Our Thursday series features must-read books from each branch of the art bookshop "NADiff." This week's book is "Masamichi Katayama's Encyclopedia: Life is hard... Let's go shopping." It's introduced by Gallery 5, a branch in Shinjuku, Tokyo (3-20-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Opera City Tower, 3rd floor).



■ "Masamichi Katayama's Encyclopedia: Life is hard... Let's go shopping."

This is the official catalog for the "Masamichi Katayama's Encyclopedia Exhibition," an exhibition showcasing the collection of interior designer Masamichi Katayama, held at the Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery from April 8 to June 25. The exhibition, packed with Katayama's "favorite things"—contemporary art, books, CDs, furniture, taxidermy, junk, and more—selected by his discerning eye. The highly anticipated publication of this book, featuring photos of the exhibition, is a welcome relief. Katayama's encounter with punk rock gave him the value of "kicking away at preconceived notions." Since then, he has spent immeasurable energy, passion, and money adhering to this value through his many encounters with various things and experiences. His self-admitted lack of discipline when it comes to shopping is evident throughout the exhibition and catalog. The book's refreshing message, "Life is hard, but let's go shopping!", is a refreshingly refreshing message. The book's sophisticated, encyclopedia-worthy design, by renowned art director Naomi Hirabayashi, is also a must-see. This is a book that art fans will want to add to their bookshelves.