Akiyama for SNS and the Nike Flyleather Pack

Interview

SNS: Please tell us about your history, and your current moves.

Akiyama: Drawing has been my hobby ever since I could remember. I graduated from a high school with a design background, then moved onto an art school in college where I majored in “Nihon-ga (Japanese style painting)”, which focuses on the use of traditional ink and pigments. After graduating I spent some time working in clothing retail, then about 2 years ago, I officially launched my career as an illustrator. Currently I am working at a gaming company and doing freelance work at the same time. I myself also love anime and mangas, so watch them daily! Right now my favorite series is “My Hero Academia”!

*SNS: How did you come up with the character for this project?

Akiyama: Looking at the world today and all it contains, I strongly felt that I wanted to create characters of different nationalities in the Japanese cultural form of manga or anime. I created the character inspired by SNS, who is also recently branching out globally.

SNS: What actions do you take personally on a daily basis to be conscious of sustainability?

Akiyama: I have always used reusable bags and carried a water bottle with me wherever I go. However, I feel that sustainability has just recently started to become a thing that people are aware of in Japan. I personally found out, through this project, that the Nike Space Hippie is made using eco-friendly materials. I’d like to further educate myself on environmental issues and start making more changes where I can as much as possible.