VOX POPULI: What's in a name? Responsibility and fame

When walking in central Tokyo, I often come across people waiting in long lines for no apparent reason. Just the other day in the Harajuku district, I saw hundreds of women lining up.

What I found strange was that the men and women who were herding the line all wore tags around their necks. Each tag read kankeisha (relevant party, or person in charge). I have seen tags with the word sutaffu (staff) on several occasions, but kankeisha was new to me.

"According to kankeisha (sources)" is one of those phrases that reporters are advised to avoid using as much as possible. No expression is more ambiguous in identifying the source of information.

The same goes for kankeisha guiding people in a line because it does not tell us how they relate to the line. I would guess they are hired by the store, but the term seems to be a convenient way to imply authority without responsibility.

Part-time workers at convenience stores and fast-food restaurants usually wear name tags, which naturally makes them more careful about how they speak and behave. It also gives customers a sense of security. Many delivery services also put the names of drivers on delivery trucks to encourage safe driving.

Of course, being "nameless" does not necessarily equate with a lack of responsibility. The Tokyo Shimbun carried a story in which poet Shuntaro Tanikawa spoke about his longing to be "nameless."

"Also in 'Manyoshu,' there are many poems whose authors are unknown. That is the best way to be remembered," he said. ("Manyoshu" is an anthology of poetry compiled during the eighth century.)

Tanikawa cited the theme song for the TV anime series "Tetsuwan Atomu" (Astro Boy). It starts: "Over the sky/ La la la beyond the stars." The song's phrase kagaku no ko (science prodigy) is particularly memorable. Those who are aware the lyrics were written by Tanikawa are knowledgeable fans.

Known as an expert on words, Tanikawa wants posterity to remember his creative works more than his name. He hopes his song will be sung by many people over many years and that people in future will ask, "Who wrote that?" That would be as pure a joy as that felt by the anonymous artisans who produce good works that are much appreciated by consumers.

Anonymity goes beyond fame and responsibility. I too hope to attain that peak with this column.

--The Asahi Shimbun, May 15

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.