Today we’d like to introduce you to Yusei Kanda.
Hi Yusei, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
After graduating from university, I began my journey in the creative industry through an internship at a video production company, where I learned the fundamentals of filmmaking and production. While gaining experience behind the scenes, I started creating videos and social media content on my own as a hobby.
My passion for streetwear led me to join the Los Angeles-based streetwear brand Stampd as a content creator during my internship. This opportunity allowed me to further develop my skills and immerse myself in both fashion and visual storytelling.
Today, I work as a freelance director, photographer, and videographer. I’m also the visual director for SUSHICLUB, a collaborative project led by my mentor and Stampd founder Chris Stamp, and the world-renowned chef behind NOBU restaurants, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I first came to Los Angeles after high school as a language student. I was only 18 and didn’t speak any English at the time, so the language barrier was one of my biggest challenges early on.
During my internship, I faced a lot of ups and downs trying to navigate the creative industry in a foreign country, from building connections from scratch to figuring out how to turn my passion into a career.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve worked across a wide range of cultural scenes and genres, which has allowed me to absorb a lot of inspiration and knowledge along the way. One of my strengths is that I’ve been involved not only on the shooting side, but also in production. This gives me a deeper understanding of both the creative and logistical aspects of any project.
Another key part of my work is shooting for Japanese restaurants—especially sushi restaurants—which has become a unique niche for me. I’m currently creating both video and still content for SUSHICLUB, the project I mentioned earlier.
As a Japanese creator working in the U.S., I take pride in being able to authentically represent and communicate Japanese food culture. I believe that’s something that truly sets me apart.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’m incredibly grateful to a few key people who have played a major role in my journey. First, Keita Yamamura from Tobbogan, who gave me my very first opportunity to intern at a production company. That experience laid the foundation for everything I’m doing now.
I also owe a lot to Chris Stamp, the founder of Stampd and one of the driving forces behind the SUSHICLUB project. His trust and mentorship have pushed me creatively and professionally. And of course, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, whose vision and cultural influence continue to inspire me. Being able to work with both of them on SUSHICLUB has been a huge honor.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ykk.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ykcry/
