{"id":156227,"date":"2023-07-12T11:04:38","date_gmt":"2023-07-12T15:04:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/?p=156227"},"modified":"2024-01-17T17:45:36","modified_gmt":"2024-01-17T22:45:36","slug":"mei-kawajiri-on-her-dream-inspired-hyperrealistic-nail-art","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/?p=156227","title":{"rendered":"Mei Kawajiri on Her Dream-Inspired, Hyper Realistic Nail Art"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\n.centerimg {padding:4em 7em;margin:20px 0;}\n.centerimg2 {padding:4em 4em;margin:20px 0;}\n.centerimg3 {padding:4em 3em;margin:20px 0;}\n.sidetxt {padding:16em 2em 16em 2em;;margin:20px 0;}\n.centerimg img {margin-bottom:0px;}\n.instagram-media {margin:auto !important;}\n#wp-content hr {margin: 40px auto 80px auto;width: 80%;}\n<\/style>\n<p>Nails are often perceived as a mundane routine, but Japanese nail artist <a href=\"\/\/models.com\/people\/mei-kawajiri\">Mei Kawajiri<\/a> defies that notion, stating, &#8220;Nails are so personal to me; they are an extension of my emotions and a reflection of my mood.&#8221; Initially, Kawajiri gained foundational skills at a nail school in Kyoto, Japan. However, it wasn\u2019t until she went solo that she discovered her distinctive nail aesthetic, crafting dream-inspired creations and experimenting with unconventional materials such as salt and false eyelashes. Subsequently, the nail virtuoso established her own salon in Japan before relocating to New York in 2012, where she embarked on designing nail art for covers, campaigns, and editorials. Kawajiri&#8217;s hyperrealistic nail designs have garnered attention from esteemed clientele such as <a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/client\/miu-miu\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Miu Miu<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/client\/marc-jacobs\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Marc Jacobs<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/client\/vogue\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">American Vogue<\/a>. Kawajiri&#8217;s extensive roster of coveted celebrity clients includes <a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/models\/gigi-hadid\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Gigi Hadid<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/people\/dua-lipa\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Dua Lipa<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/people\/FKA-twigs\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">FKA twigs<\/a>, the latter two for whom she curated looks for the most recent Met Gala. In an interview with Models.com, the artist delves into her perspective on beauty, what&#8217;s she looking forward to while pregnant, and her definition of success.<\/p>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2023\/07\/VOGUE-JAPAN-AMELIA-GRAY.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-156238\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2023\/07\/VOGUE-JAPAN-AMELIA-GRAY.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2023\/07\/VOGUE-JAPAN-AMELIA-GRAY-512x640.jpg 512w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2023\/07\/VOGUE-JAPAN-AMELIA-GRAY-1024x1280.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2023\/07\/VOGUE-JAPAN-AMELIA-GRAY-1229x1536.jpg 1229w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><br \/>\n<small> Vogue Japan April 2023 Cover by Heji Shin | Image courtesy of 13 Market Management <\/small>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>How did you get started in the field of nail art? Was there a particular moment or experience that led you down this path?<\/strong><br \/>\nI started nail art by wanting to wear my art on my own body everywhere I went. I found that nails were the perfect canvas for me &#8211; I love everything tiny. Growing up in Japan, I have an appreciation for things that are unique and special. Passion led me down this path &#8211; nail art wasn\u2019t popular when I started, and I truly believe that my passion for nail art opened so many doors in this industry and beyond.<\/p>\n<p><strong>I read that you started off as a painter. Would you say your background has aided in your nail art? Did you then go to school to learn more techniques?<\/strong><br \/>\nMy art background took \u2018doing nails\u2019 to another level. There is a difference between a manicure and nail art. I am known for hyperrealistic, unbelievably detailed handpainted nails. In my opinion, it\u2019s way more technical and difficult than using charms or other shortcuts. I attended a traditional nail school in Kyoto, where I learned basic techniques. It wasn\u2019t until I started working on my own did I discover my own style of experimenting and creating designs from my dreams. I opened my own nail salon in Tokyo, and it was the most popular hot spot for unique and dynamic nail art. <\/p>\n<p><strong>What was your relationship with beauty like while you were growing up?<\/strong><br \/>\nMy idea of beauty has always been full of color and expression. I dyed my own hair red when I was in school, and my nails were always painted sky blue. Makeup was so much fun, and I loved experimenting with looks during Y2K. I was never into a natural and plain look. I remember even having really furry nails when I was 19. <\/p>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2023\/07\/8D579763-F002-44E0-828B-B9E1DEE5C587.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-156237\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2023\/07\/8D579763-F002-44E0-828B-B9E1DEE5C587.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2023\/07\/8D579763-F002-44E0-828B-B9E1DEE5C587-512x640.jpg 512w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2023\/07\/8D579763-F002-44E0-828B-B9E1DEE5C587-1024x1280.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2023\/07\/8D579763-F002-44E0-828B-B9E1DEE5C587-1229x1536.jpg 1229w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><br \/>\n<small>  Image courtesy of 13 Market Management <\/small>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>What would you say are the main differences between creating nail art for shows, editorials, and campaigns?<\/strong><br \/>\nI\u2019ve been a part of some of the most amazing shows, like Vivienne Westwood and Balenciaga. The designers have a specific vision and fantasy for how they want to present a historic fashion house with a strong point of view for the future. Each season is like expanding on the previous season, and I love that Demna and the late Vivienne, and Andreas are not afraid to let their trusted artist teams add the finishing touches to their point of view.  Editorials are a bit more of an interpretation and abstract; they kind of exist on their own in space and time.  I love working on developing the idea with the team from start to finish. Experimenting is a must in an editorial. We have fun; it\u2019s less serious! <\/p>\n<blockquote><p>&#8220;I felt honored to have been seen, and it was really fulfilling to feel I helped open doors for many other future nail artists to have their work seen and appreciated as well.&#8221;<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><strong>You have worked with various celebrity clients such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CryUPr0OSlf\/?img_index=1\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dua Lipa<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Crv43e0uUiF\/?img_index=1\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">FKA Twigs<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CtWyFZ5u2Yp\/?img_index=1\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Gia Kuan<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CdHIwLDO6Fh\/?img_index=1\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Gigi Hadid<\/a>. How do you adjust your approach depending on each client&#8217;s specific needs?<\/strong><br \/>\nIt\u2019s important to research and know their style first. They have their own point of view and love nail art too. With my clients, it\u2019s combining their style with a touch of Mei\u2019s spice. They are trendsetters, not followers. <\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CtWyFZ5u2Yp\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:500px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\">\n<div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CtWyFZ5u2Yp\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\"> <\/p>\n<div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\">\n<div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\">\n<div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\">\n<div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\">\n<div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\">\n<div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-left: auto;\">\n<div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div>\n<div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div>\n<div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\">\n<div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div>\n<div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CtWyFZ5u2Yp\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\">A post shared by \ud835\ude49\ud835\ude3c\ud835\ude44\ud835\ude47\ud835\ude4e \ud835\ude3d\ud835\ude54 \ud835\ude48\ud835\ude40\ud835\ude44 (@nailsbymei)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><strong>I noticed that your nail aesthetic is very unique, like a sculpted work of art. Where do you draw inspiration from usually?<\/strong><br \/>\nBeing from Japan and now living in New York, I have the most amazing surroundings, and inspiration is everywhere around me. I find food and architecture really inspiring. It\u2019s important for me to challenge myself by not looking at trends or following what is popular with others online. My life experience has been the most inspirational, knowing that risks and experiments can create something unique and wonderful. I follow my moods and my mind. Some days I\u2019ll just look at my own fingertips and decide what they should be like next, for example I created a pair of 3D and hand painted nails with loafers and loose white socks. <\/p>\n<p><strong>I loved the Hot Tips <a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/work\/american-vogue-hot-tips\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">editorial<\/a> for Vogue that you worked on featuring <a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/models\/adut-akech\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Adut Akech <\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/models\/bella-hadid\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Bella Hadid<\/a>. What was the inspiration behind that, and what was it like working with <a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/people\/valentin-herfray\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Valentin Herfray<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/people\/gabriella-karefa-johnson\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Gabriella Karefa-Johnson<\/a>?<\/strong><br \/>\nIt was a big moment to find out that an influential and iconic magazine like American Vogue wanted to do a story on nail art, with an interview and feature on my designs. When I first started in this industry, nails were mostly nude and never the focus of a shoot. There were shoots with creative makeup looks, or big hair looks, but nails were never a priority. During this shoot, I remember being really proud of how far I had come. I felt honored to have been seen, and it was really fulfilling to feel I helped open doors for many other future nail artists to have their work seen and appreciated as well. <\/p>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2023\/07\/bella-and-adut.-jpg.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-156239\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2023\/07\/bella-and-adut.-jpg.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2023\/07\/bella-and-adut.-jpg-640x427.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><br \/>\n<small> American Vogue editorial by Valentin Herfray | Image courtesy of 13 Market Management <\/small>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Your creative nail art ranges from bold, experimental looks for clients like <a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/work\/heaven-by-marc-jacobs-heaven-x-kiko\/1905136\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Heaven by Marc Jacobs <\/a>to clean, simple looks for <a href=\"https:\/\/models.com\/work\/miu-miu-miu-miu-ss-23-campaign\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Miu Miu<\/a>. Why is variety so vital to you as a nail artist?<\/strong><br \/>\nNails are so personal; to me, it\u2019s an extension of how I am feeling and an expression of my mood. I love to change my nail look based on how I feel and want to dress at that time. Variety is everything, and there is not just one concept of beauty. Artists like myself are naturally moody, and we have to experiment to create.<\/p>\n<p><strong>You have entered a new chapter in your life, as you are currently pregnant. What are you looking forward to the most in this new season for you?<\/strong><br \/>\nI cannot wait to make the tiniest press-on tip for my baby and have matching nails! It is going to be even more fun to challenge myself to paint smaller than I already do.<\/p>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2023\/07\/MIU-MIU-SYDNEY-SWEENEY.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1586\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-156243\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2023\/07\/MIU-MIU-SYDNEY-SWEENEY.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2023\/07\/MIU-MIU-SYDNEY-SWEENEY-517x640.jpg 517w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2023\/07\/MIU-MIU-SYDNEY-SWEENEY-1033x1280.jpg 1033w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2023\/07\/MIU-MIU-SYDNEY-SWEENEY-1240x1536.jpg 1240w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><br \/>\n<small> Miu Miu Wander Bag 2022 Campaign by Tyrone Lebon | Image courtesy of 13 Market Management <\/small>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>What have been some highlights of your career so far?<\/strong><br \/>\nThere are so many highlights, but I am really excited that the high fashion houses that I love have all let me bring nail art to their shows and campaigns. I remember when I first started that only a nude nail was considered chic and acceptable, especially during Paris Fashion Week. It\u2019s been such an honor to bring nail art to the most important runways. My team and I hand painted over 100+ tiny <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CjZQhmUuftK\/?img_index=1\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Miu Miu logos<\/a> backstage on the thumbs and big toes of models during the SS23 show and campaign. Every year, I work with Demna on so many out of this world nail art concepts for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CsGtFhIOLzg\/?img_index=1\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Balenciaga<\/a> runway shows and shoots. We push each other\u2019s creativity and his confidence is everything. <\/p>\n<p><strong>How do you define success in your industry, and what&#8217;s next for you in your career?<\/strong><br \/>\nSuccess is having your passion seen and appreciated. So many wonderful people in this industry have given me amazing opportunities, and I am endlessly grateful to do what I love every day. I look forward to continuing to share my passion for nails with the world. <\/p>\n<div class=\"centerimg\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2023\/07\/Mei-self-portrait.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1707\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-156240\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2023\/07\/Mei-self-portrait.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2023\/07\/Mei-self-portrait-480x640.jpg 480w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2023\/07\/Mei-self-portrait-960x1280.jpg 960w, https:\/\/i.mdel.net\/oftheminute\/images\/2023\/07\/Mei-self-portrait-1152x1536.jpg 1152w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><br \/>\n<small> Self-portrait of Mei Kawajiri  | Image courtesy of 13 Market Management <\/small>\n<\/div>\n<p><!--pp-thumb-start--><!--PictPress found no dir \/2023\/07\/156227--><!--pp-thumb-end--><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Nails are often perceived as a mundane routine, but Japanese nail artist Mei Kawajiri defies that notion, stating, &#8220;Nails are so personal to me; they are an extension of my emotions and a reflection of my mood.&#8221; Initially, Kawajiri gained foundational skills at a nail school in Kyoto, Japan. However, it wasn\u2019t until she went&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":450,"featured_media":156240,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6476,13941,10414,16],"tags":[12930,10681],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/156227"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/450"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=156227"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/156227\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":156258,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/156227\/revisions\/156258"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/156240"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=156227"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=156227"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/models.com\/oftheminute\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=156227"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}