Meet Keita Hagiwara

We recently connected with Keita Hagiwara and have shared our conversation below.

Keita, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

My creativity is largely inspired by the diverse array of people I’ve encountered throughout my life, not just those within my professional circle. This inspiration can come from friends, family, and even from unexpected sources like pets or locations outside my usual environment. Each individual brings their own unique perspective and way of thinking, creating a rich tapestry of ideas that fuels my imagination. The varied angles of thoughts are always enjoying moment. Keep going out and believe your idea. thats how I keep creativity mind all the time.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am Japanese Videographer, Photographer and Musician based in Los Angeles.

When I was 10 years old, my family relocated to Australia for a few years, and it was during our time in Melbourne that I experienced a significant moment of self-discovery. Music was a key element in my journey of self-discovery during that time. The rhythms and melodies transcended the barriers of spoken language, revealing to me that music has a unique power to connect us all on a deeper level. I began exploring music more actively, taking up the harmonica and guitar. This newfound interest was likely influenced by my exposure to “The Blues Brothers” at the time, a film that ignited my passion for blues music and its raw, expressive qualities. The film’s vibrant portrayal of music and performance inspired me to delve into these instruments, allowing me to express myself creatively and connect with the universal language of music in a more personal way.
And now, I find myself here in Los Angeles, deliberately stepping into a more challenging phase of my life with the aim of further developing my creative passions.
I wasn’t into camera at this age but I had a video cam on my hand at the school trip and that was the first time filming.
Kids are always having fun of taking photo with disposable camera at that time and I was exactly same as those kids.

Another significant moment of self-discovery occurred recently, I made a conscious decision to embrace a mindset of openness, committing to saying “yes” to new opportunities that came my way.
This decision led to a pivotal encounter with Polo Yazaki, who invited me to participate in the filming of a movie titled “SPADES,” directed by Johnny Yong Bosch and currently working on.
I felt the blood level passion explode in my mind, confirming just how deeply I love this creative field.
This powerful emotional response made it clear that this was not just a fleeting interest, but a profound and enduring passion that drives me forward.

combining music and filming is the Music Video in this environment and this is what I want to do.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

If I narrowed it down to three tips,
1, Never fear to anything, believe yourself and have strong confidence.

2. Open mind to anything comes to you.
it gives you new vision that not in your mind
3. Thoughtfulness is the most important quality I have cultivated. As a human being and an artist, being considerate and empathetic towards others is paramount.Thoughtfulness enhances my ability to connect meaningfully with people and to create art that resonates on a deeper level.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

As I mentioned before, Polo Yazaki and Johnny Yong Bosh, these people taught me this world.
This opportunity is a significant moment in my journey, allowing me to contribute to a collaborative artistic endeavor and further immerse myself in the world of filmmaking.
not only an opportunity, they taught me compassion, confidence, and pushed me being creative.
And of course, big supports from my family!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://keitahagiwara.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keitar_hagiwara/

Image Credits

Keita Hagiwara