Things I probably wouldn't have done if I were my old self | An interview with Yui Kataoka

Things I probably wouldn't have done if I were my old self was the theme for my interview with Yui Kataoka.

A small step that led to who I am today.
She says that step was putting my face and name out there. She shared her thoughts on moments where she feels she might have changed back then when she looks back on it now.

The turning point as a writer: "Going public with my face and name"

Yui Kataoka:
The first thing that came to mind was putting my face and name out there to share content. Since around the summer of 2020, a little while after I started working as a writer, I have been using my face and name as "Yui Kataoka." (I later changed the spelling to "Kataoka Yui".)
While it feels natural now, for the me of five years ago, it was an incredibly high hurdle to clear.

Back then, many web writers and bloggers used nicknames and illustrated icons, so I did the same at first.

One day, I was asked to write an article with a byline, and I started thinking seriously about what kind of writer I wanted to become.
I agonized for days over whether to use a nickname or my real name.

The turning point was meeting writer Yota Nakamura.

When I asked him, "How should I expand my work?" he said:

Those words gave me the push I needed.

Even before I started writing, I was posting about parenting on Instagram. Everyone in the parenting accounts around me was focused on privacy, not revealing their location or name.
On the other hand, on Taketomi Island where I lived at the time, there were people doing creative work like photographers and potters.
They were all active using their real names and revealing where they lived, which gave me courage.

Back then, I didn't even know what kind of writer I wanted to be, but I decided to take the plunge and work under my real name.
There are people who use pen names that sound like real names, even if they aren't. I think that's perfectly fine, too.
I thought about a pen name, but I felt embarrassed to introduce myself with one... so I chose my real name.

I was anxious, but nothing scary happened

Yui Kataoka:
I was anxious before I did it, but in the five years since, nothing scary or dangerous has happened!
Maybe I was just lucky, but if anything, I've made more acquaintances and friends, and my world has expanded.

My work also changed after I put my face and name out there.
I got opportunities to write about island life for parenting media, and I was approached by Shogakukan's media to ask, "Would you like to write interview articles about islanders?"

I realized that revealing who I am increased my credibility.

My connections with fellow writers have increased, and people sometimes come up to me and say, "You're Yui Kataoka, aren't you?"
I've also started getting opportunities to interview famous people.

I might even be able to enjoy the pressure of a series now

Yui Kataoka:
Actually, even now, five years into my career as a writer, I'm still just as nervous as I used to be (laughs).

Back when I was writing a column series about island life, there were many times when the pressure outweighed the joy.
I would discuss themes and episodes with the editor every time, but it would take me so long to finish.
Unlike my own Note or Instagram, I remember struggling with adapting to the media outlet and thinking about how it would be conveyed to the readers.

The editor was the type of person who would say, "You don't have to push yourself" or "Take your time," so I would repeatedly ask for "a few more days" and then feel depressed, thinking, "I couldn't do it again."
I was so nervous the whole time that I even felt relieved when the series ended.

But, I have a feeling that I'd like to do a series again now. I've grown a little since then, so I might be able to write more freely than before.
I'm keeping my ideas for what I want to write warm while I wait for the opportunity to come.

My goal is to interview my favorite artists

Yui Kataoka:
Thankfully, I have many opportunities to write for entertainment-related media, and I want to continue expanding my horizons.

My dream is to interview my favorite artists and celebrities!

When I read magazines featuring my favorite artists, I always check the credits. The interviews are often handled by veteran writers who have experience with celebrity book writing.
Honestly, there are times when I think, 'It doesn't seem like there's any room for me.'
I also still have very few connections with the editorial departments of media outlets that publish artist and celebrity interviews.

But I have achieved things in the past that I thought I couldn't.
Keep saying what you want to do, and if there is a chance, apply for it.
I might not get accepted, and I might fail many times, but nothing starts unless you take on the challenge.
In 2026, I want to continue challenging myself with 'things I probably wouldn't have done in the past'!

Conclusion

For Yui Kataoka, 'things I probably wouldn't have done in the past' means putting her face and name out there.

It takes courage, but it became the catalyst that greatly expanded Yui's world.

If there is something you are reading this article and thinking, 'I want to try it, but it's a bit scary,' please use Yui's words as a reference.
A small step might lead to a surprisingly big future.

About THE INTERVIEW CAMP&VILLAGE

This interview was conducted during the 'Interview Pair Work' held once a month at 'THE INTERVIEW CAMP&VILLAGE,' a course hosted by writer/interviewer Eriko Miyamoto.

🔽 Click here for more details about THE INTERVIEW CAMP&VILLAGE!