“The career of the innovative creator is difficult because, as opposed to the conventional creator, who had only to please an audience, the innovator has to create a new one from scratch.” - César Aira, ‘Cecil Taylor’, 2011

Born in Tokyo with stops in Singapore, LA, and NY, Akiko is a creative director, ceramic artist, and fashion designer living in San Francisco. Her work is about architecture and the pureness of form; in that spirit, she creates bespoke clothing and unique ceramic works. “There is a sense of freedom and personal confidence that I hope to bring to anyone who considers my work. I hope that someone who chooses their path and enjoys and loves life would be equally appreciative of my work.”

To reduce waste, most of the pieces are made-to-order, or very limited-edition. 

She has collaborated with Paloma Wool in Barcelona, Maman NYC, Chillhouse NYC, and Departamento LA and created ceramic collections for Virgil Normal LA, Seldom Seen, 97 Crosby NYC, White is Good Beijing, Voyager SF/LA, and Steven Alan in the US. To purchase available ceramic pieces, visit here. To commission a special piece or a collection, please describe your project and request a quote through the contact page, or request an appointment for a Zoom call.

As a brand consultant, Akiko co-founded Kon/struktur in Brooklyn, NY, and worked with Yohji Yamamoto, ZERO + Maria Cornejo, the City of London, Luxottica, Evian, and many more. She is also the editor and publisher of Days magazine and the fashion and art publication Famous Aspect Magazine and has released the book “Vase and Flower” to much acclaim. She cofounded the Balcony brand which offers indoor/outdoor wear for work, home, and play. Akiko is also a consultant to the creative agency, TWO.STUDIO