Terry Ito's Column Vol. 88: I'm curious about the laid-back Snoopy.

I've loved Mickey Mouse since I was a child. In the 1950s, when televisions began to spread to many homes in Japan, I was captivated by the melody of the Mickey Mouse Club and his adorable face that came from the screen, and Mickey became my eternal hero. I longed to go to LA Disneyland and meet Mickey so badly. (My dream came true a few years ago.) So even at this age, my passion hasn't changed. Mickey Mouse is everywhere in my house. Needless to say, he's also sitting in my car. My friends tease me, saying, "Ito's hobbies haven't changed at all since he was a teenager." However, something has changed in my heart. Lately, I've been interested in Snoopy. As you know, Snoopy is a beagle dog that appears in the comic strip "PEANUTS," which Charles M. Schulz began writing in 1950.

Both are incredibly popular characters, but what are the differences between them? We investigated the life philosophies of Mickey and Snoopy. Mickey is always cheerful and energetic, with a positive attitude that dreams can come true if you work hard. He's an idol-like character that children and adults alike can easily love. Snoopy, on the other hand, seems to be a spokesperson for imperfect humans. He's a symbol of philosophy, loneliness, sadness, and humor, and he affirms that "it's okay if life doesn't go perfectly." If you think about it, Snoopy doesn't really act in groups. He's always lying down, gazing at the sky alone. Perhaps Snoopy's cuteness lies in his slightly flawed nature. He truly is the freest beagle in the world.

Speaking of which, I feel like I've been seeing more Snoopy characters on the bags of high school girls around town lately. The general trend in society is also shifting from "work hard" and "succeed" to "don't push yourself too hard" and "go at your own pace." It's true that it might be hard to be cheerful and energetic like Mickey Mouse all year round. But that doesn't mean we have to decide which is better. It's okay to have days when you're not feeling well, to want to have fun with your friends, and to feel like crying. Sometimes it's okay to be like Mickey, and sometimes it's okay to be like Snoopy.

Wait a minute, knowing me, I'm bound to start collecting Snoopy merchandise. In fact, I've already started searching online. I tried to buy a Snoopy that was sold in McDonald's Happy Meals, but it was auctioned off just before I could get one. The more I look at different websites, the more I learn about Snoopy and the more I find him appealing. I have a feeling I'm entering danger zone. I love the laid-back Snoopy, but I'm the only one getting excited in front of the computer. I have to do something about this situation or I'll end up wasting even more money. At this rate, I'll go to the beach in Kamakura, lie down on the sand, gaze at the blue sky and clear my head.
I wonder if Mickey Mouse will be mad at me.

Terry Ito (director)

Born in Tsukiji, Tokyo in 1949. After attending Waseda Jitsugyo Junior and Senior High School, he graduated from Nihon University's School of Economics.
In March 2023, he completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University.
He joined the television production company IVS Television, where he worked on variety shows such as "Tensai Takeshi's Genki ga Deru TV" and "Neruton Benikujidan."
He then went independent and worked on planning and directing a number of television programs, including TV Tokyo's "Asakusabashi Young Clothing Store."
His book "Comedy North Korea" became a bestseller, and he subsequently made numerous media appearances under the name Terry Ito.
In addition to his work as a director, he is also active in a variety of fields as a producer, entertainer, and commentator.
YouTube channelTerry Ito's Comedy Backdrop'
Currently writing a column in LALALA USA
https://lalalausa.com/archives/category/column/terry