Yuri Hirama
Student, Visiting Osaka
Yuri Hirama was born in Osaka, but through the last decade of traveling the world and experiencing life abroad, she considers herself human before anything else. She is still a student but carries with her the dream to make our world a better place, learning and growing from differences she meets in every individual gives her hope to bring people together. This roll was shot while she was visiting home, roaming around Osaka.
Where are you from and where do you live?
I was born and raised in Osaka, Japan, and I am currently in Toronto, finishing my undergrad. I also lived in California and Singapore.
Can you tell us more about your roll?
Last summer when I was back in Tokyo, I was going to go on a trip to Korea with my best friend so I brought the camera with me. On the way to Korea I had a chance to visit my hometown, Osaka, but due to a severe typhoon we couldn’t fly to Korea. So we decided to roam around Osaka instead. I was only able to stay there for a few days, but it turned out to be one of my important memories in my life.
Why did you decide to shoot for Disposable?
Last summer during my internship at NIU BODY, I was doing some research for startup companies and I found Disposable Magazine team’s interview on Urban Outfitter’s website. I love photography (especially film!) and I immediately fell in love with the concept of sharing photos from all over the world, and I wanted to be a part of it.
What are your dreams for the future?
It’s really hard to explain, but I like humans, and I want to make the world a better place for everyone. I’m incredibly lucky to have lived outside of my home country for almost ten years now, and I’m so grateful that I’ve met so many people who have different values from me. I will be working at an advertisement agency in Tokyo from next year, and I’m hoping that would help me get closer to my dreams.
Your idea of happiness?
Being grateful.
Your idea of misery?
Making assumptions and giving up on trying. Assumptions are evil.
If not yourself, who would you be?
Some other species living on another planet.
Your heroes?
Pioneers.
What is your present state of mind?
Grateful.
A song?
Years by Sakanaction.
Right or left handed?
Right.
What is the best dish you can cook?
Extremely unauthentic Pad Thai.
What is your middle name?
I don’t have one, not a thing in Japan sadly.
What do you do in your free time?
I take photos, observe puppies on the street and daydream.
What inspires you?
People. My family, my friends, my bosses.
What do you do for money?
I’m currently a full time student, but will be start working in Tokyo soon!
What do you do for pleasure?
Drink freshly brewed Japanese green tea, plug in my ear phones, close my eyes and listen to the sound of my favorite songs.
Bedside table books?
I don’t read that often anymore - everything is digital.
What do you do if you can’t sleep at night?
I usually throw a small party to myself. With a glass of Umeshu (plum liquor), my favorite music on full volume, and occasionally with my disco ball, in a dark room. I eventually get tired and fall asleep.
Do you collect?
Rings, earrings and lipsticks.
Tea or coffee?
Tea.
What is the strangest thing you believed as a child?
I used to believe that grapes are peaches and vise versa.
A color?
This specific color of the city at 5 pm in Singapore around March/April.
A city?
May in Tokyo.
What are your plans for this weekend?
Finishing my last assignments for my undergrad!
