Meet Kikyo Yan | Fashion Model, Content Creator, Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kikyo Yan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kikyo, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Growing up in Shanghai, China, I faced a challenging period during middle school when I was bullied by both teachers and students. This time in my life was very dark and difficult. The bullying deeply impacted my sense of self and confidence, which ultimately led me to make the bold decision to move abroad. I chose to study in Japan at the age of 14, seeking a fresh start and a new environment where I could redefine who I was.

That experience of being bullied taught me a lot about resilience and the importance of finding my own voice. Moving abroad was not just about escaping the past but also about embracing change, learning how to navigate completely different cultures, and facing challenges alone. The hardship I endured during those years pushed me to develop a strong sense of independence, and it motivated me to work hard toward personal growth. It helped shape my ability to adapt quickly, build confidence, and turn challenges into opportunities for self-improvement.

Now, as a content creator, model, and business owner, I channel the strength and lessons from that dark period into my work. My background has fueled my drive to embrace who I am, build connections with others, and share my unique perspective through my content. The journey from feeling isolated to finding empowerment through creativity has been incredibly transformative, and I carry that resilience with me in everything I do today.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Media Production, focusing on directing and producing, and also hold a Fine Arts degree. During my time in college, I studied film production, oil painting, graphic design, and general art. I fell in love with Tadanori Yokoo’s paintings, and his work inspired me to delve deeper into oil painting.

I had the opportunity to hold several student collaboration exhibitions in Tokyo, and I also designed posters for art pop-ups and events. Growing up, I learned Guzheng (Chinese Zen) starting in primary school, and this musical background has deeply influenced my art. My work combines elements from the music and film industries, it reflects my personal growth—through dark periods, feelings of hate, love, and insecurity—leading to the confidence I now have as a model.

Since I have always been involved in so many different things at once, I often felt lost and confused in finding the right direction for myself as an artist. Recently, I’ve realized that films, music, and paintings are all part of art, and I decided to blend them together. By combining different media, I can express my understanding of art in a way that feels authentic to my experiences.

Before completing my college degree, I shot my first short film. I’ve also been working on multiple creative projects over the years, including running my YouTube channel for the past 8 years, where I consistently post vlogs and fashion tips.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Since I just came back from a trip to LA, I feel like it has a completely different vibe compared to Japan, where I live.

Since my best friend is from LA, I’d focus on showing them Tokyo’s unique mix of energy and peace.

We’d start by hitting Shibuya, where we’d immerse ourselves in the buzzing atmosphere, enjoy a delicious dinner at an izakaya, and check out the nightlife in Tokyo, also meet people with different backgrounds.

Then, we’d take a trip to Kamakura to experience the ancient streets and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. It’s a perfect contrast to the city vibe where I feel peaceful, and time passes by slowly.

After that, I’d take them to Asakusa to visit Senso-ji Temple and unwind with a cup of matcha, soaking in the peaceful Zen vibes.

Tokyo offers such a rich blend of modern and traditional, and I think they’d absolutely love it!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my mom.

She was the one who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Growing up, especially during those dark years, I often felt I was invisible and worthless. But my mom always saw something in me that I couldn’t see, and it was her unwavering faith in me that gave me the strength to keep going.

When I made the decision to move to Japan at 14, it was a huge leap into the unknown, both for me and for my family. My mom didn’t just support me physically or financially; she gave me the emotional courage to step into a completely different world,

That one night before I left China, she was holding my hands and told me, “我只希望你能幸福.” (“I just want you to be happy.”)

She taught me that no matter where life takes me, I am enough just as I am, and that I don’t have to prove anything to anyone.

Mom, you’re the reason I never gave up. Thank you for showing me what true strength and love are.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautybykikyo/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kikyoyan/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kikyoyan?si=GpUg0R55MhoLX9Ba