Hitomi Kato
Born in Tokyo. Graduated from Waseda University's School of Arts and Sciences. MA in Cinema and Media Studies from City University of New York. Moved to Seattle in 2011 due to her background as a barista. After working as an editorial staff member for North American Hochisha , she is now working as a freelance writer. She lives within ferry distance of Seattle. Her special skills are knitting and ballroom dancing. She loves clothes, photography, coffee, and books.
(Updated May 2021)
Stories from This Author
Lawyer Miyuki Yoshida - Born in Japan and raised in America, I want to be a bridge between the two countries - Part 2
April 6, 2023 • Hitomi Kato
Read Part 1 >> Working as a "hot spring lawyer" for the sake of his family His mother has a summer house in Stevenson, Washington, about an hour's drive from Portland. His mother, who enjoys tennis, used to go to hot springs in Carson, Washington, for a long time when she felt pain in her body. Her parents bought a vacation home in Stevenson, a five-minute drive from there, hoping for a place to stay nearby. "Then my father, who …
Lawyer Miyuki Yoshida - Born in Japan and raised in America, I want to be a bridge between the two countries - Part 1
April 5, 2023 • Hitomi Kato
Miyuki Yoshida is an immigration lawyer, a sake sommelier, and also supports her family who run a hot spring resort in the Columbia River Gorge. What is the source of her energy that keeps her going every day? We asked her about her thoughts as a first-generation Japanese-American who grew up searching for her identity as a bilingual person. * * * * * Moving to America was a long-held dream of his father. "It was my father's 'American Dream,'" …
Interview: Paper-cutting artist Aki Sogabe - Part 2
May 20, 2021 • Hitomi Kato
Read Part 1 >> Creating works with a "customer first" approach Aki emphasizes that the most important thing in creating art is the "customer" who will buy it, and he never forgets to be grateful. One year, a woman ordered an original work at the Bellevue Arts Museum's art fair. After her child finally graduated from college and she was able to afford it, she decided to buy Aki's painting, which had been her dream. "I was so happy that …
Interview: Paper-cutting artist Aki Sogabe - Part 1
May 19, 2021 • Hitomi Kato
You may have seen Aki Sogabe's work, which cuts out the scenery of Washington State with a simple touch that is reminiscent of Japan, such as the beautiful Mount Rainier and the Space Needle peeking out from behind the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Where does the creativity of this artist representing Seattle come from? We will explore what goes on behind the scenes of his work. * * * * * Art always nearby "I never thought I would …
Cabaret singer/writer Toshi Cappuccino
March 3, 2020 • Hitomi Kato
Based in New York, Tosi Cappuccino performs solo cabaret shows all over the world. He came out as gay, and in 2014 became the first Japanese person to marry a same-sex couple in New York State. We spoke to Tosi, who says he is "the most fulfilled person in his life right now," about his turbulent life and the secret to making life richer. * * * * * I was always hiding and nervous. I've always wanted to be …
INTERVIEW: Emi Meyer, Singer-Songwriter - Part 2
Feb. 12, 2020 • Hitomi Kato
Read Part 1 >> Live Concert in Volunteer Park She arrived in Seattle just before her performance this time. “I was struggling with how to bring the band members together,” she says. “I hadn’t brought any budget from Japan. How were we going to blend in a live Seattle performance?” Emi decided it was best to work with Seattle area jazz musicians. She decided to ask her piano teacher and sometime consultant Bill Anschell to choose her bandmates. Coincidentally, all …
INTERVIEW: Emi Meyer, Singer-Songwriter - Part 1
Feb. 11, 2020 • Hitomi Kato
Singer-songwriter Emi Meyer was born in Kyoto and raised in Seattle. Last year she celebrated the 10th anniversary of her debut with a triumphal performance in Seattle in July after a seven-year absence. We spoke to Emi about the past, her comeback after marriage and having a child, and what the future holds. * * * * * Her Seattle Days Emi’s mother was a University of Washington graduate student in art history on a 1-year scholarship to Kyoto when …
Interview: Singer-songwriter KISHI BASHI
Sept. 4, 2019 • Hitomi Kato
Always wanting to be unique, in pursuit of original sound Kishi Bashi has gained popularity across the US with his electronic orchestral sounds, rich high-pitched singing voice, and unique lyrics that incorporate Japanese. On June 16th, he held a triumphant return concert in his hometown of Seattle. He spoke to Soy Sauce about the thoughts he put into his new album and the behind-the-scenes stories of its creation. Music that has influenced me so far Both of my Japanese parents …
