Back in 2020, I created "Sculpting the Road," a mood board designed as the foundation for a conceptual photo shoot introducing Mikashi Yakamato. The goal was to visually narrate Mikashi’s story through a collection of diverse content themes, each capturing different facets of his environment, personality, and creative essence.

The concept explored various settings—from stark black and white studio backdrops to vibrant markets, intimate living room vibes, and alternative outdoor scenes. A central element was the recurring use of the Doumbek (an Arabic vase drum), symbolizing Mikashi’s roots and musical identity, envisioned as both a visual motif and metaphor for his cultural connection.

Although the shoot never materialized, Sculpting the Road remains a creative snapshot of that moment in time—an exploration of identity, culture, and artistic vision that continues to inspire future projects.