Spoon & Tamago

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Bento Boxes Inspired by Notable Japanese Architecture

February 28, 2023 / Johnny / Comments Off

all photos by Kakuta Wataru courtesy Kenchiku Bento

Bento boxes and architecture are actually closely related. While one serves as the primary dwelling for residents, the other serves as a primary dwelling for sustenance. Both require blueprints that carefully considers spatial design, compartmentalization and principles of form, function and aesthetics. So it only made sense to look towards notable works from the past, which have stood the test of time, in hopes of encountering new edible experiences.

Bento box architecture is an initiative by four individuals who share a love for architecture, but also food. “We believe by designing new bento boxes, we can design new bento experiences, and we hope to introduce famous Japanese architecture to the world in the form of bento boxes,” they explain.

Artisanal Ghibli Collection Blends Animation with Craftsmanship

February 27, 2023 / Kushal Jain / Comments Off

All images courtesy of Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten

Studio Ghibli is bringing a new lineup of Totoro collectibles in collaboration with some of the best craftsmen from around Japan. The collection comprises Totoro figures, paper treasure boxes, flower vases, plates, handkerchiefs, and furoshikis (traditional wrapping cloth), teleporting children to the world of Ghibli through role playing goodies.

Kurkku Fields: A Sustainable Farm, Outdoor Art Museum and Underground Library in Chiba

February 25, 2023 / Johnny / Comments Off

“Kurkku Fields” | photo by Yurika Kono courtesy Fujiwalabo

Located an hour from Tokyo in the wilderness of Chiba is Kurkku Fields, a vast, 74-acre sustainable farm that combines elements of ethical farming and food, art and nature. You can visit for a day or stay for a weekend and enjoy fresh, delicious produce, admire art, and learn about sustainable living.

Nihonga Painter Yuki Matsuoka’s Organic Artworks are Brimming with Energy

February 22, 2023 / Johnny / 1 Comment

“No beginning No end” by Yuki Matsuoka | photos courtesy the artist

Last week in Kyoto, the Eki Museum hosted an exhibition dedicated to five up-and-coming nihonga painters. Literally “Japanese painting,” the term nihonga sounds broad but actually refers to a very specific style of painting that uses only natural materials like sumi ink, mineral pigments, gofun (a white pigment made from pulverized seashells) and animal or vegetable coloring.

The History of Animal Escape Drills at Japanese Zoos

February 16, 2023 / Johnny / 1 Comment

Tobe Zoo in Aichi conducted a lion escape drill today.

Note the expression on the actual lions faces.
pic.twitter.com/azuJYQhLCw
— Spoon & Tamago (@Johnny_suputama) June 22, 2019

Zoos are home to dangerous animals and for this reason they have a moral and legal obligation to protect the community and visitors. All zoos carry out semi-annual training in response to various animal escape scenarios. But zoos in Japan often take their drills a step further, staging elaborate dry runs by using costumed zookeepers as fugitive animals. The skits can seem silly at times but are rooted in an alarming, real-life incident that took place in Tokyo almost 90 years ago.

Water-Activated Calligraphy Makes Shodo More Accessible

February 16, 2023 / Kushal Jain / Comments Off

It is said that ‘Shodo’, the art of kanji calligraphy, was brought from China to Japan during the Asuka Period (538 – 710 AD). It was considered an essential part of education amongst samurai and aristocrats. And now it is an artform limited to professionals. Like painting, it also requires a bunch of tools, endless practice and is typically a messy affair. Hanakosumi’s range of ‘Water Activated Paper’ addresses some these issues, making Shodo more convenient.

RAKKU’s New Jacket is a Wearable Bag

February 9, 2023 / Kushal Jain / Comments Off

‘Rakku’ is a project initiated to revolutionize the mundane and tiring work culture. The word ‘Rakku (楽)’ means ‘Comfort’ in Japanese and the project’s objective is to question the current way of working, contemplating what really is necessary and also delving into new possibilities of doing the very same things in a relaxed, fun yet efficient way. Hence the motto ‘Work freely, fun and easy.’

Graphic Design Kamishibai Tell Visual Fairytales

February 7, 2023 / Johnny / Comments Off

“Snow White” retold using only graphic symbols

The kamishibai (literally “paper play”) is a Japanese form of storytelling that involved a narrator using illustrated paper boards to tell stories. As the story would progress, a new board would replace the previous board, propelling the story forward. This concept served as the inspiration for graphic designer Katsuhiko Shibuya and his class of students at Joshibi University of Art and Design. The task, however, was to deconstruct fairy tales even further using only graphic symbols.

Interiors for ONIBUS Coffee Made From Discarded Wood and Beans

February 6, 2023 / Kushal Jain / Comments Off

Onibus Coffee has brewed up their first location outside Tokyo. Designed by Torafu Architects and located in Nasu, Tochigi, the coffee shop joins Good News Neighbors, a group of environmentally conscious businesses.The idea was to establish the coffee brand’s identity while blending in with the surrounding neighbourhood and nature.

Artist Hikari Asano Experiments with Traditional Japanese Rooms By Spinning a Kotatsu

February 1, 2023 / Johnny / Comments Off

”marui chikyu no moyogae” / 丸い地球の模様替え (2023) by Hikari Asano

Artist Hikari Asano is currently a graduate student at Tokyo University of the Arts. Over the years, she’s developed a practice of experimenting with washitsu, or traditional Japanese rooms, in surreal and unexpecting ways. As part of her graduating thesis project, she’s created a tatami mat base and kotatsu that spins in the air like a child-propelled merry-go-round.