This morning, I started the day with the shivers after watching this touching and upsetting short film, Blind, “set in post-nuclear Tokyo in a dimension not so distant from ours. Young salary-man’s morning commute takes a surreal turn.”
Worth watching. Thanks to Tokyo Mango for the tip.
Yeah, cause I didn’t love Pharrell enough already. A series of videos dedicated to Pharrell’s return to Japan after 3/11.
The goal, to find out what the artistic community has to say and how they are responding to a post-3/11 Japan.
“Tokyo faces a new reality after the tragedy of 3/11. While persistent challenges still lay ahead, the city’s creative class is hell-bent on making sure that their hometown thrives. Innovative and resilient, they are defining the future of Tokyo on their own terms. We put our boots on and went exploring.” (via)
I’m posting all 5 parts here so it’s quick and easy for you. And because they are worth watching.
Tokyo Rising – Part 1.
Tokyo Rising – Part 2.
Tokyo Rising – Part 3.
Tokyo Rising – Part 4.
Tokyo Rising – Part 5.
Oh, and I feel very proud that I bought my first pair of Palladium shoes while backpacking in Europe more than 22 years ago. Yup. My one moment of hipness. Who knew I had it in me?
Posted in Film + Music, Help Japan, News, art
Tagged N-E-R-D, Palladium Boots, Pharrell, Pharrell Williams, Tokyo Rising: Part 1 - Pharrell's Return to Tokyo, Tokyo Rising: Part 2 - Tokyo Under and Above Ground, Tokyo Rising: Part 3 - Art in Flux, Tokyo Rising: Part 4 - The Remix Culture, Tokyo Rising: Part 5 - Trippple Nippples Show, Trippple Nippples, Verbal, Yoon of Ambush Design, Yuka Uchida
Thanks to Japan Pulse, I’ve just learned about the new Paper Craft store, Kamigu. Showcasing a terrific collection of paper artistry this is inspiring much WANT on my part.
Particularly amazing? The Architecture Model Series by Naoki Terada.
There’s even a sticker option to dress up your models.
Kamigu has many other paper craft wonders. I love the Torinosu, or paper bird’s nest.
I also LOVE this LED Paper Flashlight.
“This is a square shaped flashlight, which is assembled from a piece of paper. It comes with a LED and a small battery. It lights up when you hold it and turns off when you release it. It’s very simple. The Lite Lite emits a square shaped and soft light through the paper. Enjoy the flashlight like a candle.”
Cool AND utilitarian. Perfect combo.
I am also intrigued by these Paper Glasses.
“These glasses look like something you might wear to a party, but they are actually a very serious paper tool. Because of the 1mm holes, it’s possible to focus your eyes without lenses. Paper goods, such as paper cups or paper plates are useful goods, when there is an emergency. These paper glasses are made to help you ride out a crisis when your glasses are broken in a disaster or accident.”
Don’t want to actually break my glasses, but really want to try these out. And who knows – with the hurricane bearing down on the East Coast of the U.S., many of us might need serious glasses replacement soon!
Posted in Awesomeness, Beauty, Craft, Design, This inspires me, art
Tagged Architecture Model Series, Japan Pulse, Kamigu, LED Paper Flashlight, Naoki Terada, Paper Glasses, Torinosu
Another favorite from Awesome! Creators Shop. This time, the simplicity of these brush painting style posters got to me. From artist Yuri Miyamoto.
And of course, smiling kitchen utensils and dishware.
I don’t know what’s going on with this one – chickens and elephants walking on two legs - but I don’t care. It works for me anyway.
Oh, wait. I guess chickens always walk on two legs, don’t they. But, but, but…Oh, nevermind!
Simple message posters from Lig Coichi. Peace? No more Global Warming? Helping those in need? Seems like things we should all be able to agree on.
Posted in Help Japan, art
Tagged Japanese Message Posters, Lig Coichi, Recovery of Peace
More in the category of work I’d most like to see at the Tokyo Art Book Fair is Naho Sekiguchi. Color, fun, color, and more color.
Cuteness from Soju Tanaka.
Illustrator Toya Chicaco.
The illustrations of Tomoko Mizuno. Doesn’t this guy remind you of Tintin?
Miyazaki Kenichi’s I Like Short Cakes. I don’t know what Short Cakes are, but I don’t care.
Illustrations from Chie Miyazaki.
The photography of Kae Ho.
Unintended Voices, by Yumi. because I love a little bit of whimsy.
Younashimambo! Because I love a messy work space.
And finally, because I’m linear and alphabetical, Yuko Hozumi, because I’d like to see what’s on the next page of this one.
I seriously wish I were in Tokyo this weekend. Artists I would check out? (and that you can see at the Zine’s Mate)
The illustrations of Yukari Kawanaka, because I’m partial to lighthouses.
Kikiku Kuchichi, for the vibrant colors.
The paintings and illustrations of 13 Gatsu, whose name I can’t quite determine.
The creatively headed folks from Shinodai.
The Tiny Breath Zine from Suzuki Moeko.
More of my favorites in Part 2!
I’ve made no secret of my love for Yoshitomo Nara. Nara, however, might have some stiff competition now that I’ve discovered Japanese artist Maya Maxx. Look at that cutie in the bunny suite. What’s not to love?
Want to get one of her prints? Visit Maya Maxx at her site.
Posted in Design, Things I'd like to have, This inspires me, art
Tagged Gallery Tagboat, Maya Maxx
Works from German photographer Andreas Geller, from The Japan Series.
To heighten awareness and expand our perception of a supposedly well-known reality is the central aspiration of the works by Düsseldorf-based photographer Andreas Gefeller. The Japan Series is his youngest series following Supervisions and originated on the occasion of the project »European Eyes on Japan«, in which European photographers are invited annually to work in this Far Eastern country.
The series’ focus lies on the Poles. Gefeller photographs electricity posts in at least two single upward views from a perpendicular position. In the subsequent digital assemblage the pole disappears and innummerable cables and current transformers are converted into an autonomous and abstract composition that spreads in front of a monochrome background. The absence of points of reference and orientation opens up a new perspective on familiar situations. Thus, the Poles transcend their original context in order to awaken associations of underground railway plans, autoroute intersections or night photographs of a city’s pulsating traffic arteries. (via)
Reminds me a bit of the Tokyo Telephone post I did last week. The side of Japan you aren’t likely to see, turning things on their head a bit.
Since I can’t afford one of the works themselves, I’ll have to be content with the book coming out from Hatje Cantz publishers, featuring the entire series.
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