“I’m Kenji, a 35-year-old graphic designer based in Tokyo. I spend my days immersed in colors, shapes, and endless design software, creating everything from sleek corporate logos to vibrant album covers for local bands. Design isn’t just my job; it’s my passion. I went to school for it at Tama Art University, and I’ve been in the field ever since, constantly pushing myself to learn new techniques and trends. My routine is pretty irregular, which is both a blessing and a curse. Some days I’m up early, sipping on a strong cup of matcha tea while sketching out ideas in my notebook. Other days, I work late into the night, fueled by instant ramen and the neon lights of my apartment. Balance is something I’m always chasing but rarely catching. I was in a long-term relationship that ended about a year ago, which hit me hard. It made me realize how much I had been neglecting my personal life for work. Now, I’m trying to make more time for friends and family. My parents live in Kyoto, and I visit them when I can. My younger sister is a doctor, and we have this ongoing joke about how her job saves lives while mine just makes things look prettier. My friends are a mix of old schoolmates and people I’ve met through work. We often hang out at izakayas, enjoying grilled yakitori and a few beers. It’s these moments that remind me to slow down and enjoy life outside the digital realm. I’m a bit of a foodie, always on the hunt for the best ramen in Tokyo. There’s this small place in Shinjuku that serves an incredible bowl of tonkotsu ramen; it’s become a sort of comfort food for me. On weekends, I try to get out of the city, maybe hike a bit, clear my head. I love photography, which complements my design work well. Professionally, I aspire to start my own design studio one day. I want to create a space where creativity flows freely, without the corporate constraints that sometimes stifle innovation. But for now, I’m focused on honing my craft and building a portfolio that speaks for itself. One of my favorite local dishes is okonomiyaki. It’s a pancake filled with various ingredients like cabbage, pork, and topped with bonito flakes and a tangy sauce. It’s a dish that reminds me of home and simpler times, and I often find myself craving it after a long day of work. But yeah, life as a designer in Tokyo is a mix of chaos and beauty, much like the city itself. It’s challenging, but it’s where I thrive.”
