We’re stoked to release our latest artist collaboration tee with Kyoko, the creative force behind Ulo’s Raglan, the much-loved family-run restaurant, Ulo’s Vintage, our local handpicked vintage and record shop, and one of our long-time local families here in Raglan.

Originally from Fukushima, Japan, the Shirai family found their way to Whāingaroa after the 2011 tsunami, drawn here by a shared love of surfing and the search for a new place to call home. Since then, they’ve become a special part of our coastal community, bringing warmth, creativity, and flavour to everything they do.

Kyoko’s hand-drawn style reflects her love of nature, music, and Japanese culture, a blend that feels right at home by the sea. We recently sat down with her for a chat to learn more about her story, her creative process, and what inspires her unique art style.

For this collaboration, we asked Kyoko to share her own take on what our iconic “Raglan” lineup looks like to her, and we couldn’t be happier with how it’s come to life on this new tee.

If you haven’t explored her work yet, check out @ulo.raglan and @ulosvintage, and follow along to see more of Kyoko’s creative world.

The Raglan Surf Co x Kyoko tee is now available in-store and online, a little piece of local art made for good days by the sea.

1. What inspires your unique artistic style the most?
   
   A trip I took to Native American reservations (e.g., Hopi land, Navajo in Arizona, etc.) a few times a year since I was little because of my mum's work, and all the experiences and everything I saw, was definitely the biggest impact on my artwork.
   
   

2. What’s it like being an independent artist here in little Raglan, Whāingaroa? What are the highs and the challenges?
   
   I am so grateful to have been here as an artist for the past 10 years, and a lot of local businesses have been involved with my artwork.

Brian from Corner Stone Roots gave me a job for their album cover as the first thing when I had just moved to Raglan, which gave me courage and hope for my future.

My art style is quite distinctive and obvious, so it’s not easy to keep everyone interested after 10 years, but I am always trying to add something new.

3. Does your Japanese heritage play a big part in shaping your art and creative approach?

For sure, but I never really had a chance to check out Japanese art when I was in Japan, but now I am more interested in seeing more and digging into my original roots.

4. We know you’re an incredible artist and designer — do you have any other creative outlets or passions you love exploring?

I love clothing, maybe more than drawing, lol. I was a quiet person when I was little but had a strong character, so fashion was an essential tool for me to express myself, and it still is today. I love making clothes that no one else has.

5. If you could collaborate with anyone in the world, who would be your dream collab?

I would love to collaborate with my favourite font artist, Swifty, in the UK!!

6. For younger or emerging artists here in Whaingaroa, what advice or words of encouragement would you share?

If you don’t prioritize financial worries and continue to do what you love with the right attitude and in the right way, God will surely give you a way and direction, so I think the key is not to get too attached to your own plans and agendas.

7. What are your favourite ways to spend time in Raglan — or your top three local pastimes?

I love my home. I spend most of my time at home doing drawing, sewing, cooking, and sunbathing—my favorite things to do.

8. What ideas or feelings were you trying to capture in the t-shirt design, and how did you choose the elements that appear on it?

I really wanted to draw the waves for this tee shirt design because it's for ‘Surf Co’, but I wanted to make it a little bit different from all the other wave designs, as there are so many wave-design tee shirts in Raglan (of course!). So I played with the colors and patterns in the sky, and it is, of course, our familiar view in the west.

9. And finally… what’s your go-to item on the Ulos menu?

Aburi Samon Nigiri and Margarita!