Short movie "What is FREEDOM" iB official VIDEO
What Is Freedom?
What Does “Freedom” Truly Mean?
- iB Official Video I believe that thinking about what freedom really means is one of the most important things in life. Not that I'm always thinking about such things - but sometimes I realize that I've been living my life striving to become free. When people say "liberalism", it often turns into talk about politics or economics. But that's not what I mean. I'm talking about a way of living - a method for happiness.
"Freedom" - it's such a beautiful word, isn't it? It sounds bright, joyful, full of life. And maybe, when we truly become free, we naturally move closer to happiness. In the main video, you'll see RIHO and me talking by the seaside about this theme - freedom. Please look forward to it. But when I think deeply, I realize that many of us live without really knowing what freedom is, sometimes even mistaking something else for it.
The Motorcycle and Freedom
For us, motorcycles are deeply connected to the idea of freedom. I once discussed on Facebook whether motorcycles are the ultimate machines for feeling free. The debate got so heated that we had to delete it afterwards! I turned 70 this year, and when I look back, I feel I've done most of the things I wanted to do - developing hydrogen-powered bikes, creating new products like ICBM™, EVER SLEEVE™ pat., and LABYRI™, even breaking free from subcontracting to find our own path. And I've always believed that with the internet and a delivery service, we can work with the whole world. Outside of work, I dove into water skiing and wakeboarding, even competing at the world championships. And, under the excuse of "company PR", I entered classic races, vintage motocross, and the Ihatovo Trial. All of it was pure joy.
A Short Video and a Storm of Comments
Recently, RIHO posted a short video riding a TL125S Ihatovo along the beach. It's been watched by many, many people - but most comments were like: "Your bike will rust!" "Are you allowed to ride there?" "You mustn't do that!" Of course, there were kind comments too, but still... That video was meant to express freedom: A beautiful sky, the reflection of the sea, a motorcycle, and a graceful rider - simple, vivid freedom.
And yet, the comments focused on the rust. Do people really think we don't know that? Everyone knows it. So why can't they stop pointing it out?
The Meaning of Resistance
Whenever a person tries to be free, resistance always appears. Those bound by fixed ideas follow their own chains without even realizing it. "I want to ride along the beach… but salt might cause rust… I shouldn't do it". If you think that way, you'll never do what you truly want. Sure, rust is a concern - but wash the bike afterward, replace what breaks, and even if the bike is ruined, no one else is hurt. If you want to do it, do it.
Questioning "common sense" - that's where freedom begins. Ten years ago, I rode the same Ihatovo along the beach at Chirihama. It still runs fine today (with a few rust spots). Maybe thanks to ICBM™ (laughs).
The Courage to Be Free
The Courage to Be Free Creating this short video about freedom unexpectedly brought me backlash from those still trapped by unfreedom. But that, too, became a chance to think more deeply about what freedom means. When you try to do something new, people will always oppose you.
Often, it's from good intentions - but that only makes it harder to move forward. Still, if you want to do something meaningful, you must not give up. Ask yourself why you want to do it - and if it truly means something to you, then do it. If no one supports your idea, maybe that's proof it's so original that others just can't catch up. Without that kind of boldness, you'll never accomplish anything. And if, by doing what you believe in, you can make others even a little bit happier - that's the best outcome. Prioritize your own conviction, but try to make the world around you just a little bit brighter, too. That's how the total happiness grows - and eventually, others will start to support you. Now, I'm editing the main video - please look forward to it.
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Written by:
Sotaro Inoue
The head engineer / Inoue Boring CEO