I’m already stumbling at the beginning, wondering what to call you. “Uemoto-san” is a bit cool and distant, and “Uemoto” sounds a bit arrogant.

So the best thing would be to settle on Ichiko Uemoto. It goes without saying, but your name is very you. When you’re doing a shoot, the way you give instructions to your subjects is very crisp and firm and “plant” like, as per the “植(Ue-)” bit of your name. When you’re talking to someone, it’s like you see through them, so they end up being too apprehensive. You draw out the “truth” from people like “本(-moto)” suggests. And most of all, the photos you take are “firsts” and “the best”, like “一(Ichi-).” You’re also very childlike about your desires, just like the “child” bit of “子(-ko).” Your name matches the way you live your life. Along the same lines, do you think I’m Sekaikan Ozaki-like? It’s not my real name of course.

No, I haven’t ever bought a kumade. I can’t even stomach ATM handling charges, so I’m not sure I could part with any “gift” money. Talking of kumade (literally bears’ paws), recently I’ve been reading up on stuff like bear hunters and the ecology of bears. It’s fascinating.

I’m not really superstitious about anything. In fact I reassure myself before a live show by thinking about lots of miserable things. It seems to me the more miserable thoughts I take on stage, the better the show goes. Maybe I collect misery like some people collect the silver angel tokens on ChocoBall packets.

I see from your profile you’ve got a book coming out next year. So you’re a proper writer now, huh? What about your photographs? At this rate you’ll lose track of which profession is your main one.

Me too, for that matter.