Incredible move to play it cool and flow with the experience instead of trying to break the awkwardness and initiate a conversation :)
I presume it wouldn't be awkward to interact with these fellow artists on social media? Like hit them up occasionally to check on them or interact with the work they put out?
I’m ok with the awkwardness! I’ve already tried breaking the ice and it’s led to them being even more awkward with me because if there is one thing people fear in Japan it’s awkwardness and if there is one thing that results as a fear of awkwardness it’s more awkwardness. And so now we are an awkwardfest.
Lots of bigger Japanese independent artist will get 0-3 comments even if they get 2000 likes. And if you comment they either ignore it or give you a cookie cutter response. I have some interactions with one of these guys, but its mostly just him being polite I think. They have a lot of obsessive fans so they are hesitant and me caring this much gives them reason to be hesitant. I get it.
It’s ok though. By the time I’m ready to collaborate with them I think it’ll be a lot easier. Im sure the one I’ve talked to will be there when i have something meaningful to bring to the table.
Awkwardfest 😂😂😂
Yeah, it's probably quite an adventure to live in a culture that's this reserved from the outside looking in yet also so admired by many people around the world for their lifestyle and mannerisms. It seems building relationships is by default a long term endeavour, meaning one has to be really patient and not be too attached to the process.
Value for value exchanges are arguably the best form of collaborations. Until you're ready, keep putting in that work on refining your artistic skills ;)