Yuki Matsuoka shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Yuki, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A typical day for me starts around 9 a.m. when I open my shop, “Himejien.”
It’s not just a clothing store — it’s also my art studio and gallery.
I’m an artist and a designer, and I created this space to blend fashion and art in one place.
The fashion I design is rooted in Japanese culture — combining traditional styles with modern elements.
Some items are also inspired by anime and pop culture, making the shop a place where tradition meets today’s creativity.
Every day, I interact with customers from around the world, work on new designs, and create my artworks right there in the shop.
It’s a busy routine, but I feel truly lucky to spend my days doing what I love.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the founder and designer of the fashion brand Himejien, and I’m also an artist.
My work blends traditional Japanese culture with modern fashion, creating a unique original style that I share with the world.
I currently run a physical store in Himeji, Japan — a city known for its historic castle and cultural heritage.
As an artist, I’m also active internationally. In 2024, I held a solo exhibition in Paris, France.
Through both fashion and art, I aim to connect cultures and express the timeless spirit of Japan in a modern way.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed that having a stable job would lead to a fulfilling life.
That’s what I was taught in school — that studying was necessary to get a secure job.
But I dropped out of high school, and yet today, I feel that I’m living a truly fulfilling life.
I wasn’t good at traditional school subjects, but I found joy in music, fashion, and art. Now, I live a life where I focus only on what I love.
Through experience, I’ve learned that real stability comes not just from financial security, but also from emotional and creative freedom.
This doesn’t mean I avoid doing things I don’t like.
In fact, when you truly want to live your own life, you accept that some hard or unpleasant things are part of the process — and they no longer feel like a burden.
I believe it’s not about living the life others expect of you, but about creating your own. That’s what makes a life truly meaningful.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Honestly, I feel like I almost give up every single day — seriously! (laughs)
Growth always comes with challenges.
If I spend today the same way as yesterday, I can’t become stronger than I was.
I believe that by trying new things, taking risks, and facing failure and frustration, I become a stronger version of myself each day.
That’s why the more I challenge myself, the more moments I face where I almost want to give up.
But to me, those moments are proof that I’m growing.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely — the public version of me is the real me.
I don’t care much about how people see me, so I show up as I am.
I don’t try to make myself look better on social media.
Of course, it feels good to be appreciated by others,
but what matters most is whether I think I am cool — whether I respect the way I live.
Do you know what I mean?
I ask myself: “Is this the kind of Yuki Matsuoka I can be proud of?”
When I live in a way that feels true to me, I like myself more.
And when I feel good about myself, I naturally become more kind to others.
That’s where real confidence comes from.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
This question actually feels hopeful to me.
Knowing I had 10 years left would mean I still have time — and that certainty is a kind of gift.
What would I stop doing immediately?
I think… I would stop being afraid.
Whenever we start something new, fear always shows up.
What if it fails?
What if it wastes time?
What if it costs money?
What if it hurts?
All of those thoughts try to hold us back.
But if I knew exactly how much time I had left, I think I could finally let go of that fear.
Because when you know how short life is, there’s no point in being afraid anymore.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://himejien.stores.jp/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matsuoka___yuki
- Twitter: https://x.com/y_matsuoka_bc?s=21
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