Around the World
with Pitti
YOSHIO WAKATSUKI
News
Edition 98
28.09.2020
Winner of the prestigious Amiko Kujiraoka Award, Creative Director Yoshio Wakatsuki joined DRUMCAN in 2006.  At the fashion event planning company, Yoshio is responsible for parties, live music events and art exhibitions, both in Tokyo and internationally. 
 

We spoke to Yoshio about his inspirations and the culture in his home city of Tokyo.

What do you love about the city?
I have family, many friends and also business partners here. 
What area do you find yourself in the most?
Shibuya, Harajuku, Aoyama area – my life, both work and private is based around here. Also, in my private time, I go out to the sea often. Camping, too.

How would you describe people’s personal style? 

They take it all in, and I respect it.
What’s your favourite restaurant?
Kissa-ten - a Japanese old-style café, Chinese restaurants, and Teishokuya - a local diner that’s been around since the old days.
Favourite late-night spot and why?

Recently, I don’t go out late-night, but before I would often visit bars and clubs that my friends own, such as Casba in Ebisu, alongside Bridge, Contact and Vision, which are all in Shibuya. Also, talking about night spots, I like the night lights of the Kawasaki Factory districts that you can see when you take a drive from Tokyo to Yokohama. Also, it’s not late-night, more of a very early morning, but I love seeing the morning glow that can be seen from the Rainbow Bridge when I go to the sea to catch the waves.

Where do you go to feel inspired?

Before the pandemic, I’d say Paris, London, New York and Hawaii. Other than that, I’m inspired by my daily life; conversation with friends, museums, movies, TV programs, while driving, photobooks, artbooks...
 

Are there any artists (photographers, painters, sculptors) that we should check out? 

Not somebody new, but I like Isamu Noguchi. He states in his words that perfect is boring and that he intentionally does not make his works perfect. However, in my view, his works are perfect. Another is Frank Lloyd Wright. One day I would like to see the Fallingwater, his famous architecture in Pittsburgh that is built on top of a waterfall.

Who’s your favourite music artist?
Due to my work, I check most music thoroughly regardless of genres, but I often listen to old school disco music. I like late 80s house music, like Larry Levan’s style.
How would you describe the creative community?
For me, it’s an extension of my life.
How has the pandemic affected your creative process?
It really made me think a lot. Our job is to invite guests physically, but now we cannot do this, what shall we do? The answer is still to be found. I am continuously going through trial and error every day.

Who would you love to collaborate with and why?

Designers and creators all around the world that are thinking about something fun to do. I want to do something exciting.
 
What are you excited about at the moment?
I am thinking about what I can do after the Pandemic. Thinking about what I can share and spread to the world.

What are you working on at the moment?

Preparation for the next Tokyo Collection, not physical but digital contents.

What’s next for you?
Hmm... Something exciting.