Year of the Snake
Japanese Artist’s invitation to
shed the old and embrace the new
2025 is the Year of the Snake. In Western culture, snakes often get a bad reputation, but in Japan, they stand for wisdom, renewal, and protection.
To celebrate this year's zodiac animal, I wanted to create something fun and full of hope. In the West, snakes are often seen as sly or deceitful, but I see them differently. My late mother was born in the Year of the Snake, and she was curious, open-minded, and always ready to try something new. She taught me not to get stuck in old ways of thinking—a lesson that has stuck with me and shows up in my work.
Inspired by my mother’s spirit, I designed a series of posters to share the snake’s positive energy with the world. Looking back, 2024 was a bit of a mixed bag for me. Some challenges really knocked my confidence. But in 2025, I’m ready to shake off those doubts and go big. Honestly, sometimes the only thing standing in our way is ourselves.
One moment that really made me think was when my son pointed at Tate Modern and asked, "Is your work in there?" I laughed and said no. He looked at me innocently and replied, ‘Why not?’ That question stuck with me—actually, why the hell not?!”
My Year of the Snake designs are packed with bold patterns on playful, wiggly shapes, paired with uplifting bilingual messages like "Shed the old, embrace the new" and "Resilience in every twist and turn." I can see these lucky snakes spreading good vibes everywhere—in museums, airports, on London streets, and even in a cosy café in Tokyo—encouraging people to welcome change and step confidently into the future.
So, through my art, I invite you to join me in embracing the snake’s energy in 2025. Let’s leave behind what’s holding us back and make this year amazing.
