I’ve had a variety of experiences since then—each one carving out new facets of my identity. At 13, I was convinced I’d become a professional skateboarder, hurling myself down stairs, fueled by a mix of adrenaline and youthful defiance. By 15, my ambitions shifted to becoming a musician. I found solace in the raw energy of hardcore music, an outlet where I could express the unspoken.
At 20, I founded Yoshino Studios, diving headfirst into the art of photography. A year later, I took up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a discipline that taught me the importance of balance—both physically and mentally. My late twenties were marked by the creation of the Artist Decoded podcast, where I connected with artists from around the globe.
By 29, boxing became another chapter, teaching me the art of perseverance and focus. At 30, I ventured into the world of entrepreneurship, co-founding NOH/WAVE, a gallery that allowed me to merge my creative vision with business acumen. By 36, I had transformed into a world traveler, embracing the life of a nomadic adventurer, exploring diverse cultures across Europe and Latin America.
In 2023, when I was living in a cabin in Argentina in Patagonia, I decided to develop my own set of principles. I figured it could be something I could update as time progresses, something that will keep me grounded whenever I feel distracted or absent from myself.
I call these principles, Majishido, which is a mixture of mysticism and the Bushido code. It’s my homage to the artist and warrior within.
Balance (Heikō 平衡): Harmonize the Mind, Body, and Spirit. Respect all aspects of the soul. Maintain equilibrium, ensuring that neither the physical, mental, nor spiritual realms dominate over the others.
Integrity (Seijitsu-sa 誠実さ): Uphold moral and ethical principles in all actions and decisions. Be truthful and transparent, maintaining sincerity in every interaction.
Courage (Yūki 勇気): Embrace challenge and failure as opportunities for growth. Stand firm in your beliefs and principles. Welcome adversity to strengthen your resolve. Overcome fear with composed and deliberate actions.
Respect (Sonkei 尊敬): Treat all individuals with respect, regardless of their status. Recognize the inherent dignity in every person, and approach all interactions with humility and honor.
Mentorship (Shidō 指導): Dedicate yourself to guiding and supporting the next generations. Share your knowledge, experiences, and wisdom to help others grow and develop their own paths.
Self-Control (Jisei 自制) and Patience (Ninku 忍苦): Master your impulses and exercise restraint. Listen intently before speaking, and maintain composure in all situations. Train the mind to calm the nerves and senses, fostering inner peace and measured responses.
Preservation of Secrets (Himitsu o mamoru 秘密を守る): Safeguard the sanctity of your art and practice, as well as the secrets entrusted to you. Honor the privacy and confidential information of others, and avoid unnecessary gossip or the spreading of rumors.
Dedication (Kenshin 献身): Dedicate yourself to consistently practicing and developing of your art and craft. Ensure your work is of the highest quality.
Tranquility (Shizukesa 静けさ) and Meditation (Meisō 冥想): Cultivate inner peace and remain undisturbed by external pressures. Embrace the present moment with mindfulness, using meditation as a tool for spiritual exploration, self-awareness, and understanding.
Simplicity (Shinpuru-sa シンプルさ): Live in simplicity. Let your actions and decisions be clear, focused, and free from unnecessary complexity.
Follow, Break, Transcend (Shuhari 守破離): Understand and master formalities. Disassemble and break what you understood. Transcend the rules to form your own path.
Strength and Flexibility (Tsuyo-sa 強さ + Jūnansei 柔軟性): Cultivate both physical and mental fortitude while remaining flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances. True power lies in the ability to be both strong and supple, knowing when and how to apply each quality in the right situations.
Self-Preservation and Protection (Jikoshugo 自己守護): Protect yourself and those you love, ensuring your well-being in all aspects of life. Practice self-care and maintain your physical, mental, and spiritual health as a priority.
Complexity (Fukuzatsu 複雑): Embrace the reality that multiple truths can exist simultaneously. Recognize and navigate the intricate and multifaceted nature of life with an open mind and a balanced perspective.
Death (Shi 死): Reflect on the transient nature of life. Prepare for death not with fear, but with an appreciation for living fully and intentionally, understanding that death is a natural part of the human experience.