In the music industry (especially in the world of visual kei!), where every performance, music video, and photoshoot is a statement, a skilled hair and makeup artist is indispensable.
Today, we\u2019re sitting down with Yukiko Nakada, a talented hair and makeup artist who, through her love for beauty and art, has honed her craft in an industry that demands both incredible creativity and technical precision.
Creating unique looks for commercials, music videos, and concerts, she has built a career in a field where even one mistake can cost future opportunities. How does she handle the pressure? What\u2019s it like shaping the ever-evolving visual identity of musicians? And how are new, iconic looks born? Let\u2019s find out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u30fc To start off, and to get to know you a bit better, would you mind introducing yourself without mentioning your current profession?<\/strong> As my hobby became my job, my life revolves around hair and makeup, so even on my days off I do things related to my makeup and cosmetics. During my student years I went to a beauty vocational school as well as art university. I especially love modern art, so I like going to the Mori Museum and art exhibitions or watching theater plays. Recently, I\u2019ve been especially enjoying Mika Ninagawa's solo exhibition, Yuuko Higuchi's works, and going to watch apparel events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another big hobby of mine is traveling. Just yesterday, I got back from a work trip in Thailand, and I really love working abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u30fc What was your favorite travel destination so far?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n All of the places were great, so it's hard to choose just one, but I really loved California. The cityscape was beautiful!\u2028<\/p>\n\n\n
<\/strong>I am not used to introduce myself without talking about my work (laughs)\u2026My name is Yukiko Nakada, but people at work usually call me Yukky. I am born and raised in Tokyo and my family had a Japanese traditional sweets shop. Looking back, I think I had more opportunities than most to be exposed to beautiful things from a young age, such as the colors and aesthetics of traditional Japanese sweets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n