Picked up the latest issue of GIANT ROBOT today, mostly because it featured a cover and interview with Japanese artist 326 (click here to see the cover, as the image I had linked to doesn’t seem to be loading anymore). I really like his artwork, even have a few postcards bought years ago, but I’ve never been able to find any info on him in English.

Also picked up the new issue of WEST EAST (can’t believe that such a beautiful magazine has such a lame website), and I was probably in part sucked in by the absolutely gorgeous Zhang Ziyi cover. The theme for the issue is “new China,” and it’s jam packed with interesting articles and images dealing with all aspects of this. I was quite impressed with a particular article that takes a look at some new Chinese artists that are creating some very original works (and esthetically quite appealing). My next trip to Beijing (which will not be happening in December) will have to include some visits to galleries or studios of these artists. As for the magazine itself, it’s a bit pricey (reason I’ve never bought an issue before, contenting myself with a look-through at Junkudo), but well worth the price as it’s gigantic and thick. One of the most eye catching things out there (the fashion spreads are amazing). It’s a Hong Kong based magazine with full English text, and Chinese translations at the back.

EXPOSURE 32 is also out, and I was lucky enough to find it free at Planet 3rd (most other stores charge for it, even though it’s supposed to be a free magazine).

Spent the afternoon in Shibuya, doing a lot of window shopping, checking out magazines. I spent a lot of time in the basement of Parco 3, mostly listening to stuff at the Apres-midi Selecao shop (where I spotted the Julie Doiron CD I mention in Tokyo Boy), and grabbing a couple of neat little objects at a shop called A2 Collection (a tiny blue pen and a lighter – I don’t smoke, but I can’t help myself from buying nice-looking things, no matter what they are). I checked out the new J.Point shop, which has a beautiful selection of traditional Japanese objects with a modern flair, and did a quick in-out at Fran Fran (there’s a cube shaped calendar that I simply must have). Had a latte at the Beams Time Cafe, enjoying my just-purchased magazines, and then had dinner at Planet 3rd (I still have the taste of that delicious apple and cinamon pizza in my mouth).