Cool Hunting
Entries with keyword "japan"
25 result(s) displayed (76 - 100 of 130)
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Moongirl
(23 January 2006) - So many fashions jump the Hello Kitty nostalgia bandwagon sometimes known in less-polite circles as "Japsploitation" - so it's always reassuring to see a fresh take on Nippon-inspired style that doesn't rehash the age old stereotypes. The new t-shirt line from Moongirl is just one example: It eschews the cutsey stereotypes and instead brings a varied blend of fashionable and original print shirts for...
(23 January 2006) - So many fashions jump the Hello Kitty nostalgia bandwagon sometimes known in less-polite circles as "Japsploitation" - so it's always reassuring to see a fresh take on Nippon-inspired style that doesn't rehash the age old stereotypes. The new t-shirt line from Moongirl is just one example: It eschews the cutsey stereotypes and instead brings a varied blend of fashionable and original print shirts for...
Pet Tree Mini Cactus
(06 December 2005) - Perfect stocking stuffers, these thumb-sized cactus capsules are imported from Japan and work as cell phone charms, key chains, or rearview mirror decor. They only need one monthly watering, making them good gifts for non-greenthumbs or people who love cute things. Available for $10 from Compact-Impact....
(06 December 2005) - Perfect stocking stuffers, these thumb-sized cactus capsules are imported from Japan and work as cell phone charms, key chains, or rearview mirror decor. They only need one monthly watering, making them good gifts for non-greenthumbs or people who love cute things. Available for $10 from Compact-Impact....
Maloo Laptop Cases
(06 December 2005) - How do you get from a Kimono to a laptop case? Designer Katja Hettler and architect Jula Tüllmann (hettler.tuellmann) won the YOnoBI design competition, which sent them to Japan to collaborate with Mizuta, a manufacturer of traditional Kimono fabric. The upshot was their first folding laptop case made from Kimono material. The duo since founded Berlin-based Maloo with the mission of creating well-designed, ecologically...
(06 December 2005) - How do you get from a Kimono to a laptop case? Designer Katja Hettler and architect Jula Tüllmann (hettler.tuellmann) won the YOnoBI design competition, which sent them to Japan to collaborate with Mizuta, a manufacturer of traditional Kimono fabric. The upshot was their first folding laptop case made from Kimono material. The duo since founded Berlin-based Maloo with the mission of creating well-designed, ecologically...
Stanley Wristwatch Tools
(21 November 2005) - Stanley has launched a line of wristwatches with built-in tools in Japan. While we think these are an interesting advancement in portable tools, it seems likely that if you have a need for any of these, you probably have a need for all of them. If so, do you buy all of them? And if you have all of them, how do you know...
(21 November 2005) - Stanley has launched a line of wristwatches with built-in tools in Japan. While we think these are an interesting advancement in portable tools, it seems likely that if you have a need for any of these, you probably have a need for all of them. If so, do you buy all of them? And if you have all of them, how do you know...
This Week in Tropolism
(11 November 2005) - It was a week of beginnings, with one ending. AMO (OMA, when they're not picking up redlines) begins a study for the Hermitage, an Olafur Eliasson show begins in Japan, a couple of show openings, and Tokyo retail rebirths abound! And, of course, we say farewell to Emigre, at issue 69....
(11 November 2005) - It was a week of beginnings, with one ending. AMO (OMA, when they're not picking up redlines) begins a study for the Hermitage, an Olafur Eliasson show begins in Japan, a couple of show openings, and Tokyo retail rebirths abound! And, of course, we say farewell to Emigre, at issue 69....
Denim Hokusai
(14 October 2005) - Hokusai's famous wave, already re-imagined by Kozyndan as a tide of bunnies, got a new medium when Levi's exec and surfer Caroline Calvin handcrafted a 22 foot by 12 foot jeans mosaic that depicts a detail of the "The Great Wave." Called "Love and Peace," after debuting at a special event during Los Angeles's fashion week this Wednesday October 19th and showing a second...
(14 October 2005) - Hokusai's famous wave, already re-imagined by Kozyndan as a tide of bunnies, got a new medium when Levi's exec and surfer Caroline Calvin handcrafted a 22 foot by 12 foot jeans mosaic that depicts a detail of the "The Great Wave." Called "Love and Peace," after debuting at a special event during Los Angeles's fashion week this Wednesday October 19th and showing a second...
Arigato Gaijin
(30 September 2005) - Repetition of plastic objects seems to be a recurring theme lately. The most recent incarnation can be seen at the new show opening at Raid Projects in LA this weekend. Arigato Gaijin, which translates to thank you, foreigners, features the work of 5 young and emerging Japanese artists. Of particular interest are these two pieces from Tomoaki Sato (right) Akira Shikiya (left). Where Sato...
(30 September 2005) - Repetition of plastic objects seems to be a recurring theme lately. The most recent incarnation can be seen at the new show opening at Raid Projects in LA this weekend. Arigato Gaijin, which translates to thank you, foreigners, features the work of 5 young and emerging Japanese artists. Of particular interest are these two pieces from Tomoaki Sato (right) Akira Shikiya (left). Where Sato...
Etsu Meusy
(27 September 2005) - Gum Ball machines, Axl Rose, and ice skaters - sometimes all within one composition- are among the many subjects in Japanese-born Etsu Meusy's work. The Vancouver-based artist's nostalgia-tinged 70s and 80s pop cultural pastiches have found a home in the pages of Nylon, Tokion, and Faesthetic among others, but her take on the Tenugui, available through Giant Robot is what captivated us recently. Her...
(27 September 2005) - Gum Ball machines, Axl Rose, and ice skaters - sometimes all within one composition- are among the many subjects in Japanese-born Etsu Meusy's work. The Vancouver-based artist's nostalgia-tinged 70s and 80s pop cultural pastiches have found a home in the pages of Nylon, Tokion, and Faesthetic among others, but her take on the Tenugui, available through Giant Robot is what captivated us recently. Her...
CuteXdoom
(16 September 2005) - CuteXdoom is a mod for the PC game Unreal Tournament 2003 that explores society's obsession with fabricated characters and all things cute, or kawaii. The goal of CuteXdoom is to become a member of the toy worshipping Yumi-Co cult and gain access to their temple by collecting enough toys to present as an offering to the robotic panda guru. (This sort of exploration of...
(16 September 2005) - CuteXdoom is a mod for the PC game Unreal Tournament 2003 that explores society's obsession with fabricated characters and all things cute, or kawaii. The goal of CuteXdoom is to become a member of the toy worshipping Yumi-Co cult and gain access to their temple by collecting enough toys to present as an offering to the robotic panda guru. (This sort of exploration of...
Sporting Green: RECYCL'art
(30 August 2005) - Recycling cell phones is as easy as finding a designated drop box in one of hundreds of Whole Foods stores nationwide, but when it comes to athletic gear, re-use options are much more limited. Until now, worn out cleats and basketballs were either bound for landfills or had the slim chance of finding a second life as a donation. RECYCL’art, an ongoing Japan-based project...
(30 August 2005) - Recycling cell phones is as easy as finding a designated drop box in one of hundreds of Whole Foods stores nationwide, but when it comes to athletic gear, re-use options are much more limited. Until now, worn out cleats and basketballs were either bound for landfills or had the slim chance of finding a second life as a donation. RECYCL’art, an ongoing Japan-based project...
MedicomToy Life Entertainment
(15 July 2005) - Having made Kubrick and Bearbrick toys into virtual household names, MedicomToy is the Japanese company credited as one of the originators in the vinyl toy phenomenon. With the launch of Fabrick, their debut line of accessories and décor designed by artists, MedicomToy is becoming a lifestyle - MedicomToy Life Entertainment, as they charmingly call it. Silas, Geneviéve Gauckler's best-selling character, Big Black Doll (pictured),...
(15 July 2005) - Having made Kubrick and Bearbrick toys into virtual household names, MedicomToy is the Japanese company credited as one of the originators in the vinyl toy phenomenon. With the launch of Fabrick, their debut line of accessories and décor designed by artists, MedicomToy is becoming a lifestyle - MedicomToy Life Entertainment, as they charmingly call it. Silas, Geneviéve Gauckler's best-selling character, Big Black Doll (pictured),...
Vodafone V501T Cover
(10 June 2005) - This little fella is just one of twelve of the cover costumes for the Vodafone V501T. What could be cuter than turning your cell phone into a little pet monster to keep you company as you sit and drink your morning tea? It sure as hell kicks the non-existent ass of the giant bunnyhead phone cover I was sporting for a hot minute. At...
(10 June 2005) - This little fella is just one of twelve of the cover costumes for the Vodafone V501T. What could be cuter than turning your cell phone into a little pet monster to keep you company as you sit and drink your morning tea? It sure as hell kicks the non-existent ass of the giant bunnyhead phone cover I was sporting for a hot minute. At...
Chikaku Exhibit at Kunsthaus Graz
(06 June 2005) - Japan fans heading to Austria should be sure to check out Kunsthaus Graz' new exhibit, Chikaku, a survey of Japanese art over the past half century. Something like the older brother to the current much-hyped Takashi Murakami curated show, Little Boy, Chikaku (Japanese for "perception") aims to be a comprehensive look at cultural counterparts to Japan's economic boom and pop culture explosion. Works by...
(06 June 2005) - Japan fans heading to Austria should be sure to check out Kunsthaus Graz' new exhibit, Chikaku, a survey of Japanese art over the past half century. Something like the older brother to the current much-hyped Takashi Murakami curated show, Little Boy, Chikaku (Japanese for "perception") aims to be a comprehensive look at cultural counterparts to Japan's economic boom and pop culture explosion. Works by...
Driftwood Skulls
(23 May 2005) - Hiroshi Kure is a Japanese sculptor with a passion for skulls and resin composites that look like natural materials. There is a lot of skull paraphernalia out there these days, but these rings are the most exciting I've seen so far. He has made them in silver as well as this resin composite, and has even enameled a few in pastel colors just for...
(23 May 2005) - Hiroshi Kure is a Japanese sculptor with a passion for skulls and resin composites that look like natural materials. There is a lot of skull paraphernalia out there these days, but these rings are the most exciting I've seen so far. He has made them in silver as well as this resin composite, and has even enameled a few in pastel colors just for...
MomiMomi
(10 May 2005) - Born in New York in 2001 and now based in LA, MomiMomi makes t-shirts that are buttery soft, perfectly fitting and phenomenally styled. In their own words: MomiMomi (moe-me, moe-me) is a t-shirt lab concentrating on designs of simplicity and comfort, the aim of our work is to conflate graphics and wear-ablity. That is, we seek to treat the t-shirt as a billboard for...
(10 May 2005) - Born in New York in 2001 and now based in LA, MomiMomi makes t-shirts that are buttery soft, perfectly fitting and phenomenally styled. In their own words: MomiMomi (moe-me, moe-me) is a t-shirt lab concentrating on designs of simplicity and comfort, the aim of our work is to conflate graphics and wear-ablity. That is, we seek to treat the t-shirt as a billboard for...
TiO2 Paint
(29 April 2005) - Last year the BBC reviewed a new glass coating that is self cleaning and anti-bacterial. Made from Titanium Dioxide (TiO2), the surface reacts with light to do its job. Two product extensions are now available from Japan-- TiO2 paint and household spray. They basically work the same way, reacting to sunlight, but are used to create more sterile interior spaces. As explained by Dr....
(29 April 2005) - Last year the BBC reviewed a new glass coating that is self cleaning and anti-bacterial. Made from Titanium Dioxide (TiO2), the surface reacts with light to do its job. Two product extensions are now available from Japan-- TiO2 paint and household spray. They basically work the same way, reacting to sunlight, but are used to create more sterile interior spaces. As explained by Dr....
Bape World Coming Soon
(31 March 2005) - Japanese sneaker and street-wear brand, A Bathing Ape has launched their web site at bape.com, but nothing seems to be there. Well, that's not entirely true. There's a splash page with a big download button. I downloaded the file and ran it (with some hesitation). Immediately my firewall went off as the app tried to contact its home server. I let it thru (with...
(31 March 2005) - Japanese sneaker and street-wear brand, A Bathing Ape has launched their web site at bape.com, but nothing seems to be there. Well, that's not entirely true. There's a splash page with a big download button. I downloaded the file and ran it (with some hesitation). Immediately my firewall went off as the app tried to contact its home server. I let it thru (with...
Steamboy
(30 March 2005) - Director of the anime classic Akira, Katsuhiro Ôtomo's long anticipated Steamboy has hit the theaters. Despite taking place in Victorian England, its themes touch upon the present. Incorporating CGI and cell animation, the themes of industrialization, war, and humanity are woven into a visually stunning story around a young boy named Ray Steam. ...
(30 March 2005) - Director of the anime classic Akira, Katsuhiro Ôtomo's long anticipated Steamboy has hit the theaters. Despite taking place in Victorian England, its themes touch upon the present. Incorporating CGI and cell animation, the themes of industrialization, war, and humanity are woven into a visually stunning story around a young boy named Ray Steam. ...
Aichi Expo
(29 March 2005) - Times Online has a wonderful article about the Aichi Expo in Japan... Wondering what it would be like to star in a film before you see it? You can go to see a special animated film at the expo, and you will be asked if you'd like to take part in the show on your way in--just by placing your face into a hole...
(29 March 2005) - Times Online has a wonderful article about the Aichi Expo in Japan... Wondering what it would be like to star in a film before you see it? You can go to see a special animated film at the expo, and you will be asked if you'd like to take part in the show on your way in--just by placing your face into a hole...
Ogi
(16 March 2005) - During my travels through lovely San Francisco, I saw lots of amazing and wonderful stuff. At just about every other store without initially realizing who it was each time, I would notice the work of Ogi over and over again, like love at first sight on repeat. Finally on my last day, it happened once more and I asked one of the store clerks,...
(16 March 2005) - During my travels through lovely San Francisco, I saw lots of amazing and wonderful stuff. At just about every other store without initially realizing who it was each time, I would notice the work of Ogi over and over again, like love at first sight on repeat. Finally on my last day, it happened once more and I asked one of the store clerks,...
Mobile Payments
(23 February 2005) - As the quest to consolidate wallet contents in to the mobile phone continues, we still look to Japan as the technological innovator. Next month trials will begin to test the use of mobile phones for subway fare payment. No worries about dialing up the right screen or sending off a text message, the entire transaction will be handled by a small chip manufactured by...
(23 February 2005) - As the quest to consolidate wallet contents in to the mobile phone continues, we still look to Japan as the technological innovator. Next month trials will begin to test the use of mobile phones for subway fare payment. No worries about dialing up the right screen or sending off a text message, the entire transaction will be handled by a small chip manufactured by...
Chichu Art Museum
(23 February 2005) - I haven't had the pleasure of traveling to Japan yet, but very soon I'll be going on a cool hunting adventure there-- and I don't know if I'll ever return! One place I must stop as I'm on tour around Japan is The Chichu Art Museum. It's only accessible by boat, and Tadao Ando designed it to be completely built into the ground and...
(23 February 2005) - I haven't had the pleasure of traveling to Japan yet, but very soon I'll be going on a cool hunting adventure there-- and I don't know if I'll ever return! One place I must stop as I'm on tour around Japan is The Chichu Art Museum. It's only accessible by boat, and Tadao Ando designed it to be completely built into the ground and...
Tilt and Motion Sensors in Mobiles
(17 February 2005) - Stucon, over at core77, points out that Vodafone's latest handset in Japan will have tilt and acceleration sensors. While the intended application is gaming, there will be support for navigating the phone (with a cursor?!?) and launching applications. Wouldn't it be great if natural gestures could be scripted in to it? Imagine: your phone is on the table and it rings; you don't want...
(17 February 2005) - Stucon, over at core77, points out that Vodafone's latest handset in Japan will have tilt and acceleration sensors. While the intended application is gaming, there will be support for navigating the phone (with a cursor?!?) and launching applications. Wouldn't it be great if natural gestures could be scripted in to it? Imagine: your phone is on the table and it rings; you don't want...
Cool Japan: Otaku Strikes!
(15 February 2005) - This past weekend, the Japan Society in New York City launched a series of events entitled Cool Japan: Otaku Strikes!, which run through the Spring. In the U.S., an Otaku is someone who is considered to be somewhat of a die-hard fan of manga or anime. However in Japan, an Otaku can also be related to music, cooking, video games—-- you get the picture....
(15 February 2005) - This past weekend, the Japan Society in New York City launched a series of events entitled Cool Japan: Otaku Strikes!, which run through the Spring. In the U.S., an Otaku is someone who is considered to be somewhat of a die-hard fan of manga or anime. However in Japan, an Otaku can also be related to music, cooking, video games—-- you get the picture....
Archimedes: Chia Pet Meets Tamagotchi
(14 February 2005) - Like the Tamagotchi, Archimedes is a little friend from Japan brought to you as a way to care for and consider the meaning of life. Unlike the Tamagotchi, which was digital, Archimedes is analog. You get a little guy in a glass vial with some seeds. Over the course of about a month the habitat will sprout, bloom, flourish, die, and decay. Little Archimedes...
(14 February 2005) - Like the Tamagotchi, Archimedes is a little friend from Japan brought to you as a way to care for and consider the meaning of life. Unlike the Tamagotchi, which was digital, Archimedes is analog. You get a little guy in a glass vial with some seeds. Over the course of about a month the habitat will sprout, bloom, flourish, die, and decay. Little Archimedes...
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