“We know the sound of two hands clapping. But what is the sound of one hand clapping?”

J.D. SALINGER began “Nine stories” with this sentence quoted from Zen Koan. Koan is a sort of test from Buddhism master to discipline. It is not sure that there has been a correct answer to it. And it can be compared with the situations of “Nine stories” look no solutions. In my understanding, this Koan breaks logical thinkings, and we need to deny our knowledge and common sense to answer it. And monk training needs to visit master so many times to answer. This interaction is thought to cause distress and physical impact.

It sounds like a similar process to create arts. Sometimes it’s painful, but also make me free. I would like to share my pain as much as possible.

Isaji Yugo