Kai's lens

The biggest single influence on my way of thinking has been my parents and growing up in Japan. They encouraged me to be open-minded and taught me strong morals, discipline, and an appreciation for creativity and attention to detail. Growing up in Japan also shaped the way I experience the world. The culture, the people, and the way I connect with others are all deeply influenced by my upbringing, and those experiences continue to guide how I approach life and work.

I’d love to have a long, present-day conversation with David Beckham. Just a straightforward, honest chat where I could tell him how much I respect his style, his tattoos, and the way he’s carried himself over the years. And even though I’m a Liverpool fan, I’d still admit he’s been a real influence on me, both in football and in how he’s built his life and career.

My perfect holiday would be somewhere I’ve never been before, ideally a place where I can try new foods and really experience the local culture. I’d love to spend my days surrounded by nature, exploring forests, mountains, or any kind of beautiful landscape. As long as there’s good food, new experiences, and plenty of natural scenery, I’m happy.

If I were releasing a music album tomorrow, it would probably be in the pop-punk/alternative genre. I’d call it Tokyo Chronicles, capturing raw and emotional tracks inspired by city life, late-night adventures, and personal stories.

I’d like to see more brands focusing on real-life experiences, pop-ups, and events that genuinely bring people together. It’s exciting to see companies creating spaces where communities can connect, engage, and interact with ideas or products firsthand, rather than just online. At the same time, I’d like to see less content that feels overproduced or designed purely for algorithms rather than real human experiences.

It’s hard to pick a favourite, but The Graphite Throttle shoot in Paris and Niigata Origins in Japan both stand out, not just for the work itself but because we got to travel and experience new places with the team. The projects were very different in style and approach, but what made them really fun was collaborating closely with my teammates while exploring incredible locations.

What excites me creatively is working on projects that combine the outdoors, sport, and music. I enjoy capturing athletes or musicians in natural environments and telling stories that feel authentic and engaging. Collaborating with outdoor, sports, or music brands is inspiring because it challenges me to think about how movement, environment, and lifestyle come together visually. It’s rewarding to create work that feels true to both the people and the brand.