Marina Takeuchi, human light source

 

To properly introduce you, what are your nicknames?

I'm Marina, but people call me Mari, Maz, Rina, Marichan

     

Star sign?

Virgo sun

Gemini moon

Capricorn rising

 

How would your family and friends describe you?

I love my friends - here's what a few of them said:

  

What drew you to the Après universe?

It all started when I saw the coolest dress ever in a Fashion Journal a couple years ago, and ever since then I've been obsessed! 

I actually applied for a job twice before the stars aligned

- a lesson that things that are meant to be will never miss you!

     

 

What are three things you can’t live without?

Food, Nalu, my boyfriend (to cook me the food)

but tbh I couldn't live without most things (people) who are in my life

         

            

 Wildest dream/s?

Just to be happy and fulfilled! 

Work-wise I'd love to be part of a cool collab, design a wine bottle/beer can, just be a part of a cool fun creative thing! 

I'd also love to dabble in creative/art direction.

Would love to also design a chair.

    For the moment, I definitely am living my dream (thankumeg!).

 

 

What’s a lesson you’re currently learning?

Currently learning sooo many things! 

I'm trying to implement the whole “not my circus, not my monkey”.

Trying not to control situations that I can't and have no business controlling. 

Along with that, just not taking things personally. 

My work moms are teaching me a lot!

Also learning to play tennis and knit!

     

         

What’s something you could talk about for hours?

Literally anything as long as I'm with the right person -

specifically right now im obsessed with

chairs, fruit stickers (I have made my own fruit sticker book) and Japanese fashion.

 

         

 What helps you when you’re lacking in creative inspiration?

Stepping away and going outside.

You can never force creativity but it always comes when you least expect it / when you're relaxed! 

Holidays = endless creative inspo

Short-term, going for a walk always reframes my mind and helps alleviate a creative block.

          

     

Death row meal?

This is the hardest question to answer - I am a girl who loves a meal. Here we go.

(P.S. this list will change depending on the day, my mood and how hungry I am!) 

As of 3rd July 2025:

Entree: Grandma's karaage chicken with kewpie mayo and cabbage

Main: a smash burger from Supernova (London)

Dessert: matcha ice cream from Ice Kirin Bar (Sydney)

  

    

Favourite traits in other people?

Humour - I love a laugh! Also people who aren't picky eaters! 

     

     

Still or sparkling water?

Always sparkling! It's more fun

          

Coffee order?

Iced oat matcha ovc! Or a freddo cappucinoooo yum!

     

         

Something you don’t leave home without?

Phone, blush, sunnies and snacks!

 

          

Dream dinner party guests, dead or alive?

Hmmm another tough one. Because it's DINNER, I'm gonna say

Ed Gamble, James Acaster, Neil Fak and Richie from the bear and Anthony Bourdain (ik, sue me)

     

              

What are you scared of?

Snakes! Ew! And most recently man-made wet spaces, yuck

 

     

Do you collect anything?

YES I do! I collect Kliban cat tees, coasters and fruit stickers

          

          

What are you excited by?

Everything and anything lol. At the moment I'm really excited about my ever-evolving role here at Après - I'm learning and growing so much, I love it!

Also am generally super excited about all the cool things my friends are doing!

     

Best thing you've purchased in the past year?

My selvedge denim jeans from ONI denim in Japan!

They are the most well-made, incredible jeans ever and they tailored the length on the spot for me so they fit like a dream!

  Also a special mention to my cabbage peeler/shredder guy.

       

Favourite pair of sunglasses you own or wish to own? 

My Bonnie Clyde sunnies are my current favourites - they fit SO well! I am a sucker for yellow lensed sunglasses.

I would love a pair of gentle monsters in the future, also!

     

Favourite pair of shoes you own?

I think these are me in a shoe!     

 

        

Favourite bag?

My vintage Prada bag that I use for work everyday! I got her for such a great price and it's the perfect size.

The next bag I want is the this or this or this!

Santa if ur reading...     

 

             

While you're here, have a listen to Marina's virtual turntable:

 

All our love to Marina and co xx