Matsuyama City in Ehime Prefecture is a scenic city overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, home to Japan’s oldest hot spring, Dogo Onsen, and has produced many literary figures. The city has many literary spots, including being the hometown of haiku poet Masaoka Shiki and the setting for novels such as Natsume Soseki’s “Botchan” and Ryotaro…
Momotaro is the name of a hero from the Japanese folklore “Momotaro Densetsu”, often translated as “Peach Boy” in the western world. This story passed down through many generations originates and takes place in Okayama, Japan. Made with Japan visited the headquarters of Japan Blue Group, the makers and parents company of Momotaro Jeans. They…
One of the most influential street-wear labels of this decade to come out of Japan, A Bathing Ape, will be sold to Hong Kong clothing company, I.T. Ltd.. It made the news this past week that a 90% stake of Nowhere Co., the parent company of BAPE will be sold for a mere $2.8 million,…
Source: Gaigosan Gallery Takashi Murakami’s art will be available for public viewing starting this week at the Gagosian Gallery for his first solo exhibition in Rome. Murakami is credited for creating “Superflat,” a style of art which draws influence from Japanese otaku sub-cultures (manga and anime) in a colorful pop art format. From the galleries…
Holographic virtual idol in Japan performs live! Miku Hatsune is a Vocaloid (Vocal + Android) and idol character created by Crypton Future Media to market their software package built on Yamaha’s synthesized vocal technology. This technology allows virtually anyone make Miku sing any lyrics on any melody using a computer. There have been thousands of…
While I was in Japan this fall, I met with Japanese designers and other cool people who have influence on youth-culture of Japan today. I interviewed these people with the goal to introduce their work while at the same time, to get a more personal view of them as individuals. I also asked them to…
Alain is a calligrapher based in Tokyo, Japan. Growing up in Okinawa, he learned the traditional ways of Japanese calligraphy known as “shodo.” One of the principles (and beauties) of shodo is that one has only a single shot when writing on the washi paper with a brush loaded with sumi ink. There is no…
A series of amusing subway manner posters that appeared in Tokyo sometime between 1976 and 1982. 1976年から1982年あたりに地下鉄で見かけられていた面白いマナーポスター。 Careful not to get your bag caught between the train doors. シマッタ。閉まるドアにご注意。 This poster shows the three types of trouble-making monsters on the train. As you can see, they are taking up space and being annoying. “Asshi-” crossing…
Via V&A Museum The V&A Museum in London will be hosting Japanese fashion designer, Yohji Yamamoto’s first major solo show in the UK. The show will be an installation-based retrospective, showcasing over 80 women’s and menswear garments which are most representative of his work. The main exhibition space is scheduled to house his creations and…
Brandon from Lactose Intoler-Art, was kind enough to allow Made with Japan present the first showing of his new illustrations. His characters are interpretations of Tokyo street fashion and real people on the streets of Tokyo. This season, they are dressed to stay warm in their unique style! Lactose Intoler-Art is an artist who uses…