JAKARIE WHITAKER

In this interview, we delve into the world of JAKARIE WHITAKER, who share his inspirations and unique perspectives.

Jakarie Whitaker

1. Introduce Yourself to the Casawi Community: What drives you? What's your artistic vision, and what sets you apart from the crowd?

My name is Jakarie Akhil Whitaker, and I am the creative director and founder of Hikari no Yami. My work is deeply rooted in Japanese philosophy and the pursuit of freedom…the freedom to create without limitations, to challenge convention, and to bridge cultures through design.

My artistic vision is about transforming philosophical ideals into tangible form. I explore the interplay between chaos and order, light and darkness, yin and yang—melding these contrasts with my own lived experiences. Each piece I create is an extension of my personal philosophy, a conversation between opposing forces that coexist in harmony.

What sets me apart is that I design not to follow trends, but to refine my own perspective. Hikari no Yami is more than a brand, it is a philosophical narrative, a body of work that unfolds like the chapters of a book one that I am both writing and living.

2. City Inspirations: How has your city influenced your artistic path? Share how its streets, culture, and energy have molded your work.

I was born and raised in Flint, Michigan, a city shaped by resilience and danger. Growing up in a predominantly Black community, I was surrounded by a narrative of struggle—abandoned houses, graffiti, and a raw, unfiltered energy. Rather than seeing only brokenness, I developed a desire to mend, to find beauty in imperfection.

Hikari no Yami reflects this duality, blending the street culture I come from with the Japanese philosophies of Kintsugi and Wabi-Sabi. It’s about honoring both the fractured and the whole, embracing what exists while reimagining what could be.

3. Creative Process: What fuels your creativity? Whether it's a ritual, a muse, or a moment of clarity, we're keen to learn.

My creativity is fueled by philosophy, the desire to explore the unanswerable questions. I find inspiration in the thoughts, actions, and styles of everyday people, and how they navigate through the world. I’m drawn to combining cultures, materials, and ideas, blending them into something beautifully chaotic.

4. City Lifestyle and Art: How the places you lived influenced your career and work?

The cities I’ve lived in: Flint, Tokyo, Florence, Paris, and New York have each shaped Hikari no Yami in unique ways.

Flint taught me resilience and the beauty in imperfection, influencing my deconstructed approach to design. Tokyo instilled a deep appreciation for balance, restraint, and the harmony of contrasts, while Florence refined my understanding of craftsmanship and storytelling. Paris exposed me to avant-garde fashion and intellectual artistry, pushing my work toward conceptual depth. New York’s fast-paced, ever-evolving energy reinforced the importance of boldness and innovation.

Hikari no Yami is a reflection of these cities a fusion of rawness and refinement, chaos and order, tradition and rebellion.

5. Latest or Upcoming Projects: Give us a glimpse into your current endeavors and what lies ahead on your creative journey.

We just finished up a super cool Showroom/exhibition that was made possible by the generous support of the Virgil Abloh Foundation and Post-Modern.

As of now my biggest goal is to keep creating, keep moving forward and to remain true to Hikari no Yami’s true vision. Only time will tell what’s next for us.

Jakarie Whitaker

Jakarie Whitaker

Jakarie Whitaker

Jakarie Whitaker

Jakarie Whitaker

Jakarie Whitaker

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Instagram: @jakariewhitaker

Website: hikarinoyami.com