Check Out Yuki Matsuoka’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yuki Matsuoka

Hi Yuki, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was bullied as a child and lost hope in life at that time.
I was not good at communicating and expressing myself, and I had complexes about it. However, my life changed when I encountered music, fashion, and art. I now run an apparel shop near Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site in Japan. I design based on Japanese culture, and many tourists visit every day. I also started painting during the pandemic. It wasn’t just a hobby, I worked hard on it. Now I am involved in artistic activities mainly in Europe, including Paris, London, and Florence, and I have decided to hold a solo exhibition in Paris in December of this year. (December 9-15, 4 Rue de la Sorbonne Paris, France)

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing goes smoothly. I call a life that does not go smoothly a “challenge.” It is assumed that everything will not go well. However, that is if you do nothing. If you think a lot, act a lot, reflect a lot, and look forward, the probability of being rewarded will definitely increase. You will never be rewarded 100%. But your success rate will increase by 1%.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have three main jobs.
I manage an apparel store, and I am an artist and art gallery manager.

I run my own fashion brand, so I manage the store and work as a designer there.
（My brand : https://www.instagram.com/himejien/）

I also focus on my artistic activities.
I participate in overseas exhibitions and art fairs several times a year.

I will have a solo exhibition in Paris in December this year, but I am looking for another venue next year.

The art gallery is a place where I can exhibit my work and promote Japanese artists.

Something I am proud of is that I have so many friends.

I have so many people who support me, including customers, friends, and family.
I was bullied as a child and was lonely for many years, but now having them there gives me energy.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
If you come to Japan, you can purchase my works and fashion brands. I am also always looking for brands to collaborate with. As for my art activities, if I find a gallery I like, I will hold a solo exhibition there.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matsuoka___yuki/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/be.cool.ym
• Twitter: https://x.com/y_matsuoka_bc