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A B O U T T H E A R T I S T
L I F E
Misako is a lifelong artist and designer from sunny California, currently based in the vibrant city of Los Angeles. Her work is inspired by the contrasts between life and death, masculinity and femininity, and minimalism versus intricate detail. This unique blend of elements infuses her creations with depth and intrigue.
As a second-generation Japanese American, Misako skillfully blended her American upbringing with her Japanese heritage. She spent her childhood exploring tide pools and collecting banana slugs in National Parks with her brother, while also visiting Japan to strengthen her cultural ties. These early experiences sparked her love for drawing animals, marine life, and mythical dragons throughout her childhood. Those foundational roots continue to inspire her work in documenting wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and striking architecture - a theme that is consistently reflected in present day.
C A R E E R
Misako studied Fine Arts and Asian Humanities at UCLA before pursuing Fashion Design at Otis College of Art and Design. She created original fabric prints and edgy garments for high-end labels like Thomas Wylde and Skingraft, with her work featured in top magazines including Vogue Paris, Vogue Japan, and Elle Taiwan. Fashion icons such as Heidi Klum, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Sasha Pivovarova have proudly modeled her designs.
She then shifted her focus to architecture, interior design, and home decor. She spent several years creating textile rugs with intricate Persian designs and collaborated with major brands like Star Wars and Cynthia Rowley.
Q & A
What does "KILL ONLY TIME" mean?
By 2018, burnout from my fashion career led me to quit and embark on a three-month solo trip through Southeast Asia to "find myself." I visited Bali, Cambodia, Thailand, Taiwan, and Japan, only to be disheartened by the widespread plastic pollution marring these once-ideal tropical paradises. Despite the discouragement, I resolved to preserve my love and optimism for travel to future generations by committing to “Take only pictures - Leave only footprints - KILL ONLY TIME.”
Why skulls?
I first fell in love with animal anatomy during grade school visits to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the California Academy of Sciences in NorCal California. I spent hours exploring the taxidermy rooms, large marine tanks, and the butterfly room filled with insects and tropical plants. Throughout the years, I’ve accumulated a passion for scientific anatomy, forensics, and collecting animal skulls and insects. I also enjoy detective and murder documentaries, marveling at how forensic anthropologists can reveal details about an individual from skeletal structures alone.
Why plants?
During the challenging year of 2020, shaped by the Covid-19 pandemic, my newfound obsession with houseplants became a vital source of sanity. Caring for plants proved therapeutic and taught me resilience, as even neglected plants can thrive with a bit of love. I now savor life's small joys, like the simple pleasure of a new leaf unfurling.
What are you inspired by?
anatomy, forensics, tattoos
foliage, flowers, animals, insects, marine life
anime, folklore
fashion, textiles, masks, fabric manipulation
wabi sabi, rustic
I’m easily captivated when I visit Japan and observe the rich history entrenched within kimono textiles, samurai armor, temples, and shrines. Although folklore is fictional, I can truly appreciate the mythology woven into the local culture when it is passed through many generations. It also delights me when I'm walking in a well-developed city and take a sudden turn down an alleyway just to find a moss-covered ancient shrine that is welcoming of visitors to this day. Outside of travel, I eagerly anticipate home renovation projects with my husband inspired by Japandi aesthetics supplemented by creating artwork to fill the void on my empty walls. Lastly, I can’t forget to mention the love I have for exploring local plant nurseries, thrift shops, and researching our next travel destination - all playing a vital role in shaping my mental health.
What is your current dream or goal?
To learn more about nature and wildlife
To create artwork that shares that knowledge
To build a greenhouse