all photos by Tatsuto | used with permission
It’s well-documented that Tokyo is amongst the world’s most densely-populated cities. And you don’t have to look to far for visual confirmation of this: simply board a train headed for central Tokyo during rush hour, or walk around Shibuya almost any day of the week. But the discerning photographer Tatsuto captures Tokyo’s density in a different way: through spectacularly chaotic and overstimulating photos of objects that make up this vibrant city.
The many decision-making processes for the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics have been a bumpy ride, to say the least. Plagiarism allegations forced the committee to scrap their original logo and seek a new one. Then, when the new Tokyo Stadium proposal by the late Zaha Hadid was unveiled it was met with heavy criticisms over budget and site-specific appropriateness, which eventually forced the committee to start from scratch again. Now, with less than 1000 days to go, things seems to be back on track. Earlier this week 3 candidates were announced as potential mascots.
The 2017 Kansai Photojournalism Awards were announced last week. Exceptional photojournalism and videography from this year was recognized in various categories like News and Sports. The Kansai Photojournalism Association, which is made up of 76 news organizations with offices in the Kansai region, presented the most coveted Association Award to 2 photographers at Sankei News for their coverage of fireworks festivals over the summer.
I’ve been on a Yakitori kick these days. Sure it’s just chicken, but it’s also so much more! There’s nothing quite like sitting at the counter, watching the chef roast your skewer over hot coals as he fans the flames and smoke rises from the cinders. Omoide Yokocho, which also has the less-appetizing name Piss Alley, can be fun, but it’s swarming with tourists. If you’re looking for something a little more exclusive and intimate, head to Meguro where, nestled away on a side street is Torietsu.
Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves are lovely, and can act as a robust focal point in any home. But accessing the high shelves can be a problem. The common side-kick has always been ladders, which can also add character and charm. But for smaller homes like in Japan they can be a nuisance, occupying too much space for not enough usage. But Japanese architect Shinsuke Fujii came up with a simple, yet brilliant solution that solves another problem too: earthquake safety.
the nesugoshi kyusai bus (literally, overslept rescue bus)
It’s happened to the best of us: you have one too many drinks, catch the last train, fall asleep and wake up at the final stop. Well Tokyo must be one of the most thoughtful and caring cities because during the month of December, the Nishi Tokyo Bus Company will operate a nesugoshi kyusai bus (overslept rescue bus) that will meet passengers at the final stop and carry them back.
“Why is a painting dry? Why isn’t a painting alive?” It was that simple question that inspired Akiko Nakayama to create “Alive Paintings” that captures the vibrant movement, fluidity, energy and ephemerality of life by depicting the flow of paint and water.
When we were in Tokyo last month we downloaded the Oedo Burari app. It was pricey – 600 yen – but we decided to bite the bullet and go for it. And I have to say, it was worth it. Part of what makes Tokyo such a fun city to walk is its ancient history combined with its density. This app added a whole new dimension to Tokyo’s history by allowing you to walk along a map of old Edo originally created in the late 1600s.
Miwa Komatsu grew up in the mountainous regions of Nagano, Japan. The hills and forests was her playground; the animals her friends. She remembers one animal in particular: a Japanese wolf she revered as her protector and guardian. For whenever she got lost in the woods the mountain dog would show itself and appear to lead her home, only to mysteriously disappear once she was safe.
Sea urchin, or uni, is a delicacy in Japan. But it’s also an acquired taste. For uni lovers like ourselves, you’re probably accustomed to having it served on rice as sushi, or as sashimi. Maybe the occasional uni pasta. But now a new Tokyo restaurant, aptly named Uniholic, wants to open up the doors to a whole new world of uni-possibilities.
Myaku-Myaku Footwear, Inspired by the Googly-Eyed Mascot for the Osaka Expo
Five Unique Experiences at Harajuku’s Latest Development Harakado
All of Japan’s 47 Prefectures Captured In Expressive Typography
Japan’s Stationery Award Offers a Return to the Primitive
Japan Quietly Shines at Milan Design Week
