.
As a result, the first idea has descended upon me:
I would take on the role of a time traveler who has wandered into the present, collaborating with a DJ to create a musical performance—a concept likely untouched by anyone and perhaps impossible for anyone else to achieve.
The live show would feature a unique structure where I would interweave solo theatrical performances between singing parts of my songs. Using my role as a person from the future, I could deliver social satire as lighthearted jokes, offering commentary on the “past,” which is our present. This premise suits my immersive, “possession-style” creative approach perfectly.
The DJ could enhance the performance with tailored background music and sound effects, creating a seamless integration of music and theater.
This idea has the potential to captivate an audience, even with original songs, due to its low-budget yet impactful execution. If it gains traction, it could evolve into a larger-scale production by bringing in additional musicians or performers. Alternatively, it might even work with a pianist or guitarist instead of a DJ.
That said, there are several challenges to address:
1. What language should I use?
This is a question of targeting the right audience.
In the long run, the performance should probably be in English, but for now, I’m in Japan. Displaying subtitles via a prompter would require an additional staff member. However, since 70% of my songs already have English lyrics, subtitles might be necessary anyway. Should I restrict the performance to Japanese-language songs? Or should I simply disregard the issue of lyrics altogether?
2. A striking character design
This will be critical. As a “futuristic” character, I need to create a visual appearance that’s entirely new, overwhelmingly impactful, and attention-grabbing—all on a low budget.
But here’s the catch: I’m terrible at visual arts. I have no sense of style. I wear the same clothes almost every day and haven’t changed my hairstyle in years.
That said, the answer likely lies in the delicate balance between “eccentric” and “cool.” Somewhere on that razor-thin line is the winning formula. If I can make people say, “Only Dan Mitchel could pull this off,” I’ll have succeeded. It’s a feat impossible for the average cookie-cutter pretty boy.
3. Lighting effects
Since theatrical elements are involved, lighting will play a crucial role. If I want to record the performance, expertise in both stage and video lighting would be ideal.
This means I’ll need to officially form a “Dan Mitchel Creative Team.” Not just musicians or performers, but a group of extraordinarily talented individuals is essential.
But here’s the harsh reality: I don’t currently have the funds to make this happen, nor do I know if I’ll secure sponsorships or partnerships.
Even so, if there’s anyone who feels inspired to take part, I’d love for you to reach out. Gender, age, and nationality don’t matter. I need collaborators who can share a sense of ownership and think creatively alongside me.
Somebody, please help me. At this rate, I might truly fall apart.
This year, I hope to live with an emphasis on “playfulness” and “sensuality.” However, last year was so tumultuous, filled with extremes of miracles and despair, that I haven’t fully processed it all, and its impact still lingers.
Looking back on 2024, it feels like a year where I encountered many different worlds. I had the opportunity to interact with musicians, dancers, artists, actors, filmmakers, entrepreneurs, businessmen, academics, non-academics, STEM professionals, humanities majors, the wealthy, the poor, salarymen, self-employed individuals, elites, self-made people, lawyers, criminals, men, women, sexual minorities, liberals, conservatives… and people of various generations and nationalities. These random exchanges were truly invaluable.
On the other hand, I also witnessed the staggering divides that exist in every field. Hatred arises everywhere simply because people cannot understand each other. This animosity is often masked by a pretense of indifference to maintain appearances. It seems that society has already given up on trying to understand one another. In a world that avoids conflict, the prevailing “justice” is to keep these divides from intersecting forever. This has led to a culture where people inevitably adopt an attitude of “as long as I’m fine.”
Can this truly be called diversity? Who is actually smiling as a result of this?
As for me, I’ve become like a solitary island, unable to fully align with any faction.
There are simply too many things that feel unnatural to me, and I can’t suppress the visceral sense of disgust they evoke.
I tried to escape this reality, but I’ve ended up starting the new year in much the same position.
I feel like I’m missing something critically important, but I don’t know what it is. This year will likely be a journey to search for that missing piece. If I don’t find it, I fear I might end my life never truly empathizing with anyone, and never being understood by anyone in return.
I might need to change my environment to find that missing piece. Moving abroad is an option I’m considering—not out of blind admiration for other countries, but as a practical choice. Still, I don’t have any concrete plans in mind.
I also find myself reflecting on the miracle of April 14th. On that day, it felt like magic was in the air—a miraculous groove brought together people from all kinds of categories. Everyone connected with sincerity, creating a beautiful energy. There seemed to be no careless divides, so why can’t such moments be sustained in everyday life? This question weighs heavily on my mind as 2025 begins.
By the way, my first dream of the year involved being attacked by a snake. Whether that’s a good omen or a bad one, I have no idea!
I’m ashamed that, despite the support I’ve received from so many people, I’ve yet to repay any of them. Perhaps I’ve lost sight of my “grand ambition.” That’s the reality I face.
We must not be bound by even the saddest of pasts. Instead, we must clearly acknowledge that what is wonderful is wonderful, and what is not is not, as we build a new era and a new world. While reflection is always necessary, nothing can be born from criticism, denial, or attack. Where has the generous, all-encompassing love disappeared to?
Still, I’d like to keep struggling a little longer to create some groundbreaking shared language—something that could bridge those divides—through my work or some kind of content.
After a six-month hiatus, the Freestyle Session Party is making its return to the streets of Tokyo! We’re planning to hold it on December 17th and December 23rd at a location somewhere in Shinjuku or Shibuya. Stay tuned for updates!
Our special guest this time is none other than the familiar and iconic dancer, Sessey!
Participation is open to everyone, but please remember to bring your own equipment. Don’t miss out on this chance to vibe, connect, and freestyle together on the streets of Tokyo!
For the latest updates and location details, make sure to check out my Instagram. See you there!
I’ve created my first short film! Written, directed, produced, and starring Dan Mitchel! (Oh, and I did the theme song too, haha.)
This project started as a stage play last fall. After plenty of ups and downs, we finally shot it in May. Somehow, all the dialogue ended up in English. The night before filming, I got an unexpected late-night call, pulled an all-nighter, and even ended up acting as the driver.
Despite all the challenges, we were blessed with great weather and an incredible crew, and I’m proud to say we completed the film.
My main focus throughout was “capturing the acting”. Being both the director and an actor, I believe this is something only I could achieve, and I made it my top priority.
There are plenty of behind-the-scenes stories, but I’ll save those for later. Haha.
This film represents my full power at this moment, so I’d be thrilled if you’d take a look.
In the future, I plan to use this film as a calling card for film festival competitions, launch my next project, and further expand my theater activities (yes, as an actor too!).
So, please check out my YouTube channel and give it a watch!
I believe that all the truths and essences of the world are simple. But that doesn’t mean they’re easy. Precisely because they are simple, understanding them fully requires deep, profound thought.
That’s why the word I despise the most is “easy to understand.” There’s no phrase more insulting to human intelligence. It’s nothing more than a rotten excuse people use to justify their laziness.
As a result, there’s even an embarrassing study showing that the average human’s concentration level is lower than that of an orangutan. I have no intention of becoming Dr. Dolittle.
What I hate most of all is half-measures. Because there’s nothing beautiful about being halfway. Once you abandon your pride, it’s all over. But that doesn’t mean you have to be pessimistic or drown in self-denial.
Life will continue from here on out. There’s always more to come.
This is something I’ve been thinking about for a long time, but now I’ve come to the conclusion that seriously pursuing immigration abroad is the most realistic and humble way to protect my peace of mind.
If possible, I’d like to aim for Texas, but I’m not sure if I can go there right away. My language skills are still lacking, and I don’t feel confident about obtaining a work visa. Therefore, I realize I need to establish a scheme where I can earn a minimum living income through full remote work from Japan.
I plan to continue with the company I established over the summer.
Someday, when I return to Japan, I hope to bring back undeniable personal value that allows me to build a modern-day “Tokiwa-so” in Tokyo. The tenant selection process will be based on my own discretion and judgment, and the living room will double as a filming studio.
The selection criteria are as follows:
1. Talent
2. Intelligence
3. Aesthetic sensibility
4. Initiative
5. Sociability
6. Altruism
7. High level of independence
8. Open-mindedness
9. International perspective
10. Patriotism
In short, I want to create a community for fostering philosophers and facilitating connections between like-minded individuals.
For now, it’s still just a distant dream.
But the work of a dramatic artist is to create miracles,
which means constantly taking risks without hesitation.
Dan Mitchel 