The popular Japanese social commerce recycle shop has come up with another great concept of turning the old and used into design desirables. The new idea will see the staff uniforms from Tokyo’s popular cafe Soup Stock, recycled as new t-shirts featuring exclusive designs.
Both Soup Stock and Pass the Baton are the brain child of the Masamichi Toyama, who also runs the neck tie clothes range Giraffe. Pass the Baton works as a kind of vintage flea market, where members can sell there items which they have become attached to but no longer need, putting a note with a story of why they loved the product being sold. Mostly a social web commerce site they also have two stores in the fashionable districts of Omotesando and Marunouchi (both designed by Wonderwall’s Masamichi Katayama).
Toyama is well known for his design and artistic flair having designed all 35 of the Soup Stock cafe interiors himself. The t-shirts, which would normally go to waste as used items, have been redesigned and given a new lease of life by designer Tetsuya Chihara, who has worked on a number of fashion designs in the past. There are 4 different designs to choose form including “Tokyo Borscht”, my personal favourite t-shirt name!
The idea of taking iconic old uniforms and redesigning them into limited edition items is a great idea. This could easily be expanded into other areas such as the delivery companies uniforms or convenience store shirts. Collaborating with famous designers this wouldn’t just be a nice bit of CSR for the companies but actually a decent source of revenue from what would normally just go to waste.
Takoyaki, The Osakan snack has spread across the globe as a signature Japanese dish. But surely this soup takoyaki has got to be one of the lesser known variants.
Takoyaki, the savory fried octopus balls most enjoy with a generous topping of crispy bonito flakes is probably the last thing you’d expect to find served soggy. But we found this street side vendor outside Osakako Station serving bowls of soup takoyaki.
The elderly store owner must have seen her fair share of foreigners passing by these streets. She chatted up all stray tourists who had curiously stopped by her shop this evening.
Ouran High School Host Club Drama series is adopted from the popular manga by Bico Hatori. This drama series is about a scholarship student, who comes from a poor family, enter the most prestigious school locared in Bunkyō (Tokyo), Ouran Academy. The other actors are the other members from a popular Ouran Academy host club. These members usually tend to be the smart student in the class, and come from the wealthiest family in Japan.
The scholars student, named Haruhi Fujioka accidentally broke the antique vase in the Third Musis ROom, a place where the six members of the host club gather to entertain their female clients. This results in a huge debt for her. The six members mistakenly thought she is a male student. And they all agree to pose as a host in order to repay her debt. This begins the story of her to be acting as a male host in the club.
This story is about a young woman named Mazuru, during the reign of the Rukyu kingdom (19th century), who desires so much to further her studies.
Unfortunately, there is a gender restriction for woman to study. Thus she disguise herself to be a Eunuch named Son Neion.
She passes the government examination, and is appointed to be on of the royal government official.
On this drama, she will be playing both role for male and female. Her supporting cast includes her lover (Tanihara Shosuke) and her enemy (Takaoka Saki).
These two dishes are often thought to be one and the same. Sashimi consists of thin slices of raw fish or other seafood served with spicy Japanese horseradish (wasabi) and shoyu while sushi consists of the same, served on vinegared rice, but also includes cooked seafood, vegetables and egg. Another form of sushi is norimaki, or sushi roll, in which the filling is rolled in rice with a covering of nori. Cheap sushi is available at supermarkets or at kaiten-zushi restaurants, where customers sit at a counter and choose what they want.
Watch Sushi and Sashimi Video here :
The folks from Japanese research collaboration Life Beans yesterday displayed their nanotech fiber clothes at the Micromachine/ MEMS exhibition at Tokyo Big Sight. On display was a dress that incorporated nanotechnology which can be used to heat or cool the wearer, and ultimately allow the whole dress to become an electrical device itself.
BEANS or Bio Electomechanical Autonomous Nano Systems, is a collaboration project between a number of universities and science institutes throughout Japan and are the same team responsible for the glowing glucose tracking mouse ear. The technology on display yesterday incorporates a new fabrication process that allows more flexible layers of conductive cells within clothes. Woven into dresses or protective vests, for example, mean that the wearer can be cooled or heated depending on the temperature by activating the nanocells and also enable the transference of electronic data through the clothes themselves.
The nanotechnology in the clothes is capable of being utilized in a variety of ways, including turning the article of clothing into a mobile phone complete with GPS, recording data for sports and health care, or even ubiquitous data exchange by using the fabric as the circuit board itself. With the advancement in flexibility and the ability to weave the layers of conductive materials into fabrics, wearable technology could be integrated into normal everyday clothes.
Communication clothing is a growing area where, as we are increasingly seeing, fashion and electronics become closer combined together. As we rely on electronic data and portable devices more and more in our lives and jobs this type of advancement in technology will be pushing the boundaries of how we communicate with our devices in the future.
Grilled unagiis a relatively expensive in Japan, prized not only for its flavor but also for its legendary stamina-giving properties. It's traditionally eaten during the hottest part of the summer (on the "Day of the Ox" on the lunar calendar) to provide strength and vitality for the rest of the year.
Well-prepared unagi combines a rich flavor, a bit like pate, with an appetizing texture, crisp on the outside but succulent and tender on the inside. The cooking process is what makes the eel crisp and tender: The eels are first grilled over hot charcoal, then steamed to remove excess fat, then seasoned with a sweetish sauce and grilled a second time. In the Kansai area (around Osaka) the steaming step is omitted and the eel is grilled longer, burning off the excess fat and producing an even crisper skin.
The ingredients in the sweet basting sauce are important to the final taste of the unagi, and different restaurants maintain their own secret recipes. The quality of the charcoal used is also important: The best charcoal is made from hard oak from Wakayama in central Japan, and the aromatic smoke adds a special flavor to the eel as it's grilling.
Wasabi is Japanese horseradish. It's a green paste used on a variety of foods including seafoods and noodles. Sashimi (raw fish) is dipped into a mix of soy sauce and wasabi.
Wasabi is not an easy plant to grow and powdered wasabi actually can be a mix of western horse radish powder, mustard powder and food coloring. There can also be mixtures of wasabi and western horse radish.
Naturally, it's quite hot and a little goes a long way. Do not try to put wasabi on something the way you would squeeze out mustard; otherwise, the food you put it on could become almost inedible unless you like really, really spicy food.
AKB48 is Japanese famous girl group, with their own theatre performance in Akihabara, Tokyo.. They consists of so many teams and personnels, and actually I also confused with their members and names.
Recently AKB48 try their business sense with opening cafe in Singapore, located at Scape level 3 along the famous Orchard Road.
The cafe has a similar design with their original original Akihabara theatre in the heart of Tokyo.
3 of the AKB48 members, Miyu Takeuchi, Haruka Shimazaki and Maria Abe opened the door from within the café to mark the café’s soft launch
The café in Singapore, which can seat 60, has been designed to replicate AKB48's very own theatre in Japan, where girls with potential to become next-generation idols are given a chance to audition.
Diners can also look forward to exclusive AKB48 video screenings specially created for the cafe here, and get a chance to meet with their idols when they are in town.
Fans will be delighted to know that members of the group are expected to make special appearances on stage, have meals at the cafe or greet fans from time to time.
As for the food, modern Japanese fusion dishes will be served, but the full menu - which will include over 70 dishes and drinks - has yet to be launched.
In the meantime, three set menus for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner will be available, featuring main courses such as Omu Curry Rice and Japone Pasta. Desserts include fruit parfaits and waffles with ice cream.
Three members of AKB48 at the opening of the AKB48 Official Cafe in Singapore.
AKB48 Offical Cafe Singapore Opening menu Special Kaki Gori
Japan just got an 8.9 magnitude earthquake on last March 2011, hit and destroy so many infrastructure and factory. Fashion, as one of Japan icon, was serious effected from the earthquake.
The devastating earthquake that struck Japan has cast doubt on the status of next week’s planned Tokyo Fashion Week 2011 A/W events. We’ve been hearing from reporters and photographers who are set to cover fashion week that they’ve already received several individual show cancellation notices for events that were supposed to happen this week.
The official Japan Fashion Week in Tokyo runway shows and presentations are scheduled to kick off next week, but it’s still not clear at this time if JFW will go on as scheduled or not.
Japan Fashion Week in Tokyo after earthquake
But Japan is not alone facing this disaster. Many celebrities around the world are showing their hand to help Japan. What can celebs and artiste do ? Many celebrities began to create an art product or fashion items to sell as a donation to Japan
A lot of famous designers including Tory Birch and Anna Sui, to thousands of lesser-known artists at Web sites like cafepress.com, New Yorkers are creating products and donating portions of the profits to Japanese earthquake and tsunami relief.
For ceramic artist Ayumi Horie, the day after the Japanese earthquake was the day she started plotting a creative way to raise money for Japan. On the phone from her Hudson Valley studio, Horie sounded sleep-deprived after working 18-20 hours a days int he days following the quake to organize an online auction called Handmade for Japan. Horie enlisted her friends Ai Kanazawa Cheung and Kathryn Pombriant Manzella, plus a team of 15 volunteers in New York and San Diego to recruit artists and maintain a social media presence with a goal of raising $25,000.
American popular singer Lady Gaga also take part. She has designed a bracelet that says "We pray for Japan" in both English and Japanese. It costs $5, but you can make an additional donation at purchase. According to Gaga Daily, the bracelet - which will ship around March 25 - has raised $250,000 so far.
Lady Gaga designed a "We Pray For Japan" prayer bracelet, buy yours now for $5 in the web store and all proceeds go to Japan tsunami relief.
Gaga is the latest celebrity to reach out and help shed light on the devastation left by the tragic events in Japan. Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Adam Lambert, Diddy and many more sent their prayers to those affected via Twitter. Britney Spears encouraged fans to donate to relief organizations, tweeting, "So tragic. My heart is breaking for Japan."
"Just heard about the huge earthquake and tsunami in Japan," Kim Kardashian wrote. "My prayers are with everyone in Japan. Seeing all of this footage in Japan is devastating! Please help the people of Japan by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation."
Japan worldwide fashion brand Uniqlo (whose CEO Tadashi Yanai already donated $26 million) and Comptoir des Cotonniers as well as design brand Theory will be accepting clothes donations at their stores worldwide.
A website named Handmade for Japan also help Japan donation by selling an item. Handmade For Japan was born out of concern for Japan's residents by Japanese-American ceramic artist Ayumi Horie. She, Ai Kanazawa Cheung, and Kathryn Pombriant Manzella have mobilized to solicit, promote, and auction handmade pieces of art generously donated by talented artists throughout North America and Japan.
Handmade For Japan's GlobalGiving Fundraiser
Paper cranes made of subway maps, grocery store flyers and other materials made by studens in Jackson Heights, Queens. (Courtesy of Handmade for Japan)
Watch Lady Gaga Designs Bracelet for Japan Relief Video here
For those who are a fashionista, a brand "Uniqlo" is a family name to ears. Uniqlo is a Japanese famous brand, especially for jeans.
Although Uniqlo is a global brand, not every country has its branch. In South East Asia, only Singapore and Malaysia has its branch.
How to buy Uniqlo jeans?
Uniqlo brands are only available in several countries. But many Uniqlo items are offered around forums and websites.For more information, you can visit uniqlo website
Today, Uniqlo has spreading it business widely. Not only Jeans, but it also sell T-Shirts, outerwear, Bottoms, Shirts, Tops and T-Shirts, Knitwear, and Underwear.
Japan Uniqlo Denim is using materials "Made in Japan". The jeans are sewn and processed in Japan. These jeans were created using the KAIHARA Denim. (Denim Renowned by many jeans throughout the world), which offers both beauty and strong durability.
UNIQLO T-000 ORIGINAL BASICS
Cutting Skinny Fit Tappered
Color Black Dry Denim
Size 29/32
Measurements Waist 76cm Length 104cm Tight 24cm Knee 17cm Leg Opening 16cm
Made in Japan
90% Condition with minimum fading on right knee ( photo seen with blitz effect )
Price Rp.150.000
Watch ユニクロ Uniqlo Jeans Spring Summer 2010 Advertising Campaign Video
Japanese are famous for being unique and differently wearing a rock band fashion. Hairstyle has a important part in matching a fashion in Japan. Hairstyle is not only a matter about matching hairstyle and fashion, but your hairstyle will represent your personality.
Long Hairstyle may be the best choice for Women. An old saying that your hair is your crown may be suitable for a long-hair woman. But Short hairstyles are trendy in Japan also, short Japanese hairstyles are very popular among teenage girls.
Short hairstyles are the most versatile hair styles of them all. Whether you opt for extra short pixie hairstyles or stylish bob haircuts, you can easily go from day to night in just a few minutes.
Short summer haircuts are the short ones and the comb downs. Short hairstyles like spikes and crew cuts are great for young boys who like to run head first into everything. The haircut is short and simple allowing them to be active without any mess. Comb downs are also a good hairstyle for young boys. The look provides a different style from shorter cuts yet is still easy to style and manage. For young boys not as active the latter is probably a better choice.
Short hairstyles are very popular among women presently because of the style and versatility of the cut. Short hairstyles can be cut at different lengths and in different ways to obtain different results. Short hair can be styled curly or straight, depending on each persons personal preference. One of the most popular ways or wearing short hair is by wearing it wavy. This will enhance and soften the facial features, making you look more attractive and joyful.
With a short hairstyle, it will make your face more exposed. It is very suitable for those who have a bright and sweet face. However, short hairstyle seems not suitable for girls who want to be look cute. Older will say Women with Short hairstyle is like a boy and more masculine.
Japan Short Hairstyle Photos :
Watch How to cut a short hairstyle by Cute Japanese girl Video here
Japan is a fascinating and favourite country to visit. Not only Japan has many famoust tourist places start from modern city like Tokyo until historical imperial city Kyoto, but also Japan is the center of fashion and wearing style in Asia.
As one of the biggest economic growth country in the world, Japan become the target for businessmen to visit. Before we plan to visit Japan, it is better if we know its public holiday date.
The holiday date is important for those who want to travel and doing some business in Japan. While holiday, the tourist sites of course will be more crowded as well as the fares will be counted as high season fare.
Japan have 15 official holidays in a year. But most of the holidays are based from traditional occassions. The most important holiday may be New Year's day which start from 1st January, and usually last until the 3rd, and many business re-open on the 4th or 5th.
It is a suprise that Christmas is not the public holiday in Japan. 25th December is a working day, and many business are open, although many Japanese are celebrating Christmas as a festival not as a religious occassion.
Chinese New Year in Japan
Japan once was under Chinese imperial, and due to their close location, some Japanese festivals have their roots in Chinese festivals but have undergone dramatic changes as they mixed with local customs.
The best place to watch Chinese new year celebration in Japan is in Yokohama Chinatown.
It is this destination that celebrates the Chinese New Year with full enthusiasm. From Dragon Dances to Lion Dance Blessings, Yokohoma treats you with all the traditional events that form a part of the Chinese New Year. The dance performers from the Lion Dance troop entertain and thrill the viewers with “tsai qing” style of dance. During and after the performance, the dancers collect “hong pao” from the various shops of Chinatown. These “hong pao” are money kept in red colored envelops or packages.
Chinese New Year traditions in Japan:
As a part of the Chinese New Year celebration in Japan, the year 2011 will also see mass participation in various traditions. Some of the traditions followed during this time are:
Otoshidama:
Otoshidama, Japanese Angpao
Otoshidama is an important tradition, where children are given money in envelops. This tradition is same like the custom followed by the Chinese during Chinese New Year. The money is placed in beautiful envelops, which are also known as ‘pochibukuro’. Envelops are same like Goshugi, which are used during the Chinese New Year. In olden days though, a mochi bag w as accompanied by Mandarin oranges, which were meant to spread joy.
Mochi:
Having ‘mochi’ on the New Year is yet another tradition, which is widely followed in the country as a part of the New Year celebrations. Rice cake s are prepared out of the sticky stalk of boiled rice and eaten to begin the New Year. Kagami Mochi is further prepared from Mochi as a part of the New Year decoration. Mochi’s sticky nature makes it hazardous for health. Several deaths are reported as a result of Mochi consumption.
Chinese New Year at Yokohama Chinatown
The Chinese are everywhere in the world. They often build Chinatown and make their living on their own. In 1858, Japan opend its door to other countries. Port of Yokohama was opened in the following year. Various countries created their settlements there. The Chinese too moved to Yokohama as the translator and broker between the Japanese and the Westerners. As their number grew, they built their own town here. Chinatown collapsed after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, and the WWII discouraged their economic activity thoroughly. Since the war ended, Chinatown recovered gradually. It became the touristic site for the Japanese when diplomatic relations were established between China and Japan. Nowadays, it is more like a commercial site for tourists rather than for the Chinese immigrants.
Shunsets (Chunjie in Mandarin) is the celebration of Chinese New Year. Because they use the lunisolar calendar, the Chinese celbrate a different date than the Westerners and the Japanese. It was Febryary 18 in 2007, and will be February 7 in 2008 and January 26 in 2009. On the eve, they have countdown party. At midnight, they explode bakuchiku (firecracker) which gets rid of devils as the Chinese believe.
Chinatown also shows a performance of Chinese dance as well as lion dance during the shunsets season. Shishimai (lion dance) was changed a lot and adopted by the Japanese culture. However, here you can see the original dance by the young Chinese who communicate with each other during their performance in the perfect shape in Japanese.
Annual Nagasaki Lantern Festival in Nagasaki, Japan
Lion dance at Yokohama Chinatown
Chinese temple at Yokohama Chinatown
Watch Lion dance during Chinese New Year in Yokohama Chinatown Video here
