Spoon & Tamago

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A Glimpse Inside the Whimsical Wooden Miniature Homes of Yukihiro Akama

images courtesy of Yukihiro Akama

Artist Yukihiro Akama is set to unveil his largest exhibition to date, ‘Basho no Kankaku – A Sense of Place,’ at Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP). The display will feature 52 wooden houses, each crafted from a single piece of wood, ranging from a mere 4cm to a grand 105cm and accompanied by architectural drawings and mini prints.

Past, Present and Future of Tokyo on Full Display in World’s Largest Architectural Projection-Mapping

February 26, 2024 / Johnny / Comments Off

From the deep forests of Okutama and the vibrant coral reefs of Ogasawara, to the sleepless neon lights of Shinjuku, Tokyo truly is one of the most diverse cities. And while one could argue that it has enough night lights, a new nightly projection mapping display will light up the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s headquarters building on a daily basis.

Show Your Japan Prefectural Love With These Enamel Pins

February 24, 2024 / Johnny / 5 Comments

This series of enamel pins, with each representing one of Japan’s 47 prefectures, are the perfect way to show love for your hometown, or simply keep as mementos from your travels. Not only do they accurately capture the shape of each prefecture but the colors were also carefully selected to align with what the prefecture is known for.

Director Ryota Nakano to be Special Guest at Japan Society’s Family Portrait: Japanese Family in Flux

February 22, 2024 / sponsor / Comments Off

this post is sponsored by Japan Society

Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan and Japan Society are proud to announce the eighth installment of the ACA Cinema Project film series, Family Portrait: Japanese Family in Flux. The series examines the shifting dynamics and struggles of the Japanese household in contemporary cinema. Showcasing 10 features, including premieres and revivals, Family Portrait celebrates the complexities of familial bonds in the face of adversity—bringing to question what truly defines a family and its values in the modern world.

Limited tickets are still available for the final weekend of Japan Society’s Family Portrait: Japanese Family in Flux—showcasing three films from director Ryota Nakano (Her Love Boils Bathwater, A Long Goodbye and The Asadas) on Feb. 23 and 24. Nakano will attend all three of his films in person—Her Love Boils Bathwater on Feb. 23 will feature a post screening Q&A and reception and The Asadas on Feb. 24 will conclude with a post-screening panel discussion.

To learn more and purchase tickets, please visit japansociety.org.

Step Into a World of Contemporary Japanese Art at New Exhibition in New York

February 20, 2024 / Johnny / 1 Comment

a series of washi paper prints by artist takayuki. o

“Stepping Into A World” is a the 5th in a series of juried open call exhibitions aimed at showcasing undiscovered Japanese artists and integrating them into the forefront of the global art scene. The exhibition, which includes paintings, digital prints, and sculptures, is on view at Gallery Max in Soho and was curated by New York-based curator Kyoko Sato and television writer Motoichi Adachi.

Takenokuma Cafe is a Water Garden Inspired by the Lush Nature of Kumamoto

February 19, 2024 / Johnny / Comments Off

In the peaceful town of Minami-Oguni (Kumamoto Prefecture) is Takenokuma, a new cafe inspired by the many water sources that flow freely from nearby Mt. Aso. These water sources manifest themselves in many ways including rivers, hot springs and channels that flow into the abundant rice paddies, all of which inform the “water-centered architecture.”

Go on the Tokyo Toilet Tour and Never Worry About Finding a Public Restroom Again

February 17, 2024 / Johnny / 6 Comments

Japan’s public restrooms have in international reputation for being clean and well-maintained, but apparently that still wasn’t good enough. In 2020, the city of Shibuya and Nippon Foundation embarked on an initiative called Tokyo Toilet. They brought together some of the biggest names in architecture and design to renovate 17 public restrooms all throughout Shibuya. Now that all of them are complete, a new tour promises an in-depth exploration into the crossroads of public hygiene and architecture.

Evolving Themes of Absence and Presence in the Paintings of Minoru Nomata

February 15, 2024 / Kushal Jain / Comments Off

Still-28 1986

Painting is an escapist world, but I would like it to be a place to become energized
Minoru Nomata

Over the past four decades, Minoru Nomata has developed a distinctive painting style characterized by imaginary architectonic and topographical forms. His works transcend specific time and place, marked by a lack of human presence. He combines the familiar with the mysterious, creating visionary paintings that are both heroic and haunting.

Kawazu Cherry Blossoms in Shizuoka Now in Full Bloom

February 13, 2024 / Johnny / Comments Off

The Kawazu-Zakura cherry blossoms

If you’re sick of winter and ready for spring, head to Shizuoka’s Kawazu City, the host of one of Japan’s earliest cherry blossom festivals. The Kawazu-zakura cherry blossoms are known for blossoming early and some trees are already beginning to bloom.

Tachinomi Ura is a Standing Eatery in Kurashiki Carrying on Local Sake and Cuisine Culture

February 6, 2024 / Johnny / Comments Off

unless otherwise noted, all photos by Go Itami courtesy Schemata Architects

Located steps from Kurashiki Station in Okayama is Tachinomi Ura, a new standing eatery that opened late last year. Ura emphasizes local ingredients and seafood sourced from the Setouchi region, stylishly paired with sake from smaller makers you typically wouldn’t find elsewhere. The late-night eatery offers locals and visitors a welcome respite from the conflicting powers of tradition and tourism that have put strain on the area.