FUSION: What was your inspiration for wanting to become an artist?
Dai Tamura: It was a dream I had held since childhood - one I thought would never come true, but could never bring myself to give up. When job hunting season arrived in university, I made the decision not to pursue a conventional career and instead committed to becoming an artist. When I imagined spending my life doing work I had no passion for, sneaking in doodles whenever I could, it felt unbearable. That feeling gave me the courage to take the leap.
FUSION: What are the challenges of being an artist?
Dai Tamura: Continuing to set a new personal best every single day. It is a constant battle with yourself, and you have to keep winning it.
FUSION: How have you gotten noticed so far?
Dai Tamura: Many celebrities have shared my work on Instagram. They were able to reach audiences I never could have reached on my own, and those posts opened doors to people discovering me for the first time. FUSION: How do you come up with collaborations with well- known athletes?
Dai Tamura: I receive requests from sports brands, health food companies, sports teams, and their sponsors. When they feature my work prominently in advertising and other public- facing spaces, it raises my profile and leads to new opportunities.
FUSION: What is your main inspiration when working with talents in the sports industry?
Dai Tamura: They are also striving to set a new personal best every single day. That shared drive absolutely gives me energy.
FUSION: Is sports the only thing you're focused on, or are you open to other ideas for art?
Dai Tamura: I have drawn many sports cars through my collaboration with Porsche, and when I held an exhibition at one of Japan's most iconic temples, I created 30 pieces centered