Cool Hunting
Entries with keyword "japan"
25 result(s) displayed (1 - 25 of 114)
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Get Well Soon Mask
(10 June 2008) - A common courtesy when feeling under the weather in most Far East Asian countries, the ubiquitous protective face masks made famous during the SARS scare in 2002 have since served as a canvas for many a commentary. Departing from the sterile, white gauze variety, Samira Boon recreated the typical protective mask with clever, playful and at times beautiful ink-jet prints that transform the face....
(10 June 2008) - A common courtesy when feeling under the weather in most Far East Asian countries, the ubiquitous protective face masks made famous during the SARS scare in 2002 have since served as a canvas for many a commentary. Departing from the sterile, white gauze variety, Samira Boon recreated the typical protective mask with clever, playful and at times beautiful ink-jet prints that transform the face....
Nike Sportswear Loopwheeler
(27 May 2008) - Exhibiting the same qualities as a bespoke suit in regards to fit, detail and tradition, Nike Sportswear recently teamed up with Loopwheeler in Japan to create some of the finest cotton fleece apparel around. To understand this breed of garment is to understand Loopwheeler. A small Japanese clothing manufacturer in the Wakayama prefecture, about three hours outside of Tokyo, they've built a reputation on...
(27 May 2008) - Exhibiting the same qualities as a bespoke suit in regards to fit, detail and tradition, Nike Sportswear recently teamed up with Loopwheeler in Japan to create some of the finest cotton fleece apparel around. To understand this breed of garment is to understand Loopwheeler. A small Japanese clothing manufacturer in the Wakayama prefecture, about three hours outside of Tokyo, they've built a reputation on...
The Adventures of Johnny Bunko
(16 May 2008) - Writer Daniel H. Pink took a cue from the East in creating his Johnny Bunko character. While the Japanese comic format, manga, is generally left for children and a fringe group of aficionados in America, it's omnipresent in Japan. In fact, a full 22 percent of all printed material is manga. With this in mind, Pink decided to target American adults with his manga...
(16 May 2008) - Writer Daniel H. Pink took a cue from the East in creating his Johnny Bunko character. While the Japanese comic format, manga, is generally left for children and a fringe group of aficionados in America, it's omnipresent in Japan. In fact, a full 22 percent of all printed material is manga. With this in mind, Pink decided to target American adults with his manga...
Bratstyle Motorcycles
(14 April 2008) - Japanese custom bike makers Bratsyle build or tinker with any make and model to create dream bikes. With capabilities to machine nearly any part of the bike including engine blocks, mufflers, handlebars and seats, each bike is an exquisite work of craftsmanship and a showcase of impressively sharp attention to detail. Unlike over-the-top embellished bikes in the vein of Orange County Choppers, Bratsyle offers...
(14 April 2008) - Japanese custom bike makers Bratsyle build or tinker with any make and model to create dream bikes. With capabilities to machine nearly any part of the bike including engine blocks, mufflers, handlebars and seats, each bike is an exquisite work of craftsmanship and a showcase of impressively sharp attention to detail. Unlike over-the-top embellished bikes in the vein of Orange County Choppers, Bratsyle offers...
Mario Mandala Colouring Book
(08 April 2008) - Mandala, a Sanskrit word of Hindu origin, most often refers to a symmetrical detailed pattern representing the universe and the unconscious self. In some religions it serves as an aid in meditation or to establish a sacred space as well. For Japanese artist Mario Tauchi, who illustrated 108 black-and-white versions of Mandalas for Trolley Book's "Mario Mandala." the motif plays a slightly different role....
(08 April 2008) - Mandala, a Sanskrit word of Hindu origin, most often refers to a symmetrical detailed pattern representing the universe and the unconscious self. In some religions it serves as an aid in meditation or to establish a sacred space as well. For Japanese artist Mario Tauchi, who illustrated 108 black-and-white versions of Mandalas for Trolley Book's "Mario Mandala." the motif plays a slightly different role....
Still Life 2008
(19 March 2008) - This past winter star Japanese designer Hiroshi Fujiwara was always blogging about his epic snowboarding trips all over the world. The snow-covered old growth terrain was always so inviting but I also took note of the brightly colored minimalist jackets that he and his crew would wear and wondered what brand they were sporting. Through a Neil Harmon photo essay on Honeyee called Still...
(19 March 2008) - This past winter star Japanese designer Hiroshi Fujiwara was always blogging about his epic snowboarding trips all over the world. The snow-covered old growth terrain was always so inviting but I also took note of the brightly colored minimalist jackets that he and his crew would wear and wondered what brand they were sporting. Through a Neil Harmon photo essay on Honeyee called Still...
Nakajima Indigo Dye Works
(07 March 2008) - Like many traditions, the art of indigo dying is fading as global brands demand high paced, volumetric production cycles. The unpredictable tastes of today’s consumer have made it difficult for artisinal producers over the years, but a recent surge in the appreciation of heritage brands is bolstering the handmade artifact. Tsurukichi is the fourth generation in one of Japan’s last remaining indigo dye houses,...
(07 March 2008) - Like many traditions, the art of indigo dying is fading as global brands demand high paced, volumetric production cycles. The unpredictable tastes of today’s consumer have made it difficult for artisinal producers over the years, but a recent surge in the appreciation of heritage brands is bolstering the handmade artifact. Tsurukichi is the fourth generation in one of Japan’s last remaining indigo dye houses,...
Tatsumi Orimoto Retrospective
(13 February 2008) - Believe in the power of bread. That was the idea behind Japanese artist Tatsumi Orimoto's "Bread Man" performance art series in the '90s. Meant as a unifying symbol of communication, he made his name with the body of work which involved global travel to places like Nepal and Germany with loaves of bread tied around his head while a puzzled public looked or laughed...
(13 February 2008) - Believe in the power of bread. That was the idea behind Japanese artist Tatsumi Orimoto's "Bread Man" performance art series in the '90s. Meant as a unifying symbol of communication, he made his name with the body of work which involved global travel to places like Nepal and Germany with loaves of bread tied around his head while a puzzled public looked or laughed...
The Dawn of Japanese Animation
(12 February 2008) - In a city awash with museums and galleries, navigating New York's rich cultural landscape can be a daunting task, even for the well-versed local. Still, sometimes the weekly choice of what to do is refreshingly simple. The Japan Society, the city's premier institution for fostering education on the artistic, social, and political concerns of Japanese culture, has a brilliant ongoing film series, with this...
(12 February 2008) - In a city awash with museums and galleries, navigating New York's rich cultural landscape can be a daunting task, even for the well-versed local. Still, sometimes the weekly choice of what to do is refreshingly simple. The Japan Society, the city's premier institution for fostering education on the artistic, social, and political concerns of Japanese culture, has a brilliant ongoing film series, with this...
P.A.M. x Undercover Shade Lamp
(03 January 2008) - Using macabre imagery to form an eerily symbolic sculptural piece, Jun Takahashi of Undercover joined forces with P.A.M. to create the Shade Lamp. The scene depicts a tree growing out of (or through?) a skull in a cemetery somewhere with the branches (fittingly) holding the shade. For mood lighting, I like the green and gold eyes, but my favorite part of the lamp has...
(03 January 2008) - Using macabre imagery to form an eerily symbolic sculptural piece, Jun Takahashi of Undercover joined forces with P.A.M. to create the Shade Lamp. The scene depicts a tree growing out of (or through?) a skull in a cemetery somewhere with the branches (fittingly) holding the shade. For mood lighting, I like the green and gold eyes, but my favorite part of the lamp has...
Seiko Moving Design Collection: The Discus
(03 January 2008) - Seventies-inspired mechanical digital watches keep rotating into modern designs, including this "Discus" from the Seiko Moving Design Collection. It features a jumping hour display of spinning discs through a porthole viewer, all under a smoky transparent crystal. Powered by a mechanical automatic movement, it sells for close to $900 outside the U.S....
(03 January 2008) - Seventies-inspired mechanical digital watches keep rotating into modern designs, including this "Discus" from the Seiko Moving Design Collection. It features a jumping hour display of spinning discs through a porthole viewer, all under a smoky transparent crystal. Powered by a mechanical automatic movement, it sells for close to $900 outside the U.S....
Kumi Yamashita
(03 January 2008) - If we had a third thumb, we'd give Kumi Yamashita three thumbs up. The Japanese artist creates stunning visual effects with lighting and simple forms, like letters of the alphabet, children's blocks and shoeprints. Yamashita finds the rare balance between beauty and brains....
(03 January 2008) - If we had a third thumb, we'd give Kumi Yamashita three thumbs up. The Japanese artist creates stunning visual effects with lighting and simple forms, like letters of the alphabet, children's blocks and shoeprints. Yamashita finds the rare balance between beauty and brains....
Bagjack x Beinghunted Messenger Bag 1-B
(18 December 2007) - Bagjack, well-known for their utility bags in Europe and Japan, collaborated with our friends at Beinghunted to create the 1-B Messenger bag back in 2005. This year, they reissued it for the holidays, but bigger! In fact, it fits a shoe box plus some. The innovative three-point strap system enables one pull tightening of the shoulder strap, perfect for when you're on your bike....
(18 December 2007) - Bagjack, well-known for their utility bags in Europe and Japan, collaborated with our friends at Beinghunted to create the 1-B Messenger bag back in 2005. This year, they reissued it for the holidays, but bigger! In fact, it fits a shoe box plus some. The innovative three-point strap system enables one pull tightening of the shoulder strap, perfect for when you're on your bike....
The North Face NSE Collection
(15 November 2007) - Last night we got our first look at the new North Face NSE Collection, a special limited collaboration with the Japanese sportswear manufacturer Goldwin. Inspired by the white birch forests that thrive on the northern island of Japan, the centerpiece of the collection is a new camo print featuring images of the birch forests. The first of the NSE special collector's edition, which will...
(15 November 2007) - Last night we got our first look at the new North Face NSE Collection, a special limited collaboration with the Japanese sportswear manufacturer Goldwin. Inspired by the white birch forests that thrive on the northern island of Japan, the centerpiece of the collection is a new camo print featuring images of the birch forests. The first of the NSE special collector's edition, which will...
Araki, Miyamoto, Sugimoto: Contemporary Japanese Photography
(09 November 2007) - by Anna OberthurCalled a genius by some and a misogynist by others, Japanese photographer Nobuyoshi Araki is probably best known for his sexually provocative female nudes. But the controversial artist's work stretches beyond black and white portraits of women draped across rumpled bedclothes or—more distressingly—elaborately bound and tied to trees. In the Araki, Miyamoto, Sugimoto: Contemporary Japanese Photography exhibit opening 10 November 2007 at Kunstmuseum...
(09 November 2007) - by Anna OberthurCalled a genius by some and a misogynist by others, Japanese photographer Nobuyoshi Araki is probably best known for his sexually provocative female nudes. But the controversial artist's work stretches beyond black and white portraits of women draped across rumpled bedclothes or—more distressingly—elaborately bound and tied to trees. In the Araki, Miyamoto, Sugimoto: Contemporary Japanese Photography exhibit opening 10 November 2007 at Kunstmuseum...
Muji Soho
(08 November 2007) - For you New Yorkers who have been sneaking into the Moma store to get your Japanese minimalist design fixes or stocking up when abroad, your time has come. The full-blown Muji experience is opening in New York on Friday, 16 November 2007, in Soho. For many this will be a dream come true. For others it will be a new adventure into the land...
(08 November 2007) - For you New Yorkers who have been sneaking into the Moma store to get your Japanese minimalist design fixes or stocking up when abroad, your time has come. The full-blown Muji experience is opening in New York on Friday, 16 November 2007, in Soho. For many this will be a dream come true. For others it will be a new adventure into the land...
Tatebanko Paper Diorama Kit
(08 November 2007) - Appealing to my weakness for dioramas and DIY paper projects, these kits also are a mini lesson on Tatebanko, the forgotten Edo-era Japanese art of creating perspectives from paper. They come in either a snowy scene representing a painting by the master Hiroshige or in a version of Hokusai's wave. Designed and printed in Japan by It's a Beautiful Day (the group leading the...
(08 November 2007) - Appealing to my weakness for dioramas and DIY paper projects, these kits also are a mini lesson on Tatebanko, the forgotten Edo-era Japanese art of creating perspectives from paper. They come in either a snowy scene representing a painting by the master Hiroshige or in a version of Hokusai's wave. Designed and printed in Japan by It's a Beautiful Day (the group leading the...
Ubiq Fall/Winter 2007
(16 October 2007) - Japanese brand Ubiq always comes up with head-turning, sometimes offbeat designs when it comes to their footwear. The latest 2007 Fall/Winter collection is no different. My favorites from the group have to be the Braska and Bernadette models. A mid-cut boot, the Braska (right) is not as clunky as most urban hiking alternatives. The most innovative feature is the gator-like fleece sock appended to...
(16 October 2007) - Japanese brand Ubiq always comes up with head-turning, sometimes offbeat designs when it comes to their footwear. The latest 2007 Fall/Winter collection is no different. My favorites from the group have to be the Braska and Bernadette models. A mid-cut boot, the Braska (right) is not as clunky as most urban hiking alternatives. The most innovative feature is the gator-like fleece sock appended to...
Hello Kitty Solid Gold Playing Cards
(01 October 2007) - by Brian Ashcraft If nothing says luxe like gold playing cards, then nothing says WTF like gold Hello Kitty playing cards. Starting 3 October 2007, Sanrio will start selling solid gold Hello Kitty trumps in honor of Kitty's 33rd anniversary. Each 99.99 percent gold card in the deck of 54 is sealed in a protective laminate, measures at 58 x 89 mm and is...
(01 October 2007) - by Brian Ashcraft If nothing says luxe like gold playing cards, then nothing says WTF like gold Hello Kitty playing cards. Starting 3 October 2007, Sanrio will start selling solid gold Hello Kitty trumps in honor of Kitty's 33rd anniversary. Each 99.99 percent gold card in the deck of 54 is sealed in a protective laminate, measures at 58 x 89 mm and is...
Kyotofu
(21 September 2007) - When we were putting together our tofu video, Tim mentioned Kyotofu, the Manhattan tofu restaurant opened in October 2006 that's reinventing tofu for the American palate with their delicious assortment of desserts and savory dishes. We contacted owners Nicole Bermensolo and Michael Berl, longtime friends from college, and recently found ourselves in their minimalist jewel box of a dining room, enjoying treats like chicken-tofu...
(21 September 2007) - When we were putting together our tofu video, Tim mentioned Kyotofu, the Manhattan tofu restaurant opened in October 2006 that's reinventing tofu for the American palate with their delicious assortment of desserts and savory dishes. We contacted owners Nicole Bermensolo and Michael Berl, longtime friends from college, and recently found ourselves in their minimalist jewel box of a dining room, enjoying treats like chicken-tofu...
Interview with Catalina Estrada
(18 September 2007) - Columbian illustrator Catalina Estrada recently designed some prints for Paul Smith in Japan. We checked in with her to see how it all came about. How did the assignment for Paul Smith come up and what was the brief? They contacted me by email. I think they saw my work in a book publication. They wanted me to create a few illustrations based on...
(18 September 2007) - Columbian illustrator Catalina Estrada recently designed some prints for Paul Smith in Japan. We checked in with her to see how it all came about. How did the assignment for Paul Smith come up and what was the brief? They contacted me by email. I think they saw my work in a book publication. They wanted me to create a few illustrations based on...
Geisai Artists at Giant Robot
(13 September 2007) - First organized in Japan more than six years ago, the Geisai art fair (derived from the Japanese word for "art festival") has since become a bi-annual event helping up-and-coming Japanese artists to exhibit their work internationally. And now, with a stateside version in the works, it's a rare opportunity to see new talent, many who are showing for the first time off the island....
(13 September 2007) - First organized in Japan more than six years ago, the Geisai art fair (derived from the Japanese word for "art festival") has since become a bi-annual event helping up-and-coming Japanese artists to exhibit their work internationally. And now, with a stateside version in the works, it's a rare opportunity to see new talent, many who are showing for the first time off the island....
Super-K
(11 September 2007) - The Super-Kamiokande, or Super-K as it's known, is not the latest nightclub VIP booth but is a neutrino observatory designed to search for proton decay, study solar and atmospheric neutrinos and keep watch for supernovas in the Milky Way. Located 1,000 meters underground in the Mozumi Mine in Hida City, Gifu, Japan, it consists of 50,000 tons of pure water surrounded by about 11,200...
(11 September 2007) - The Super-Kamiokande, or Super-K as it's known, is not the latest nightclub VIP booth but is a neutrino observatory designed to search for proton decay, study solar and atmospheric neutrinos and keep watch for supernovas in the Milky Way. Located 1,000 meters underground in the Mozumi Mine in Hida City, Gifu, Japan, it consists of 50,000 tons of pure water surrounded by about 11,200...
Japanese Scarecrows
(06 September 2007) - The Land of the Rising Sun is famous for its food and technology, but certainly not its scarecrows. That may change. Route 280 Bypass in Aomori Prefecture is quickly becoming the country's scarecrow hub with creations like scandalized sumo wrestler Asashoryu playing soccer (pictured). Every September, local folks take part in the Kakashi Road 280 ("kakashi" is Japanese for scarecrow). The event was designed...
(06 September 2007) - The Land of the Rising Sun is famous for its food and technology, but certainly not its scarecrows. That may change. Route 280 Bypass in Aomori Prefecture is quickly becoming the country's scarecrow hub with creations like scandalized sumo wrestler Asashoryu playing soccer (pictured). Every September, local folks take part in the Kakashi Road 280 ("kakashi" is Japanese for scarecrow). The event was designed...
Idiom: Fall/Winter 07
(06 September 2007) - Idiom, Burton's small Japanese house label, are back with some new styles and upgrades for the upcoming Fall and Winter. All of the jackets are simple with the attention to detail we've come to expect including taped seams, pit zips, waterproof zippers and handwarmer pockets, to name a few. Favorites include the 2.5 Slant Zip Jacket (above left), a new style featuring a great...
(06 September 2007) - Idiom, Burton's small Japanese house label, are back with some new styles and upgrades for the upcoming Fall and Winter. All of the jackets are simple with the attention to detail we've come to expect including taped seams, pit zips, waterproof zippers and handwarmer pockets, to name a few. Favorites include the 2.5 Slant Zip Jacket (above left), a new style featuring a great...
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