Sanma Issue 43: Us in Our 20s

An Era of Issues Is the Reason for Print's Existence At the beginning of each year, the editorial team sets the annual theme based on emerging trends. This process often involves passionate debates and, more frequently, moments of collective societal resonance. The editors' role is to sense the pulse of the world, define the theme, and then guide the naturally unfolding content towards finding answers. The theme for 2024 emerged precisely from this approach. We observed a shared anxiety and unease between Taiwan and Japan, yet also recognized that this "uncertainty" itself provides opportunities for "discussion" and "critical thinking." This is the era of Asia, where the cultural influences of Taiwan, Japan, and Korea have converged, particularly through retro trends like Y2K. It's becoming difficult to pinpoint the original source of creativity, as culture knows no borders; it influences and is influenced, shaping a unique Asian identity. This is an era that truly understands the younger generation, not just by age, but by a mindset that perpetually maintains curiosity. Those who can innovate with the latest language, AI technology, and unexpected cross-industry collaborations are the true pioneers. This is an era of issues. Thanks to social media platforms, discussions around gender, personal growth, and self-identity, even niche collective voices can be heard, capturing societal attention. While these may not immediately change society, they are enough to help individuals within these movements find solidarity, realizing, "I am not alone." Our editorial insights led us to focus on young people in their 20s in Taiwan and Japan. We decided to approach five major questions – "Freedom," "Relationships," "Growth," "Sex and Love," and "AI" – from a youthful perspective. We interviewed tattoo artists, illustrators, hip-hop artists, and software engineers, all in their twenties, to hear their thoughts on life and their feelings about these issues. We expected a summary of pessimism about the future, but instead, we received a sentiment akin to waiting for dawn just before sunrise. Those in their 20s (or perhaps all of us) – like all adults – don't know if tomorrow will bring sunshine or rain, yet they still look forward to an "interesting day" to begin. Following the pandemic, Japan has seen the emergence of many platforms for discussing social issues. This issue exclusively features interviews with emerging business and cultural magazine *tattva* and gender diversity magazine *IWAKAN*. We provide an insider's look at how young Japanese generations are posing questions through unconventional print publications and using magazines to capture bookstore attention, fostering a slow yet steady form of advocacy. "The consciousness online is not eternal." – Kotetsu Nakazato, founder of *IWAKAN* "I care more about how issues are documented and preserved." – Yuta Hanai, editor-in-chief of *tattva* Over a decade, Sanma has partnered with its readers to identify contemporary issues, shaping the cultural magazine it is today through the shared consciousness of its audience in Taiwan and Japan. This year, the editorial team, with a renewed spirit, brings these issues directly to you. We look forward to remaining perpetually 20 in the face of curiosity, and continuing to shape our identity through print in this era of pressing issues.