Yas Speaks:
Where are you from?
I’m a mix between Ethiopia and Japan. Born in Ethiopia but grew up equally between the two.
Where else have you lived in Japan?
I haven’t lived anywhere else in Japan, I have visited many places, however.
What are you doing for your work now?
I do a couple of part time jobs. Teaching English, Modeling, Computer programing, Designer
What is your racial background?
African / Asian
I like to call myself Blackanese (Black/ Japanese)
Does being bi-racial help or hurt you in Japan?
It has its difficulties. I like to believe that it has always helped me to grow and be the man I am today.
How long have you lived in Nagoya?
I have not lived in Nagoya consistently but, all together 8 years.
What brought you to Nagoya?
My father is from Nagoya.
Tell me about your art, what do you call it?
I see my arts as a part of my expression. Each piece has a unique vibe of the moment.
Therefore, my art works are not in a typical style. Rather it changes as my mind changes.
What inspires you to do your art?
Anything can inspire my artistic sense. But at the end of the day I want to see a person’s smile.
Who are your favorite artists?
My favorite artist is a manga drawer named Inoue Takehiko.
What is your GREATEST DREAM with your art?
My dream would be to change what was negative into positive.
What are your thoughts about being an artist in Nagoya?
It’s harder than it should be. Mainly because not many people are interested.
Recently, you were in hospital, do you mind talking about that experience?
No I don’t mind. The experience has given me a new outlook on life in general. I’m more thankful for the things that I thought were mundane. Since, my injuries were concentrated on my legs. The fear of not being able to walk was all too real. It added to my insecurities since I was an athlete. I fought with myself for days because I could not blame my predicament on anyone else but myself. But I was blessed with a God who reveals new horizons. So when I stopped trying to blame myself and accept the fact that this experience happened in order to better myself in the eyes of God and myself. I became at peace with it and started to think positively on the matter. When I became grateful my legs were healed and I felt I need share it with the world. Of how God is good and no matter what happens in life
that may seem negative, have a grateful heart and it will turn into positive.
What advice, if any, do you have for other artists living in Nagoya?
I am a young artist myself, so I do not have an advice. But I urge to always keep in mind the importance of the theme or message of the art. The style of the art and the uniqueness are important too but if your message does not go through to the people viewing the art it cannot be called a ‘master piece’.
Describe yourself in three words:
Young, Unique, my pace.
If you’d like YAS to design a custom T-shirt, or other art for you, please contact him.
