Kazuko Hohki

I’ve lived in Tottenham for almost 40 years, since 1987. Actually, when I first came to England in 1978, I spent a short time living in Tottenham with a friend who had just bought a house and needed someone to stay there to prevent squatters from moving in. There were a lot of squatters around at that time, and I was fascinated by the way people were finding places to live by reclaiming empty buildings. I think it was much easier for poor artists then, which is something I miss.

Coming from a country where everybody has the same colour skin and hair, when I arrived, England looked like a mess.  Gradually I realised being in the mess gives me so much freedom to express myself as there was no pressure to conform. Tottenham is the epitome of this mess, with so many different cultures, appearances and values. This mess inspires me. 

I perform with my group Frank Chickens, which we describe as a pop-punk performance group, singing, talking and dancing – though my jumping height has gotten a lot smaller lately! 

Frank Chickens started as a duo but now it has expanded to 25 members, mainly consisting of Japanese women. I love working with Frank Chickens, which is my ideal creative community where we can express ourselves, support each other, share our visions and gossip. This community inspires me.

I am really addicted to making things. Without making things, I believe I would dry up.

There was a period in my life where I felt no motivation to create, and it was one of the hardest times I have experienced. 

However, I am not sure if I could continue creating anything without my friends and community. I don’t think I am the kind of person who is secretly making a masterpiece alone in the attic! I need people to work with, or to experience my work. I have cultivated this community – my group of mates! – over the years. I am truly lucky to have been able to do that.  

My father was a scientist and businessman who had a rather quiet life. He had a stroke when he was around 80, and from then on he spent most of his days in his bed until he died 8 years later.

Around a year or so before his death, when I was visiting Japan, my father called me to his bedside, saying he had a very important thing to tell me. I became a bit nervous. He was a good father to me, but I feared that he might have finally realised I am a “useless artist”. I apprehensively sat by his bed. He said, “Kazuko, the most important thing in life is...” I listened intensely. “…having fun.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing; then he continued, “You seem to be having fun in England, just keep going.” It was one of the most moving and inspiring things I have heard in my life. 

I am part of a group called the Ura Matsuri Collective, who organise the Ura Matsuri festival: a showcase festival for ESEAN (East and South East Asia) artists who live in the UK, celebrating their work of mixing cultures. We started in 2016 and had one at South Bank last year as part of their ESEA season. I would love to have this festival in the beautiful Hornsey Town Hall as part of Haringey London Borough of Culture, involving local ESEA communities. 

Metcha Matcha in Philip Lane is a cafe with delicious Japanese light meals, snacks and cakes. It’s run by my friend Naomi who is one of the most unique and colourful Japanese women I know. Her observations in Osaka dialect are so sharp and funny that you would want to visit the shop just for that. Some other gems are: Tai Cheong in West Green Road for an excellent Chinese takeaway, and the jerk chicken at Tottenham Town Bakery, especially if you visit on a hot sunny day.

Always being true to myself.