YUUMI

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Photographer/Art Director – PAULA AMENTA @mentaylunares
Stylist – MARÍA MONTANÉ @mariamontane_
Muah – MARTA SAEZ @martasaez8
Stylist assistant – JAQUELINE CHAVEZ
Models – YUUMI PERALTA  @yuumiperalta
Layout & Calligraphy – ROSSELLA FERRARIO @rossella.ferrario

 

This project is especially close to my heart, as a mom who has also migrated with her family, I felt represented in many of the emotions and moments we captured. 
Paula Amenta

A tender photograph by Paola Amenta showing a woman gently embracing a child, their faces close together in a quiet moment of connection. The image is paired with handwritten text expressing the photographer’s personal connection to the project, reflecting themes of motherhood, migration, and emotional resonance.

What has it been like to raise your children between such different cultures as Japanese and Catalan?

Honestly, it’s been very challenging. My husband (who is French) and I are both foreigners here, and we started parenting without knowing the local language (Catalan) or culture. From school events to everyday communication, everything has been a steep learning experience—especially during the pandemic, when our first son was born.

Raising kids in a different culture is very different from raising them in your home country, and it comes with many struggles. But at the same time, it has taught us a lot. Through our children, we’ve discovered new languages, values, and perspectives. It’s not easy, but now I’ve come to enjoy the journey and the growth it brings.

 

YUUMI – complete outfit by BIRINIT.

Two photographs by Paola Amenta. On the left, a woman stands outside a flower shop holding a young girl in her arms, both looking to the side with a sense of alertness or curiosity; vibrant bouquets surround them. On the right, the same child lies in the woman's lap, bathed in warm sunlight, resting against her mother’s body with an expression of quiet intensity, evoking tenderness and protection.

Where do you find inspiration when dressing your children? What are some of the brands you like to use?

Comfort and ease of movement are always my top priorities, but I also like to let my children explore a variety of colors and styles. I want them to find what they like without limits.

When it comes to inspiration, I trust my intuition. I choose clothes that feel right to me—pieces that are stylish, fun, and reflect the season. Often, inspiration comes from everyday life—what I see in the streets, nature, or even a moment with my kids.

Some of my favorite brands are: Tangerine, Tinycottons, Compañía Fantástica and Bonmot.

 

YUUMI – complete outfit BIRINIT; right page: complete outfit TRUE ARTIST.

Two photographs by Paola Amenta portraying tender mother-daughter moments. On the left, the mother sits on a bench against a richly patterned tiled wall, playfully holding and caressing her laughing daughter. On the right, the girl rests her head sleepily on her mother’s shoulder, her arms gently wrapped around her neck, both bathed in soft sunlight and quiet affection.

What values from your childhood in Japan do you hope to pass on to your children, even while living in Barcelona?

One example is saying “itadakimasu” before meals and “gochisousama” after eating—expressions of gratitude for the food and those who prepared it. It’s often mistaken for “bon appétit,” but it’s not about inviting someone to eat—it’s about giving thanks, which is a very different mindset.

I want to pass on the subtle beauty of Japanese culture—its thoughtfulness, the spirit of hospitality, and the ability to consider others’ feelings. These values may not be as emphasized in Europe, so I feel it’s my role to keep them alive for my children.

Language is also a big part of this. I speak to my kids only in Japanese so they stay connected to their roots and know who they are and where they come from.

 

YUUMI – complete outfit BIRINIT.

Two vibrant street-style portraits by Paola Amenta. On the left, a playful moment between mother and daughter as they lean toward the camera on a city crosswalk, both smiling and full of energy. On the right, the little girl hugs her mother’s legs tightly, eyes closed in a gesture of affection and security, both bathed in warm sunlight against a red and cream wall.

What is the most beautiful and the most challenging part of raising multilingual children in a city like this?

The most beautiful part is that my sons are growing up without the concept of language barriers. My 4-year-old already speaks four languages (French, Japanese, Catalan, and Spanish) fluently. More importantly, he understands that there are people in the world who speak languages different from his own, and that’s a powerful awareness to have at such a young age.

Being multilingual gives them a broader worldview and unlocks so many possibilities for the future. I also believe it will make learning additional languages easier down the line.

The hardest part, however, is maintaining their mother tongue—Japanese. Even though I speak it with them daily, the exposure is limited compared to the local languages. I’m constantly looking for creative ways to help them retain and grow in Japanese, and it’s something that’s always on my mind.

 

YUUMI – complete outfit BIRINIT.