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The Japanese model and Netflix’s Terrace House reality TV star reveals the artist under it all

How would you describe your identity as an artist?

I usually just make what I want to make; [art] has always kind of saved me.Whenever I felt down in school, I would draw; I would make up stories and I loved doing that.Art for me, is a way for me to understand and express myself.

What first made you pursue art?

Art just came naturally to me. My mum told me I’ve been scribbling since I was about two years old. Since then, I’ve just been obsessed with it. It’s not that I’m pursuing something; it’s something that I just have to do.

How have you evolved as an artist so far?

I’ve always created art as a form of personal expression, but recently I’ve been able to work on commercial projects. So in that sense, it’s really been a challenge to figure out how I use art—not only to make just what I want, but what would work for the client as well.Taking on jobs professionally pushes me to create something different than what I normally would. I had planned on going to art school but it didn’t feel right for me. I didn’t feel like that was what I wanted to do with my life at the time. So I’ve been practising every day by myself.Artists recreate what they are inspired by every day—new people, new experiences— and are exposed to different types of art. So your style will change as well, inevitably.

What are your key sources of inspiration?

Experiences in life and also music. It could be the lyrics, sounds, song titles—simple, little things.When listening to music, it helps me think; it helps me create stories. Like if you listen to music and you close your eyes, you create an image to the song; that’s how I do it.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m planning a solo exhibition in Japan and I’m working on some pretty big art projects, including a collaboration with a fashion brand.