In the Age of SNS Dominance, Why Do People Chronicle Their 'Daily Lives'? Metropolitan's June Issue Features 'Diaries'

Sankei Shimbun will distribute the June issue of its free magazine 'Metropolitana' from June 10th (Wed) to June 19th (Fri) from dedicated racks within Tokyo Metro stations. In an era where information is dominated by SNS such as X, Instagram, and TikTok, diary books and ZINEs (small self-published magazines) are gaining attention. Why do people write diaries? We asked writers and creators about their reasons for recording their days in notebooks and journals. The feature also explores the relationship with oneself that emerges through writing and introduces stationery that makes diary time more enjoyable. Additionally, it includes an interview with Tatsuya Kitani, a singer-songwriter who provided the theme song for the 'Gogh Exhibition' currently being held at The Ueno Royal Museum. We encourage you to pick up a copy and take a look.

This month's feature is titled 'Diaries are Interesting.' Starting with the growing trend of 'diaries' over the past few years, we delve into the appeal of 'writing' that is once again drawing attention. Mitsuhiro Kumagai, owner of the bookstore, gallery, and cafe 'twililight' in Sangenjaya, highlights how diaries are not just for writers but serve to help everyone reclaim the act of 'writing.' The feature introduces the charm of 'ZINEs' – independently produced booklets with free themes and expressions – and recommends various diary books.

Furthermore, through interviews with manga artist Izumi Okaya, photographer Kasane Nogawa, poet Tatsuya Kinoshita, and writer Maiko Takehana, we showcase their diverse approaches to diary keeping, including observing life, recording mountain climbs, capturing daily fragments, and differentiating writing styles by theme. The feature also includes recommendations for planners and writing instruments that make diary writing more enjoyable, gently encouraging those who wish to start journaling with free expression.

In the interview series 'Words Woven by Light,' singer-songwriter Tatsuya Kitani, who is active in a wide range of musical activities, appears. He shares his thoughts behind the image song 'Hai Uo' for the 'Gogh Exhibition,' his inner world reflected in his creative process, and the enjoyment of confronting oneself through art appreciation. Additionally, in the popular ongoing series 'Tokyo Pocket ~Searching for My Third Place~,' we explore Yoyogi-Uehara. Amidst the early summer greenery and tranquil townscape, we introduce spots that bring a comfortable sense of space to daily life, such as 'ØC Tokyo,' 'Roundabout,' and 'GOOD NEWS STORE.'

Metropolitana is distributed free of charge from dedicated racks at 53 Tokyo Metro stations (Asakusa, Ueno, Mitsukoshimae, Nihonbashi, Kyobashi, Ginza, Shimbashi, Toranomon, Tameike-Sanno, Akasaka-Mitsuke, Aoyama-itchome, Gaienmae, Omotesando, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Otemachi, Korakuen, Ochanomizu, Tokyo, Kasumigaseki, Yotsuya, Shinjuku-sanchome, Shinjuku, Akihabara, Hatchobori, Kayabacho, Higashi-Ginza, Hibiya, Kamiyacho, Roppongi, Hiroo, Ebisu, Takadanobaba, Waseda, Kagurazaka, Iidabashi, Kudanshita, Takebashi, Shin-Ochanomizu, Akasaka, Nogizaka, Meiji-jingumae (Harajuku), Yoyogi-koen, Higashi-Ikebukuro, Ichigaya, Kojimachi, Yurakucho, Hanzomon, Jimbocho, Shirokane-Takanawa, Azabu-Juban, Roppongi-itchome, Yotsuya-sanchome).

*Please refrain from inquiring with station staff.

[Official Website] https://metropolitana.tokyo/ja

[Instagram] @metropolitana_Tokyo

[X] @metropolitana_t

[Metropolitana]

Founded in 2003, it is a free magazine published by Sankei Shimbun. Distributed on the 10th of every month at major Tokyo Metro stations, it has been proposing various lifestyles originating from the metro stations, focusing on working women, since its inception.

Published by: Sankei Shimbun

Edited and Produced by: Metropolitana Project