Jordon Cheung
Advertising Producer, Tokyo
Jordon Cheung is an advertising producer based in Tokyo, originally from Vancouver. He has a complicated relationship with the Tokyo but is inspired by the many strangers on the street. But he does enjoy exploring outside of the city. He does “the stupidest things” for money and fun.
Where are you from, where do you live and where are you going?
From Vancouver. Living in Tokyo. Heading to lunch.
Your roll was fully shot in Tokyo, what is your relationship with the city?
It’s complicated.
Who is the cute little girl you shot?
Her name is Aoha and she’s my old roommate. In this photo she’s doing her two most favorite things: eating candy and watching sumo.
We noticed a lot of street photos with passing strangers we assume. How would you describe your connection with them that inspired you to take those photos?
Yes, there are a lot of strangers in Tokyo. My connection to them is usually brief and sometimes inspiring. They brought something to the situation that I connected to, that made me want to take a photograph. Kind of like a brief collaboration! No words were exchanged except with the dog - he asked me to take his portrait :-)
We also notice many tile textures (floors, walls, subways, signs, stores, the photo exhibit). Do you tend to gravitate more toward city life?
I live and work in the city so most of my photos are taken here. There is a lot to inspire you in a city filled with so many people. That being said I also love getting out of Tokyo and exploring other parts of Japan and beyond.
Your idea of happiness?
Traveling.
Your idea of misery?
Wet socks (first world problem I know…).
If not yourself, who would you be?
A nicely designed spoon.
Your heroes?
My grandpa.
What is your present state of mind?
Curious.
A song?
Channel by Frank Ocean.
Right or left handed?
Left.
What is the best dish you can cook?
Grilled cheese.
What is your middle name?
Jordon Stanley.
What do you do in your free time?
Yoga..
What inspires you?
My nephews..
What do you do for money?
The stupidest things.
What do you do for pleasure?
The stupidest things.
Bedside table books?
Small Tokyo by Darko Radovic + Davisi Boontharm.
What do you do if you can’t sleep at night?
Meditate.
Do you collect?
Photographs.
Tea or coffee?
Both.
What is the strangest thing you believed as a child?
Ogopogo.
A color?
Teal.
A city?
Lisbon.
What are your plans for this weekend?
Yoga, art, whiskey bar.
