Yutaka’s studio is located in the suburbs of Saitama City, away from the hustle of the urban center. As soon as you step into the studio, you’re greeted by an array of objects and stickers reflecting his love for skateboard culture and hardcore music—elements that distinctly define his artistic identity. Surrounded by these cultural influences, Yutaka immerses himself in his work, creating pieces that are unmistakably his own. What kind of thoughts and environment give rise to his unique expressions, which are instantly recognizable as his own?

――What themes or concepts are present in your artwork?

I hope viewers can feel the essence of classic Japanese design through my work. I draw inspiration from vintage match labels and old advertisements, which I consciously incorporate into my pieces.

――When did you start to become aware of these traditional Japanese designs? Were there specific influences or experiences that ignited your interest?

I’ve always loved American culture, especially skateboarding, graffiti, tattoos, and hardcore music. This passion sparked my interest in related art, and I began to mimic those styles. However, traveling abroad made me realize that creating art in a style typical of other countries, while living in Japan, felt like mere imitation. I was struck by the strong sense of national pride among Americans and Europeans, which made me reconsider how I could express myself as a Japanese artist.

01
A piece posted on G-SHOCK’s Instagram on New Year’s Day 2020. Created as a New Year’s greeting, it features the proverb “First Fuji, Second Hawks, Third Eggplants,” which signifies that seeing these auspicious symbols in your first dream of the year brings good fortune, with their prosperity increasing in that order. The composition elegantly combines G-SHOCK with the rising sun at its center.

02
This work was painted on an old Japanese kite that had been stored away in Yutaka’s barn. It was created for a group art show held at the beginning of 2023, and it also draws on the “First Fuji, Second Hawks, Third Eggplants” motif. Despite sharing the same theme as the piece on the left, its different composition offers a fresh perspective.

03
This piece is displayed at the Vans Store along Meiji Street in Harajuku. Here’s a refined version of your text: Yutaka has crafted a distinctive floor guide that showcases the store’s layout: the basement features the skateboarding area, the first floor is dedicated to apparel, and the second floor highlights the shoe section. The Japanese-themed artwork enriches the experience for travelers from abroad, allowing them to enjoy their journey even more.

04
This work was painted on a 1972 Pontiac Trans Am. Initially, only a hawk was painted on the hood, but after receiving a request to include a Japanese sword, Yutaka obliged. Additionally, while the back is adorned with the kanji for “1972 Trans Am.”

05
On the wall are skateboards painted by some of Yutaka’s favorite artists. On the left is a deck from Brutal Skates featuring Pushead’s silk-screened artwork. On the right is a one-of-a-kind piece that Yutaka traded with artist Yusuke Tsuge, showcasing his unique hand-painted style.

06
This is a Greco Les Paul model guitar that he borrowed from Yutaka’s brother. Having been with he for almost 30 years, this guitar feels like a true companion, especially since it was he go-to instrument when he was in a band. After undergoing various paint and sticker customizations, it has now reached its current look.

――What kind of art were you creating up until then? What led you to incorporate old designs like vintage matches?

My earlier works were influenced by American traditional tattoos and the new school style. I also enjoyed creating slightly grotesque pieces. While I appreciate traditional Japanese motifs like ukiyo-e for their playful and humorous qualities, I found the retro aesthetics of forgotten matches and advertisements to be incredibly fascinating.

―― With your style’s evolution, how have you sustained your dedication to expressing yourself artistically?

I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. As a child, I was a huge fan of Akira Toriyama, copying characters from Dragon Ball and Dragon Quest. My mother was quite talented at drawing, so I would ask her to create comic characters for me to hang in my room. In that sense, my biggest influence might be my mother. Additionally, my grandfather was a calligraphy teacher, and my mother practiced it too. I have her calligraphy of my artist name, “Yutaka,” displayed in my studio.

――What kind of atmosphere do you create in your studio, and what goes through your mind while you’re creating?

When I’m creating, I don’t think about much at all. I’m completely focused on the act of creating. I spend more time contemplating the motifs and composition than actually drawing; once I settle on an idea, I dive in without distraction.

――When do you feel inspired?

I still can’t pinpoint when inspiration strikes. Sometimes it comes unexpectedly, especially when I’m not actively trying to simulate a composition. I find that if I focus too hard on generating ideas, the results aren’t great, so I often let things sit overnight and revisit them the next day. Inspiration can hit me while I’m on the move or even in the bath—it really varies.

―― It sounds like you’re deeply contemplative. What motivates your ongoing artistic expression? Is there a message you want to convey?

I don’t have a specific message in mind. I hope viewers can feel something from my work. I usually don’t title my pieces or attach deep meanings to them. Instead, I prioritize visual impact, aiming for purely cool aesthetics. I’m personally drawn to works that impress with their appearance, so I focus on colors and balance, putting a lot of care into those aspects.

01
A bookshelf filled with art-related books, texts, and signage materials. Looking up, you’ll find a collection of black metal guides, a true reflection of Yutaka’s interests. Notably, a portion is dedicated to “DOLL,” a Japanese punk rock scene magazine from the 1980s to 90s.

02
On the shelf above his desk, where Yutaka spends the majority of his time, rests the kanji for “Yutaka,” written by his mother, a calligrapher from a lineage of artists, before her passing. He fondly recalls how, from a young age, he would ask her to illustrate manga characters for him, nurturing his creative spirit.

03
Yutaka uses “1 Shot,” a favorite among pinstripers worldwide. Known for its excellent flow and vibrant color, this enamel paint is ideal for decorating car and motorcycle tanks, helmets, and more. He lso uses it for windows, outdoor signs, and skate decks.

―― Is there anything that you do to help you focus while creating?

I love music, so I listen to it to boost my energy while I work. I enjoy loud genres like punk, metal, and hardcore, but if I want to create something softer, I’ll listen to gentler music. I always have music playing.

―― You created a piece for G-SHOCK; can you share your concept behind it?

I primarily use hawks as motifs in my artwork, so I illustrated a hawk holding a G-SHOCK watch. The hawk symbolizes bravery and strength, which I wanted to convey in relation to the durability and toughness of G-SHOCK. In each corner, I placed the Japanese translations for “gravity” and “shock”, using the ancient seal script, which has traditionally been used for stamps. I also included the model number, “DW-5000R”, in kanji to give the design a vintage Japanese advertisement feel.

――What does G-SHOCK mean to you?

I remember it being popular since the 1990s; all my friends used to wear them, and I thought they were really cool. Before G-SHOCK, I had the impression that watches were for adults, but the G-SHOCK broke that mold, making it accessible for younger people. I appreciate how durable they are, allowing me to focus on my work without worrying about dirt or damage. I enjoy the freedom of not having to focus on the little things while I create.

Profile.

Gakou Yutaka

Influenced by designs from match labels, “ranji”, and graphics from the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa periods, Yutaka creates art that blends elements of his core interests—punk, black metal, skateboarding, tattoos, and beer—with a sense of traditional Japanese aesthetics. This fusion has garnered attention for his original works across various platforms.

Instagram. @gakou_yutaka