A few weeks ago, I was at an art-showing. I saw a group of three young, fly and fresh Japanese kids, 2 guys and one girl. The girl approached me asking for a picture. I was totally impressed with her style. It was cool! 2 weeks later, I saw that same girl on the train in midtown. I realized then that she couldn’t speak english. We traded web-sites and e-mails, and communicated through a translator program. Turns out we had a lot in common! Not only is Yuk@ a fierce fashionista who represents the Harajuku culture to the fullest– but she’s also an awesome artist with a lot of skill! Not to mention, my good friend:

We sat down with a translator and had a nice lil chit-chat. Check out the interview we did together at SABIT NYC:

Cocoa B. : Yuka, how old are you?

Yuk@: I’m 25!

Cocoa B. Woooow, great age, 25… LOL When did you come to NYC, and why?

Yuk@: I came to NYC on April 15th, and I leave on July 15th. I came here to sight-see, and to work on some of my art…

Cocoa B.: Yes, you’re dope! How long have you been doin art, and drawing?

Yuk@: I’ve been drawing since I was a little girl. But I really started focussing on my craft about 10 years ago.

Cocoa B. : Wow, very impressive! So, tell us who your favorite artist is and why!

Yuk@: I love Basquiat!

Cocoa B.: Oh, ok that is an awesome choice. I too, appreciate the legacy he left behind– although he died way too soon. He blessed us with some magic while he was here on earth… Tell me, where do you see yourself (and your craft) in the next ten years?

Yuk@:I see myself as a STAR! BIG STAR! {laughs}

Cocoa B: Ohhhhh! [laughs] Honey, if you’re on here– you’re ALREADY a star! You will probably be an even BIGGER STAR in the next ten years tho….. *smiles* How is the art scene different in NYC versus Japan?

Yuk@: There’s no big differences between these art scenes. I particularly like hip-hop art however, and there seems to be a LOT more hip-hop oriented artists in New York, so I do like that…

Cocoa B.: You have a very keen and unique sense of style. Could you tell us who inspires your style?

Yuk@: I don’t really have a person that inspires my style. I am however inspired by the music I listen to, and different prints, as well as traditional Japanese calligraphy!

Cocoa B: WOW! I wasn’t expecting that! But yes, you do blow me away with your amazing fashion sense!

Cocoa B. : How did you link up with Shoichi and Sabit crew?

Yuk@: Well, I was on the Japanese version of MYSPACE, and  found Shoichi. I loved SABIT, and his clothes, so I asked if I could come and visit him in NYC, study under him, and sight-see. He agreed, and I came! I have been working on a few designs for him here and there, and it’s just been a lot of fun!

Cocoa B: Wow! You’re so brave, and bold Yuka! I love it!!!! We are very glad you came, and will be very sad to see you go… :o( So tell us, what do you hate, and what do you love about NYC?

Yuk@: I hate the rudeness. People lack manners. When I go to stores, they don’t neatly fold your clothes. They just shove it angrily into the bags. They don’t do this in Japan. You must be very polite, and fold everything nice and neatly. It is respect. What I love is the culture. The many different cultures that are here in NYC. The great food, music, and clothes. I love to sight-see in NYC.

Cocoa B: Will you take me with you to JAPAN???? PLEASE??????

Yuk@: It would be my pleasure! (*wink*)

Cocoa B. Ok, now my favorite part of the interview. FIRE-SHOT questions! Here we go! McDonald’s or Burger King?

Yuk@: McDonald’s!

Cocoa B. : Marc Jacobs or Jeremy Scott?

Yuk@: Jeremy Scott.

Cocoa B.: Louis Vuitton or Gucci?

Yuk@: Louis.

Cocoa B: Platinum or Gold?

Yuk@: Gold.

Cocoa B. :Biggie or Tupac?

Yuk@: Biggie!

Cocoa B. Lil’ Kim or Foxy Brown?

Yuk@: Foxy Brown!

Cocoa B. Britney Spears or Christina?

Yuk@: Britney Spears!

Cocoa B. NIKE or Addidas?

Yuk@: Addidas.

Cocoa B.: Plaid or stripes?

Yuk@: stripes.

Cocoa B.: Morning person or night nurse?

Yuk@: Morning!

Cocoa B. Kanye West or Jay-Z?

Yuk@: PLEASE DON’T MAKE ME CHOOSE!

Ha! And that’s that folks! I always have a blast with the SABIT crew– they are the coolest, most humble and most talented group of people I know, and I’m just proud to have them as my friends! Check out a few more of Yuk@’s awesome artwork:

Yuk@ and I had a blast:

…..And I look forward to more good times with her and the SABIT crew….

To learn more about Yuk@, her art, and her adventures check out her amazing BLOG when you CLICK HERE

And with that I say SAYONARA & TANOSHINDE!