Young Guns 20: Hiromu Oka
By Alixandra Rutnik and Brett McKenzie on Nov 02, 2022
Spotlighting the stupendous class of Young Guns 20
Nearly 100 renowned industry professionals made up the jury for Young Guns this year. And after revealing the 84 finalists, it is finally time to unveil the 31 winners who make up the class of Young Guns 20.
Every year, we add another class of young talent from all over the globe to the exclusive Young Guns community. The winners of Young Guns 20 are your next project directors, animators, designers, editors, illustrators, artists, photographers, storytellers, coders, and writers. So this is your cue to follow them on Instagram immediately– because they are our industry’s future legends after all.
In two weeks, the winners will fly into NYC from around the world to celebrate their accomplishments, make new friends, have a few cocktails, and take home their official Young Guns Cube. We can’t wait to celebrate with them at Sony Hall on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at 6:30 PM– and we hope to see you there too!
Before the party begins, we took the time to get to know each of our winners so you can read up on the highly creative individuals who make up Young Guns 20.
HIROMU OKA
MOTION DESIGNER
Based:
LONDON, ENGLAND
Hometown:
EHIME, JAPAN
How did you first learn about Young Guns? What were your initial impressions of the Young Guns competition — the award and the community?
I was invited by the Young Guns team. I had heard of Young Guns before, but I thought it was a very big award and I wouldn't be able to do it.
Congrats on the first-time win! What made you enter this year?
I applied not only because of my age, but also because this year I will be living abroad for the first time and I wanted to try everything.
How did you decide which six pieces were best to enter?
My current creative style was established after 2020. It takes a lot of work to create, so I couldn't make a lot. I had just created six pieces until the day of entry, so I entered them all.
What went through your mind when you discovered that you won, especially knowing how difficult it is to make it into Young Guns? How did you celebrate?
I was insanely happy! However, I was too busy with moving and various tasks every day to celebrate much. I just moved from Japan to London and found out about winning the award when I was moving from the hotel to my new home. I haven't made friends yet, and I don't speak much English because I just arrived here, so my Japanese friends celebrated with me remotely. If any Londoners are reading this article, please buy me a pint of beer at a pub. The second pint is on me.
How would you describe your personal brand in three sentences?
Mixing digital and analogue. Curation of expression. Doing things the hard way.
Who are some of the biggest influences on you and your career? Who may have had a hand in mentoring and supporting you?
Before I got into this world, my influences were Kōji Nanke and Masaaki Yuasa. I was also influenced by the artwork of Ed Banger Records. After I entered the industry, I was inspired by my colleagues from my time working in Japan and people my own age who are active in the industry. And it is thanks to Hand Saw Press that I was able to develop my own style. At first they were skeptical about the idea of animation with Risograph, but as we worked together they became the most understanding people.
"It is thanks to Hand Saw Press that I was able to develop my own style. At first they were skeptical about the idea of animation with Risograph, but as we worked together they became the most understanding people."
Now that you’re in the Young Guns crew, are there any past winners you look up to and admire?
A lot! Daniel Oeffinger (YG11), Jorge Canedo Estrada (YG12), Moth Collective (YG12), Joe Plosz (YG16), Jimmy Simpson (YG18). I especially love and am a fan of Becky & Joe (YG14) and love their work called Don't Hug Me I'm Scared. Kenta Shinohara (YG17) is also from the same hometown, Ehime, and I am honoured to be part of the same crew.
Name a creative and professional dream that you have yet to fulfill — hey, maybe Young Guns can help propel you in that direction! Who would you love to work with in the future?
My first name is Hiromu. Japanaese kanji for 'hiromu' is written in 「大夢」. This means 大 is Big, 夢 is Dream. I was given the name 'big dream' by my parents. So I have many dreams! The first dream I want to fulfill now is to work full time in a design studio in the UK. I want to learn a lot there and try out new expressions as well as languages. Apart from that, I would like to work with Ed Banger Records. I would also like to be involved in content that will stay with everyone forever, such as films and video games.
This is YG20, but what do you imagine you’ll be up to when YG30 rolls around in 2032, both personally and professionally?
I have lived in Japan all my life, for about 30 years. This year I started living outside Japan for the first time, and every day is a series of discoveries. My values are constantly evolving, so I cannot predict what will happen in the future.
Any thoughts on how you are feeling about winning YG20?
Arigatou Gozaimasu! Urepi. I really want to thank everyone who has supported me.
Come party with us and celebrate all the Young Guns 20 winners on Wednesday, November 16 at Sony Hall!
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