Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Michael (OneTwenty) Herrington of Topanga

Michael (OneTwenty) Herrington shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Michael (OneTwenty), really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
It’s small potatoes but I’m very proud of my stock photography portfolio. I’m really proud of building a library of over 3500 assets because it’s truly a matter of patience and diligence. This feat required constantly uploading photos, video, and other forms of media. As a person who struggles with ADHD it feels good to see myself being consistent even if the activity itself isn’t the most glamorous.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Michael Herrington aka OneTwenty. I’m a multidisciplinary creative working across music, photography, and video, and I’ve been involved in music for over 20 years as a producer and artist. Everything I do now grows out of that foundation — learning how to create, collaborate, and actually turn ideas into finished work.

A lot of my perspective comes from working in different worlds. I’ve spent time inside the Japanese creative industry, and I also have a military background, so I’m comfortable living in that middle space — valuing calm, balance, and harmony, but also knowing when it’s time to lock in and really go hard. I’m naturally pretty chill, and I try to bring that energy into my work while still being able to shift gears when it matters.

This year has been about carving out our own lane instead of chasing other people’s momentum or clout. Right now I’m working on my first show, Minor Arts, which we’re releasing as a pilot on our official YouTube channel. We’ve already shot seven episodes, and finishing the show properly feels important — it’s about proving that we can build something complete and intentional on our own terms.

Minor Arts is part of the larger Onetwenty Lokyo ecosystem. The music, locations, and creative elements are all sourced as much as possible from within our own circle — friends, collaborators, and spaces we already have relationships with. The goal isn’t isolation, but support: keeping ownership close, reinvesting into the people around us, and building something that genuinely takes care of “the family.”

Once the show is out in the world, the next step is using what we’ve learned to develop a project that can be pitched. Long term, I’m focused on building original work, steady systems, and a creative brand that grows naturally — grounded, independent, and built to last.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My grandmother. She had no idea how to work a computer. She got me one anyways because she saw the future. Even when I didn’t understand why she did a lot of the things she did for me when I was younger; I understand now. Having potential is one thing…but having an adult who sees that potential and knows the tools you need in order to make it grow, is truly a blessing.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Some of the best art is born out of struggle. It’s like a duck moving effortlessly across the water — calm on the surface, working like hell underneath. When I first picked up a camera I ended up homeless a few months later. I HAD to make it work. So when I see great work now, I don’t just see what’s in front of me. I see the hours, the failures, and the quiet sacrifices that made it possible. A mentor once told me that every show you see on TV is someone’s masterpiece, and that idea stuck with me. I try to see life, and people’s work, through that lens.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to believe that fame would bring me happiness. After spending time around celebrities and experiencing a small part of that world myself, I don’t see it the same way anymore. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started valuing my time and privacy much more. That’s helped me understand why people seem to “change” after success — their time becomes more limited, and every choice carries more weight. In that context, stopping for a photo with an eager fan can feel far less important than spending a rare holiday moment with family, especially when you know you’re heading back to Tokyo for a business meeting.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
Absolutely! After everything it’s taken to get to the point where I can hire and be hired by some of my friends; it feels good knowing that the guy to your right isn’t just your buddy but also a badass producer. I’ve heard it’s not a good idea to work with friends but in my industry it’s unavoidable. This really forces a lot of personal growth for those who wish to stay in the industry. To me, there’s no better feeling than doing a job you love with someone who you trust. It brings a certain calm to the set when everyone can just have fun.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://onetwentybooking.wixsite.com/lokyomultimediajp
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lokyomultimediajp?igsh=MTc5czBsMndnc2d1ag==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bhh8Q9sCJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lokyotvislit?si=0ev6iOF74Ew7pEI4

Image Credits
Hannah Packard
Ryo Iwaki