When their daughter Yuri posted a video of Aki’s outfit one day in 2013, the couple, married for 40 years, never expected to become social media icons. After a hugely positive response online, they created their own Instagram account (@akiandkoichi) and began posting their daily outfits, which eventually earned them more than a million followers, brand collaborations, advertisement campaigns, and a platform to spread joy. The pair, originally from Tokyo, moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s before relocating to Orange County. Their social media platform has turned into a full-time family business and has taken them around the world, even getting coverage in Vogue.
How would you describe your style?
Aki: I love strong silhouettes and pieces that make me feel like myself. I gravitate toward color and statement accessories. Jewelry and eyewear are often the finishing touch for me.
Koichi: My style is rooted in classics. I love good denim, tailored pieces, hats, and elevated basics. I prefer timeless shapes, but I enjoy small details that give character. I would say my style is steady, with a little edge.
Where do you find inspiration for your outfits?
Aki: Everyday life. Art, travel, architecture, old photographs, music, even people we see walking down the street. Sometimes inspiration comes from memories. My childhood in Tokyo still influences my love of certain shapes and details.
Koichi: My early years in Los Angeles shaped my love of sportswear and denim. Inspiration does not always have to be grand. It can be very simple.
Does location influence your style in any way?
Aki: Location absolutely influences style. When we lived in Tokyo, there was an energy that encouraged experimentation. When we moved to Los Angeles in the ’70s, we definitely played around with our style. The style was very fun.
Koichi: Life in Orange County feels a bit more relaxed. The light, the beach, the slower pace, it has softened certain choices. But we travel a lot now, so we get to play around with our wardrobe and style.
How does it feel to have an online community of fans?
Aki: It feels humbling. We never expected this. The messages we receive from people of all ages encourage us just as much as we hope to encourage them.
Koichi: What touches us most is when people say they feel seen or inspired to enjoy life a little more. That means more than numbers ever could.
Do you have a favorite item in your wardrobe?
Aki: It changes, but I always come back to a great pair of eyewear. A bold frame can completely shift my mood and my outfit.
Koichi: A well-worn pair of denim. Denim carries history. The more you wear it, the better it becomes. There is something beautiful about that.
What advice would you give to people trying to find their personal style?
Aki: Do not rush it. Personal style is not something you buy in one season. It develops over time. Try things. Some will work, some will not. That is part of the process. Silence the noise around you and pay attention to what feels natural on your body. And most importantly, have fun with it.
Koichi: Fashion should feel light and fun.
A book by the couple, “Life/Style: Aki and Koichi’s Guide to the Joy of Getting Dressed” will be published in October.
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