Ah the end of the week. And with many many distractions along the way I`ve made it to the end of my week-long series. I was saving this photographer for last, not necessarily the best, but the most dramatic… because I need a little drama in my life.

Atsushi Okada recently completed a PhD program in fine arts at Tokyo Polytechnic. He first received critical acclaim in 2003 for “Platibe,” a dispirited look at youth, attempting to define themselves in modern day society.

image courtesy of Atsushi Okada

For his most recent project, which was on display at B GALLERY earlier this year, Okada returns to his roots, calling on Japan’s youth from around the country to model for him. Models included young teenagers and youth who had been hurt by others, or who had hurt themselves, or even attempted suicide. There has been a lot of discussion in the media lately (actually in recent years) about Japan’s youth and how they are more unstable, and how, as a result, Japan’s legendary status as a crime-free society has been called into question.

Everyone has a theory, whether it be western influence or video games and comics that desensitize you towards violence. I have no idea what’s going on, if anything. However, art can often be a means of healing, and I think that is exactly what Okada is proposing here.

images courtesy of konika minolta

Today marks exactly 365 days since Spoon & Tamago began. And I must say, it`s been such an enjoyable experience and I love doing it! It`s a little embarrasing looking back at some of my older posts because I really had no idea what I was doing (seriously). But I guess that`s how we all learn and grow right?

Anyway, to commemorate, I`ve decided to accept sponsors to advertise on this site in order to cover the daily costs of blogging (hosting, research, etc.) and keep Spoon & Tamago as active as possible. Here is a breif introduction:

ATSUYO ET AKIKO are a brooklyn-based design team that bring imagination and storytelling into the realm of their designs. They have some really awesome children`s tees, as well as accessories, and I continue to admire the work that they produce!

TOMITA DESIGNS is the design studio of Ken Tomita, a multi-cultural designer who uses bamboo ply as his medium. His exquisite pieces are modern, with subtle traditional influences. I love the YAMA coffee table!

GREENTEA DESIGN is a treasue trove of Japanese and Asian inspired furniture. And they actually manufacture all their own stuff, which is pretty cool. I definitly reccomend checking out their site!