In this interview, Shota shares what inspired his career shift, why he chose to work at .andwork, and what he finds most appealing about the space.
#Shota Tokaji
Originally from Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Shota Tokaji built a 10-year career as a hairstylist at a salon in Omotesando after graduating from a specialized college. Later, his passion for creativity led him to transition into the world of video production.
Three years ago, he founded CRAFT BASE Inc., where he now works independently as a video creator, handling everything from video production to photography.
From Hairstylist to Videographer
After graduating from cosmetology school, I spent about ten years working at a hair salon in Omotesando, Tokyo. My career was going well, but at some point, I realized that doing the same thing over and over wasn’t as exciting anymore. I started craving a new challenge.
At the time, most hairstylists around me focused on photographing hairstyles, but I thought, “Why not make videos instead?” The video industry had less competition back then, and I saw it as an opportunity to express my creativity in a unique way.
My first video project came about when a friend casually asked, “You’re a cameraman, right?” In reality, I wasn’t—at least not yet. I only had a small digital camera and no real experience. But I didn’t want to miss the opportunity, so I took a leap of faith and borrowed one million yen to buy professional equipment.
In the end, I delivered the project successfully, but all I was left with was a huge debt and a brand-new camera. That’s when I made up my mind: If I’m going to do this, I have to do it right.
From that moment, I fully committed to becoming a video creator.
Current Work
In the beginning, most of my projects were in the beauty industry, primarily working with major companies specializing in beauty-related products. However, I’ve recently expanded into a variety of projects, including beer commercials, music videos for artists, and even filming bodybuilding competitions.
What is the Strength of Being Both a Hairstylist and a Video Creator
I believe my biggest strength is that I’m both a hairstylist and a videographer. In beauty-related shoots, I can handle hair and makeup myself without the need for outsourcing, which streamlines the production process. My deep understanding of scheduling and styling also allows me to coordinate shoots with a well-rounded perspective.
Right now, 99% of my work is in video production, but I intentionally continue practicing hairstyling for the remaining 1%. By combining these two skill sets, I can maintain a unique advantage that sets me apart in the industry.
Keeping Up the Motivation
In role-playing games, defeating a powerful enemy allows you to earn rewards and acquire better weapons. My work feels the same way—every time I successfully complete a major project, I invest in new equipment, which enables me to take on even bigger challenges. This continuous cycle of growth and leveling up is what makes my job so exciting and fulfilling.
Future Vision
I’ve always enjoyed exploring uncharted territory. Moving forward, I plan to further refine the unique combination of hairstylist and photographer, continuing to express my distinct perspective and creativity. My goal is to establish a style that’s entirely my own and bring a fresh wave of innovation to the industry.
Why I Chose .andwork
I first visited .andwork Shibuya while helping a YouTuber with video production. At the time, I mainly worked from home, so I didn’t fully commit to using it.
Later, I tried two other coworking spaces, but one had slow Wi-Fi, and the other felt too much like a traditional office—hardly an inspiring environment for creative work. That’s when I remembered .andwork. It combines great design with ultra-fast Wi-Fi, making my workflow much smoother. Uploading videos is stress-free, and with speeds of 250–300Mbps—far beyond the typical 100Mbps in most offices—it’s a game-changer.
Another big advantage is the space itself—it’s stylish and visually striking. When meeting with clients, the atmosphere leaves a strong impression, making them think, “If you work here, you must be creating something interesting.” In many ways, .andwork is an ideal environment for creators.
The Appeal of .andwork
The greatest appeal of .andwork is the opportunity for networking among members. There are regular social events, which often lead to friendships, dinners, drinks, and even business connections.
Recently, a member from the UK recommended an overseas task management tool. When I tried it, I found it incredibly useful. It’s rare to have someone personally share such insights about tools that might not be widely known or easy to find online.
With members from abroad, my perspective has expanded significantly. For anyone looking to connect with diverse people and explore interesting ideas, .andwork is the perfect place.