‘No kimono, no life’ is the mantra of the irreverent Akira Times. A self-taught photographer and stylist, the prolific image-creator is dedicated to breaking down the barriers of kimono conservatism. Akira’s images take the form of magazine covers, created in his hometown of Yamagata where he is a cherry farmer by trade. It is through the internet that Akira is able to facilitate his numerous collaborations and where his radical and inventive work has gained a global following.