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Conversation with Eri Watakushi - IAPLC 2022 Rank 11

Conversation with Eri Watakushi - IAPLC 2022 Rank 11

Q: “Congratulations! First of all, I would like to say ! No. 1 aquatic plant layouter in Japan! No. 17 in the world ranking. ”

Eri Tawatakusi (hereafter referred to as Eri) "Thank you!"

Q: “A new material was used, wasn’t it this time?”

Eri: “ It’s a pumice stone .”

Q: “I think there are many types of pumice stones, but what kind of stones were used? Aqua shops don’t sell pumice stones that big.”

Eri: It's a mail order, and it feels like you can use it for an aquarium.

Conversation with Eri Watakushi - IAPLC 2022 Rank 11

Q: “ In the first place , the pumice stone used for the substrate is used as the main material . Using it on a large scale is a new approach to materials, isn’t it? The black pebbles that act as shadows are also a new innovation . I feel very lucky to have been evaluated by so many judges around the world.”

Eri: Yes. It was really good .

Q: “Yeah, innovative layouts give an unfamiliar impression , so the judges, who don’t understand the intentions of the creators, will only feel uncomfortable . There is always a risk that it will look like an expression that is just a trick .”

Eri: Yes, so I'm satisfied with this ranking.

Q: “So, looking at the rankings, I thought this contest was really good.

Eri: Yes. Among the contestants, there is nothing new about recent contests, and there are quite a few people who feel that the top entries are not enough.

Q: “If it’s just a diorama or a nature aquarium, it will inevitably end up looking like similar works . I think that if the methodology for creating aquascapes spreads, we will be able to make the most of aquatic plants and fish . ”

Q: “Well, in the future, aren’t you going to aim for even higher ranks ?

Eri: Yes. I would like to try something new, and also…isn't this an interview and I'm asking questions as well?

Conversation with Eri Watakushi - IAPLC 2022 Rank 11

Q: “Well, it’s probably a dialogue, so yeah.

Eri: “ Innovation lol, yes .

Q "Picture-like"

Eri: Yes. I think all the CAJ members are like that, but I think it's interesting to make pictures in the aquarium. It's not about reproducing the essence of CAJ as it is, it's about people's brushstrokes.It's about people drawing pictures using natural materials.I think that's exactly what Katsuki-san, the organizer of CAJ, thinks. That's right. What about Katsuki-san?"

Q: “Me too, if I was encouraged by Mr. Eri Watakushi’s work, and I thought that this kind of approach had been done in the past, I wouldn’t feel like doing it anymore as a creator, would I? It's an approach like Mr. Amano used to do, to create something that no one has ever seen before.Expressions that are not yet conspicuous in the upper class.Unfamiliar layout, seems to be sarcastic . It's such an artificial aquascape .

Eri: “The culmination!” lol

Q: “It’s only been 10 years of layout history, but it’s the culmination of about 50 years of craftsmanship!”

Eli: "I'm looking forward to it!"

Q: "Watakushieri-san, what's next?"

Eri: "Like a painting"

Counselor: “Oh, you heard it at the beginning.”

Eri "I just said it" lol

Q: “I tend to get dissatisfied with the contest, but without a doubt, I think this contest is a fun game that moves people’s hearts . I hope you can."

Eli: "Thank you."

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