ORIHARA – <\/strong>I think I rarely have time to actually think about myself. There are times when I don\u2019t remember a single food I ate the previous day, but I remember every single story people told me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n B – You might need some time for yourself to rest haha<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n ORIHARA –<\/strong> I\u2019ve never really been particularly good at expressing my own emotions outwardly. I couldn’t quite grasp the value of turning my feelings into an art piece or get myself convinced if it\u2019s actually worth it to do so as I keep questioning if it\u2019s going to be as meaningful as it is for whoever the receiver\/audience is. Even with the same artwork, its value can vary entirely depending on the state of the world out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n B – I see. Speaking about yourself, I think many people now have seen ORIHARA\u2019s artworks at least once. And yet, you\u2019ve chosen not to show your face publicly. Do you ever feel a disconnect between you in everyday life and the \u2018ORIHARA\u2019 persona that takes on a life of its own?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n ORIHARA – <\/strong>I think that happens quite a lot. I see myself as someone who works behind the scenes (or an artisan), so I\u2019ve never been one to talk much on social media. However when I actually talk to people, they often say things like, \u201cI thought you were more mysterious and intimidating.\u201d Whether or not that\u2019s true of me isn\u2019t so important, but I was honestly quite surprised to hear that\u2019s how people see me. In the end, even when we\u2019re talking in person, the way we present ourselves can completely change how others perceive us. But I think that\u2019s okay. I see it as an extension of the real me, just expressed in different ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n B – What do you want people to see in your artworks? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n ORIHARA – <\/strong>As an image director, I want to deliver sides of the person that aren\u2019t not typically highlighted. I aim to show the anger which may exist behind a constant smile. I want to convey that they have vulnerabilities too, like every other average human being. But of course, I\u2019d be happy to welcome any and all interpretations the audience may have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n B – Simply like, \u201cOh that\u2019s nice\u201d.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n ORIHARA –<\/strong> Yes, simply like \u201cI like this costume\u201d or \u201cI want to try this hairstyle\u201d would be perfectly fine for me. Ultimately, knowing that people are enjoying my work is what makes me happiest. B – I heard you\u2019ll be holding your first solo exhibition at \u201cOSAKA INTERNATIONAL ART 2025\u201d this year. Will the works exhibited there bring more of your identity as an illustrator rather than as an image director? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n ORIHARA –<\/strong> Yes, that\u2019s right. As an image director,I\u2019ve always been closely observing an individual and focusing on drawing out their characteristics at the right angle within certain constraints. So suddenly being given complete creative freedom was quite a challenge from my usual approach. Obviously, there have been many projects where that line was not quite there, but this time, I think it leans heavily toward my illustrator side. In a way, I found it had an element of self-directed image direction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n B – I see, so it was a process of self reflection.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n ORIHARA –<\/strong> I think I really allowed myself to dive into \u201cme\u201d – recognizing emotions that had been within me, thinking about the kind of person I had wanted to become, and looking at my surroundings and the reality I live in. I tried to reinterpret these things through a personal lens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n B – I think it sounds more consuming than observing and expressing others. How was it actually? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n ORIHARA – <\/strong>I went through various emotions that had been within me, crying and getting angry a lot. It really was a meaningful experience for me which made me realize that it\u2019s ok and natural to be honestly angry with myself for valid reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n B – Could you give me an example of what you mean?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n ORIHARA – <\/strong>For example, I looked back at works that left a lasting impression on me when I was little and thought \u201cWhy did I feel attached to this scene?\u201d \u201cIs there a form of self-love at play there?\u201d \u201cWhy did I not like this scene in particular?\u201d. I forced myself to confront and reflect on both the things I truly liked and the things I simply didn\u2019t like. B – Again, it sounds like a very consuming and challenging process. Even so, what is the source of the energy that kept you going?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n ORIHARA –<\/strong> I have the very natural desire to be happy, but when I think about how I can get to the point where I feel really happy, I realized that how I\u2019d value my happiness often turns pretty passive, focusing on how others can make me happy rather than the other way around. For instance, whether it’s welcoming a pet or finding a partner, I\u2019ve realized that I often focus on what I can receive – whether it’s a kind word, a moment of comfort, or the healing presence of someone who cares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n B – That\u2019s right.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n ORIHARA –<\/strong> This means that when we want to be happy, we naturally rely on others. We desire happiness, yet we\u2019re unwilling to make any effort ourselves. We say we want to be happy, but refuse to offer something to others or even ourselves. That’s not reasonable, is it? Even when we go out with friends because we\u2019re lonely, it\u2019s like having quiet expectations for them to fill that emptiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n B – Indeed. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n ORIHARA –<\/strong> When I ask myself, “Is my friend really enjoying being with me? How long will I keep wishing for happiness just for myself?” I realize that the only way forward is for me to try harder. I want to become a better person. To do that, I need to face the parts of myself that aren\u2019t so great. I need to be able to hold myself accountable, too. Perhaps these thoughts are reflected in my work and my illustrations, though I still don\u2019t feel like I\u2019ve fully achieved it yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n B – Let\u2019s say, hypothetically, you\u2019ll continue your self-reflection journey and become like the perfect person you envision, how do you think ORIHARA\u2019s artworks would turn out then? Would you no longer be able to create it? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n ORIHARA – <\/strong>I wonder that too. But I want to see what\u2019s ahead of it and I don\u2019t think I\u2019ll ever stop drawing or creating no matter what. The very fact that we strive for happiness means we\u2019re always aware of the possibility of falling or not making it. And trying to become a better person means acknowledging that, at my core, I\u2019m someone who\u2019d rather just slack off. I know I\u2019m not the kind of person who can do things perfectly, as naturally as breathing, or like a steady metabolism. Because of that, I believe I\u2019ll continue creating various works, imperfect but genuine in their own way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n B – I think giving up is probably not so hard and you can always take the easy way out if you want to.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n ORIHARA –<\/strong> For me, it\u2019s the unwavering feeling that I must never betray my followers or fans on social media. It\u2019s this sense of responsibility that keeps me going, no matter what.<\/p>\n\n\n\n B – In a way, having them involved in your journey. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n ORIHARA – <\/strong>They\u2019re like a kind of witness to me really haha Knowing that there are people watching and supporting makes me feel like I have to keep pushing myself. But it\u2019s also true that I could fall apart at any time and I might find reasons not to try something, like inefficiency or inconvenience, or just plain excuses. That\u2019s why I let people hold me to my words. This interview is probably one of those too – a record of what I\u2019ve said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n B – Yes, that\u2019s definitely right.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n How much struggle must go into completing a single work? What does it truly mean for her to deliver art pieces? What does it mean to share those with others? Who are the \u201cothers\u201d? What kind of people are they, really? And who is she, at her core? Even in moments where most would want to look away or cover their ears, she never runs. I deeply respect that about her – and I can\u2019t help but feel a little envious too. And yes, I worry as well. So I hope she glances back every once in a while so she won\u2019t find a harsh, sharp-eyed judge standing there. In fact, she\u2019ll probably find a crowd of people with warm, gentle eyes. And among them, I\u2019ll be there as well. As one of many who\u2019re truly supporting her, I really look forward to what ORIHARA creates next. <\/strong> OIA TICKET GIVEAWAY CAMPAIGN NOW LIVE!<\/p><\/div> Ready to experience the world of ORIHARA \u201cin real life\u201d? Now\u2019s your chance! We\u2019re giving away tickets to OSAKA INTERNATIONAL ART 2025 (May 31 – June 1)<\/a>! Follow us on SNS and fill out the application form – it’s that easy!<\/strong> \u3010Application Form<\/strong>\u3011
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Finding the Shape of Happiness Through Self-Reflection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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