SXSW2024

Travel

Mar 18

Written By Tateki Matsuda

Coupon Code TATEKI

Summary & Key Takeaways

I first heard of Yogetsu Akasaka in 2020, in the Slack channel of an online MIT meditation class.
A year later we met by chance on Clubhouse, did a podcast, and I brought him to Biohacker Summit Helsinki 2022—his international debut outside Japan, despite 4-5 million viral YouTube views.
At SXSW 2024 in Austin, Yogetsu performed while we explored the exhibitions, Terry Black's Barbecue, and Onnit—my former sponsor.
From Slack to the SXSW spotlight: managing Yogetsu is an adventure, and we're just getting started.

From Slack to SXSW: My Journey with Yogetsu Akasaka

In the summer of 2020, the world was in lockdown and I was taking an online meditation class at MIT. Like everyone, I was looking for some peace amid the chaos. One day, in a discussion about mindfulness and Zen, a classmate dropped a bombshell in our Slack channel—a video of a Zen Buddhist priest turned beatboxing sensation, Yogetsu Akasaka. The conversation went, "Tateki, do you know him?" My answer was a simple "No." I had no idea that brief exchange was the start of something much bigger.

Fast forward a year, and the universe wasn't done with us. Yogetsu and I bumped into each other on Clubhouse. A casual chat about meditation and music spiraled into something deeper, and before I knew it, I'd invited him onto my podcast—not just to talk music, but about life's strange synchronicities. It felt like the universe had set up this meeting long before we noticed.

Why stop at a podcast? I introduced Yogetsu to my Biohacker Center team in Finland, and we brought him to the Biohacker Summit in Helsinki in 2022. His viral YouTube had already hit 4-5 million views, but that stage was, proudly, his international debut outside Japan. Picture it: a Zen Buddhist priest, steeped in ancient tradition, standing in the land of saunas and Northern Lights, dropping beats like the rhythms of the universe ran through him. It was as epic as it sounds—and only the beginning.

Fast forward to 2024, and here we are, riding the rollercoaster of managing an artist who chases dreams as hard as I do. SXSW 2024? Just another day at the office—if your office is one of the biggest stages for creatives on the planet.

tateki matsuda SXSW2024 convention center

Austin, Texas treated us well. Yogetsu's performance was the highlight, but there was more. We explored the exhibitions at the convention center, where the latest in tech, art, and culture collided. Every booth and demo was a reminder of human potential—a perfect match for Yogetsu's own blend of tradition and innovation.

SXSW isn't just performances and tech—it's culture, and in Texas that means BBQ. We went to Terry Black's Barbecue, a legendary spot. The smoky aroma of brisket and ribs greeted us at the door, and the meal that followed was spectacular. Sharing hearty food brings people closer, and this was no exception—a moment to pause and reflect on how far we'd come, from a chance encounter online to a table in the heart of Texas.

Next stop: Onnit, a place close to my heart as my former sponsor. Visiting felt like coming full circle—reconnecting with the brand that backed me as an athlete, now that I'm here as a manager. Seeing the team and their latest fitness and wellness innovations felt like a nod from the universe: we're on the right path.

SXSW 2024 was the culmination of years of hard work, serendipity, and a shared vision. From meditation classes at MIT to the global stages of SXSW—who would've thought? Well, besides the universe. Managing an artist who defies categorization—a Zen priest who's as much musician as spiritual guide—is a wild ride. That's exactly what makes it incredible.

So here's to the wild ride, the dream chasing, and the accidental yet somehow predestined journey from Slack to the spotlight. Managing Yogetsu Akasaka isn't just a job. It's an adventure full of unexpected turns, plenty of laughs, and a few deep breaths along the way. Onwards to the next level—we're just getting started.

Heritage Pullover Hoodie, All over Logo | Tateki Tech

from $65.00

Casual and athletic in design, Tateki Tech presents All Over Print pullover in black. It features a Tateki Tech script pattern throughout for signature style. This sporty top features a drawstring hood and the classic allover logo makes a statement. Ribbing at the hem and cuffs adds comfort and shape to this layer.

Detail

All-Over Print Unisex Hoodie has a comfortable relaxed fit, and a fabric that feels soft to the touch thanks to the unique cotton and polyester blend. The brushed fleece inside makes this hoodie a true wardrobe favorite.