ryoko sekiguchi

black faille belted jumpsuit with feather collar and jeweled buttons, worn with platform shoes Chanel

interview

by MARK ALIZART and OLIVIER ZAHM

style by BARBARA ANTHOFER

 

Having lived in France and written in French for many years, Japanese author Ryoko Sekiguchi brings her distinctive artistic perspective to this issue, offering sensitive insights into contemporary Japan.

 

OLIVIER ZAHM — Why did you leave Japan to become a writer?

RYOKO SEKIGUCHI — From my first stay in France at 18, when I was still a university student learning French, I wanted to live in France. My friends were more interested in the United States, not the Old Continent. During that first trip, I was struck by how much freedom people allowed themselves in France. I couldn’t believe it — I kept thinking, “There are no rules here.” It opened my eyes. And also, it’s a bit…