Taito Itateyama is the man.

He’s a photographer, a skater, a fashion icon, an artist, a model, and an avid cigarette smoker, but I reckon he is also sort of the man. Taito is someone that I’ve come in contact with over and over for almost a decade and is one of those people that you run into and think, ‘damn, I want to be that guy’s friend.’ The kindest heart, the most artistic perspective, and a knack for truly not giving a fuck what anyone thinks, Taito Itateyama is someone who can really do no wrong, and I’m honored to have his photograph grit, mist, and obscurity featured in this year’s Bright Young Things.

Who are you and why?

I’m Taito Itateyama for no reason. I’m 27 years old and living in Tokyo.

What do you do?

I take photos and work at the Supreme store in Tokyo.

How long have you been doing that?

Working at the store for almost four years, taking photos since I was eighteen years old.

What is your favourite song right now and why?

I’ve been listening ‘愛の実験’ by Lily Chou-Chou from movie that is named All About Lily Chou-Chou because I watched recently.

If you weren’t doing photography what would you be doing?

I really regret that I haven’t tried to learn any instruments until right now.

Some slang you catch yourself saying? (Ie. That slaps)

‘Dry’ which means kill the mood.

What do you do outside of your photography and how does that thing influence or affect your work?

Just hanging out with my friends makes me energetic and keeps me outside taking photos. Also watching anime is good for resting my body.

The best/worst thing about the photo industry?

Looking at only props is bad.

Something you’re proud of?

I’m proud of who I am.

Something anyone can do today to make the world a better place?

Cutting the wire of the internet.

What are your greatest aspirations with your photography?

I’ve been working on making my first photo book this summer and [I’m excited for] people to see my photos in print.

What do you want people to feel when they see your photography?

Life is beautiful all the time, even now.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve overcome so far in your industry?

I’m working on my first photo book, this has been my biggest challenge so far.

What was surprisingly easy to do?

Nothing easy to me.

What advice might you give to you from five years ago? Ten years ago?

Take more photos of your friends around you right now, they will all get old and not look the same.

What is your hidden talent or thing you are good at that is completely unrelated to the thing we are interviewing you about?

Front pop shuvit.

Who do you think is doing it the best/coolest in your industry right now/biggest influence?

Rei Amino and Haru Jinushi.