前澤友作さんのインスタグラム写真 - (前澤友作Instagram)「* A question I hear often: “Shouldn’t you spend your money helping disaster relief or donating to those in need instead of going to the moon?” --- My answer: I have always been involved in helping developing nations, and assisting disaster stricken areas around the world. After the tsunami and earthquake in Fukushima, my company and I engaged in relief efforts donating supplies and funds. I’ve been helping children in developing countries with World Vision for almost 20 years. I don’t publicize this, but I feel the need to do so now since people say I’ve done nothing. Whether that makes me look good or not doesn’t matter – I simply want to share facts. I feel guilt that professional NPOs and volunteers do all the hard work on the ground. When you think about the actual work on-site, it makes logical sense for trained professionals to do this. But, I feel inadequate when I send funds and receive a thank you letter. So, what can I do? I arrived at a conclusion after the 9/11 attacks in NYC. I was 25 and decided to set our corporate mission to “Bring Peace to the World” and our philosophy to “Make the World a Better Place, Bring Smiles to the World”. I shared this with our employees and posted it on our website, with the picture of Earth. I wanted everyone to understand what I plan to achieve with my company. It’s been 17 years, and my core beliefs have not wavered. I want to contribute to society by doing things I’m best at, my part as small as that may be, in realizing a more peaceful world. As an entrepreneur, I can do this through my business. I want to make human connection and make lives more fulfilling. Hiring people, paying proper taxes on profits, giving back, helping the next generation of entrepreneurs dream big — these are things that I can do. I am paying my own money to go to the moon. This and my purchase of the Basquiat stem from my personal belief: “Share joy with all through things I like.” I will invite artists to the moon, as I will loan my Basquiat to many museums across the world. It’s like when you open a bottle of wine to share with friends, you can all have a great time. I want to see everyone smile. #dearMoon @dearmoonproject」9月29日 14時45分