We had the good fortune of connecting with Zeno Matsumoto and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zeno, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
“During the pandemic and war times I decided to take a leap of faith, and pursue an artistic and creative career rather than an information technology career, while recovering from CPTSD.”

“Growing up, I have always loved Computers. When you’re impoverished, and come from generational trauma, your computers become your only friends especially when you’re bullied, beaten and harassed on a daily. So the IT career path made the most sense. However due to the United States of America and its political, racial, and extreme sides I decided to utilize my independent beliefs and rationale to start something that’s more aligned with my personality. In other words I am pursuing an artistic and creative career because I’m in search of the Japanese term: ‘ikigai’.”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

“I am a Multi-Instrumentalist (Soloist), Music Producer, Singer/Songwriter, Japanese Manga Artist, Mixed Media Artist, and so much more.”

“Having grown up in poverty, and under generational trauma in Daytona Beach, Florida, yet being born in North Little Rock, Arkansas, has changed my life in many different ways.”

“I have been working on art and music since I can remember and in that timeframe it hasn’t always been easy to embrace my abilities due to not having access, finances, stability, and other external variables and factors that are uniquely systemic and American in my opinion.”

“I am currently Castle-less(aka: homeless) in Boulder Colorado. Due to the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, it flipped my life upside down and so now I am flipping it right side up and doing everything in my power to pray for peace, love myself, and love my fate and faith.”

“I’ve learned many lessons along the way, and have been able to use these situations as stepping stones towards my bigger goal of having land, building material, and finally a puppy. A German Shepherd Rottweiler mix to be exact. These are things that are holding me down on this earth, as I have already survive suicide once, thankfully, by the grace of God, and by the power of art and music.”

“I’d like to let the world to know that Zeno Matsumoto will make his debut and he is alive not dead. I have a lot to say and a lot of things to do and my job is not done yet until I am dead. I am working currently on my book with the working title being: ‘30 Years Of Hate With Love In Between, Somewhere, Somehow…’”

“So in conclusion, I hope you have enjoyed reading this. I hope that the message is loud and clear that I on a mission. I am on the Internet. I am trying to survive this homelessness every day. I came here from Florida to Boulder, Colorado to heal similar to Doc Holiday the western GunSlinger. I just haven’t made it to Glenwood Springs yet!”

“You can find me and contact me on social medias with the handle @ZenoMatsumoto. If you want to buy me a coffee or donate to support my cause and hopefully get me out of these streets then you can do that through my CashApp handle @ZenoMatsumoto.”

“Thank you so much, until next time… Namaste.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
“Since I’m still new to Boulder Colorado and it was three years ago when I first got here doing 2020 so I’m a little naïve to some of the places to go, but I do have a few places that are pretty cool in my opinion.”

“The first place I would take my best friend is the Pearl Street, Mall, so they could see all the arts and music and different shops and people that are down that strip. It’s pretty impressive and lots of different energy is.

The second place would have to be “The Crystal Dragon.” This is the best place I’ve been so far with the most affordable, gemstones, medallions, spiritual items, all things wholesome, and good. They also have smoking accessories. I’m talking about Bob Marley rolling papers for $1.50 and so many other wonderful items to increase your energy, prosperity, and overall wellbeing.”

“Another place I’d have to show my best friend would be the ‘Tierra Centre’ since I’m an outdoorsmen. This is such a cool centerpiece to all the main trails and where they connect. It excites me, because it’s like a public town Square for people to meet, hang out, and enjoy the mountain scapes, landscapes, and flowers. It’s such a beautiful outdoorsy area.”

“Other than that, I am still looking for a tour guide, maybe to go out on some dates, and to take some time to learn what goes on in the city. For now, I am surviving this homelessness situation, and as long as I get to experience the outdoors for free I can’t complain. One day I am sure I will get to meet and see beautiful people and beautiful things in beautiful Boulder, Colorado.”

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
“Firstly, I’d like to thank God. Secondly my family and friends for all the years they had to put up with my wild artistic shenanigans and behaviors. Thirdly, I’d like to thank all of the kind and non-kind, haters, lovers and everyone in between who are the strangers that hates and/or loves my perspective and work that I do. Lastly I’d like to thank Shoutout Colorado for the shoutout! One Love, One Peace, One Earth.” 

Website: https://linktr.ee/northboundwriter

Instagram: zenomatsumoto

Twitter: nbwblogger

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085946400095&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.