Being An Artist in Japan: A #15questions Interview with YOH
Ochanomizu, Tokyo
- Credits to: YOH
As cases rise around every region of the world, life has been upended in many ways for each and every one of us. Be it travel restrictions, the concept of social distancing, loss of jobs, circuit breaker (when we experienced the loss of macdonalds/bubble tea), we have all adapted new social norms. Just like the rest of the world, Japan's response to the crisis was to slow the spread of virus by essentially shutting down the country and isolating the population. Amidst this pandemic, I had the pleasure to interview a local artist, YOH, asking him about his life, the current situation in Japan, and his background as an artist. Read on as we dive into his life in this time of the COVID-19 as he shares about some of his amazing works. You may also check out more of his captivating shots at @yohzero!
*All pictures are credited to @yohzero
1.Could you introduce yourself and tell us about what do you do?
I’m YOH, 40 years old, and i’m a photographer, designer and actor based in Tokyo! I currently stay alone in the city centre near Shinjuku. My parents and siblings live close by though - which I’m happy about! Thank you for having me and please pardon me for my poor english!
2. How have you been dealing with the lockdown and self-restraint period in Japan for the past two months?
We try to avoid going out on trains, buses, and other forms of public transportation to avoid being caught off guard, so we try to avoid going out of the house as much as possible, hold meetings online, etc - and make sure that everyone around us does not get infected. When I have to meet people, I wear a mask and keep my distance.
3. How are people dealing with COVID-19 in Tokyo?
We try to avoid going out on trains, buses, and other forms of public transportation. To avoid the virus, so we try to avoid going out of the house as much as possible - and we hold meetings online, etc, make sure that everyone around us does not get infected. When I have to meet people, I wear a mask and practice social distancing!
4. Has the Japanese government provide any form of subsidy/grants for artists?
Yes. Grants to artists. It’s around 100,000 yen to every citizen! There is no such thing as a subsidy for artists here. Individuals were given an amount to make up the shortfall in sales for the previous year's sales. Since the maximum amount of money is set, the amount of the benefit is subject to change on an individual basis. Masks were handed out to each of us too.
5. How is it like in Tokyo currently? Is there a lot of traffic?
There's a possibility of another lockdown coming (i hope not)…At this point, there are more people on the streets than during the lockdown, but everyone is still keeping their distance and being considerate.
Below is a shot I took one month back in Shinjuku - it’s definitely a rare sight in the heart of Tokyo.
An unusual sight in the streets of Shinjuku
- Credits to: YOH
6. What is the greatest inspiration behind your photos?
I get my inspiration mainly from museums, anime and manga! I enjoy learning from museums, anime, and manga while having fun with all sorts of free ideas, and then I try to use my imagination from inspirations everywhere with the real street to curate my work! My use of colour in my photographs is strongly influenced by anime and manga. In my free time, I love to "just walk around town". I think the most important thing is to "capture the moment you are moved by the shutter release". In my opinion - if i can’t take a picture that doesn't move/inspire me, I don't think it's possible to inspire the hearts of those around me. This is why i’ll only produce work that truly speaks the closest to my heart.
7. What do you hope for the world?
More energy and smiles, and I hope we can get out of this pandemic soon - so we can all begin traveling again. I want to live in a world where people from different countries can interact with each other - that’s where different magic happens. I would love to continue to creating works that enrich people lives and leave them an impactful everlasting impression.
8. How long have you been a photographer for and how did you start?
Inokashira Park, Tokyo
I have been a professional photographer for three years. I started out as a self-taught photographer. I went to a lot of exhibitions of photographers I was interested in, heard their stories, and shot with them.
9. Why did you become a photographer?
The main reason that kickstarted this journey of mine is because i feel like I could do so much more in my line of work if I could use my photos in my own designs! Sometimes, I do feel restricted with the framing and colours of a photo when I was provided with an external photo when it comes to designing. There were many times when I had trouble designing web sites and magazines without the ability to take photos as the photos given can’t really work with the design i wanted to create. Therefore, I thought it would be even better if I could take the photos I wanted to use in my designs - and this is just the beginning of it!
However, it slowly became more than just a design job. I've been getting offers mainly for photographer work. That's something I'm very happy and thankful for. The sensibility, framing, and coloration I learned as a designer is being used in the creation of my photographs.
Sensoji Temple, Tokyo
- Credits to: YOH
As days go by, my love for photography deepened. In search of the "instantaneous beauty", I always carry my camera with me, be it work or private. I really love capturing every moment I come across in the city - because i know that every moment will never be the same moment again. I will never get bored of taking street snapshots because I can capture the personality and vibes of each city. I am very happy to be able to share Japanese culture, people and the city through SNS (abbreviation for social network).
I'm glad to share the Japanese culture, people and city through SNS to the world. I will continue to pursue and express about the beauty, people and culture in the multiple cities of Japan.
Night view in the Streets Of Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Credits to: YOH
10. Your photographs of Tokyo and around Japan are incredible. Could you share your best shot and the story behind it?
Thank you so much, I’m very flattered! Here’s my favourite shot and it’s taken in Karankei, Aichi Prefecture. I took this photo using silhouettes of the surrounding area to bring out the vividness of the autumn leaves, which symbolises the beauty of Japan.
In most of my photographs, I love including silhouettes of people and buildings. I feel like by fusing people, nature, and the city together, it expresses the true beauty of Japan.
Karankei, Aichi Prefecture
11. Tell us about your favourite photographer, and why?
Shinya Takahashi! I admire his passionate portrayal of scenes of people. He is a very respected figure in the photographer scene.
12. How is life as an artist in Japan like?
In Japan, people do multiple jobs at once as an artist, for example: by doing design work at companies, holding events, and teaching photography and design etc. But of course, there is a minority of people who do purely producing freelance work for a living. It’s pretty competitive here as artists seize opportunities everywhere through exhibitions, instagram, social network, to know more people - just like how we connected through Instagram! I strongly believe that opportunities are something you have to seek and create for yourself.
13. Give a word of encouragement for inspiring artists out there!
Have flexibility, and enjoy the process most importantly - have passion and enjoy what you do.
14. What can people do to support you in this period?
I think it's important to respect, encourage and help each other in a positive way.
15. Share with us some of your top recommendations to-go in Tokyo!
Visit Tokyo Tower, Asakusa and Shinjuku! You can enjoy the nostalgic beauty vibes of Tokyo at any of these places! Oh, and please go to Akihabara and Shibuya at night to get your experience of the best Japanese culture!
Tokyo Tower
Shibuya Sky, Tokyo
Shinjuku in the Day
Shinjuku At Night
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo
I hope you enjoy these photographs as much as I do - thank you YOH for taking us on a virtual tour till we can all travel again. The wanderlust is real and I can’t wait to visit Japan soon.
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