Rika is a visionary creator with a striking East-West aesthetic that transforms every project she touches. Born in Kobe, Japan, she grew up inspired by her father, a fashion designer and film critic, who fueled her love for art and storytelling. As a teenager, she defied conventions as a sponsored skateboarder in a predominantly male arena, paving the way for her career.
 

In 1990, Rika moved to Los Angeles, honing her craft under renowned artist Martin Lubner and studying film at UCLA. By the late ’90s, she was art directing Hip-Hop TV shows for legends like Snoop Dogg and

Dr. Dre, quickly expanding into production design for commercials and films, and hospitality spaces. She’s worked with top directors like Sofia Coppola, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Tom Hooper, and Hiro Murai.
 

In 2021, Rika became the first Japanese production designer to win the ADG Excellence in Production Design Award for Black Is King, directed by Beyoncé and Blitz Bazawule. Her global work across the U.S., Tokyo, and South Africa, celebrated for blending cultures and delivering projects with precision and creativity.

 

Additionally, Rika selectively incorporates cutting-edge generative AI into her design process when needed, using it to bring fresh perspectives and stay aligned with the latest industry trends.

 

Now splitting her time between Los Angeles and Japan, Rika balances a thriving career with surfing, always ready for her next creative challenge.