GQ Japan Vs. Boing Boing
GQ Japan published an article on the Boing Boing site — here’s a translation.
Aug 23, 2005
Make Mine Micro
I love these little micro-homes (a bit like the Muji+Infill Ki no Ie). From Boing Boing:
These “Micro-Compact Homes” were designed at the Technical University of Munich and the Tokyo Institute of Technoloogy, inspired by the highly designed compact spaces in first-class airplane cabins and Smart cars. They are lightweight, transportable, and cost a mere 50,000 Euros. They’re going to be installed in a “village” on campus at the Technical University of Munich.
The tiny cube provides a double bed on an upper level and working table and dining space for four or five people on a lower level. The kitchen bar is accordingly arranged to serve these two levels. The entrance lobby has triple use and functions as a bathroom and drying space for clothing. Storage is provided off each of these four functioning spaces.
Aug 23, 2005
The Boy Is Back in Town
Well, after a 14-hour flight from NYC, we were back home in our apartment last night at 5, and I only made it to 7 before falling asleep. It’s now 3 am and I’m completely awake — the joys of jet lag! Expect things to finally get back on track here as normal life now resumes. It is possible that the site goes down for a bit as my hosting is upgrading to new servers this week, but you might not notice it at all.
Oh, and for those wondering, yes, I did have a chance to go to the MoMA Design Store in NYC and see the Muji goods on sale (the only place in North America I believe). Everything was more than double the price!
Aug 23, 2005
Google Maps Versus TAB
This site uses Google Maps in conjunction with Tokyo Art Beat listings. Link via Archinect.
Aug 18, 2005
Tokyo Color Designer
As some of you have noticed, I had to take down a post recently regarding design work as it wasn’t meant for the general public. This one, from a recruiter at Nike, is:
It’s time to determine where you work, and not the other way around. From guitarists to graphic designers to people whose skills defy description, the Nike design group is definitely an atypical work environment. Start playing. I am looking for Tokyo Color Designers.
If you know of any qualified candidates, please email me: michelle.dechene[at]nike.com
Since I’ve been receiving info regarding design work of late, I wonder if I should start a design job listing area on the site? I do often get contacted by designers looking for work in Japan, so employers, take note!
Aug 17, 2005
The TAB Interview
The creators of Tokyo Art Beat, a site I consult daily (or at least the feeds), get interviewed at Ping Mag.
Aug 16, 2005
La photo sonore
The other day I was invited to do a 45-minute Japanese music spotlight on my friend’s college radio show (the same station where I used to have a show). I only had time to play 10 tracks (I had prepared 20 before going), and here’s what the playlist looked like:
1. Shugo Tokumaru – “Typewriter” (NIGHT PIECE)
2. Shugo Tokumaru – “Karte” (L.S.T.)
3. Kiiiiiii – “4 Little Joeys (DJ Codomo Remix)”
4. Yukari Fresh – “Interstellar Kiss and Ride” (CICLISMO 2)
5. Higuchi Yasuo dit PICO – “I Love You (It’s a Man’s Man’s Field Ultimate Kaji Mix)”
6. Capsule – “Uchuu Elevator” (S.F. SOUND FURNITURE)
7. Halcali – “Electric Sensei” (BACON)
8. Cubismo Grafico Five – “Sound Bwoys Fire!!!” (SEEDY)
9. Plus-Tech Squeeze Box – “Early Riser” (FAKEVOX)
10. Karia Nomoto – “No Ichigo (Wild Strawberries)” (THE GIRL FROM R.E.A.D.Y.M.A.D.E.)
And now for an update on my personal radio projects:
- We will probably be recording some new shows of Radio OK Fred when I get back in Tokyo, so hopefully a new show will be up in early September. Marxy has prepared a special mix — Radio MXUT — for us (as O.Lamm did a few months back) which I believe will be uploaded sometime this week. I was given a rough edit before I left for my holidays, and it’s a very fun listen.
- I picked up an iTalk adapter for my iPod, so I’m now all set to do some field recordings. Don’t expect anything before September though, as I think it’s going to take me a good week or so to get over my jet lag (I get back on the 22nd).
- The other podcast project is also going ahead. I believe me and Trevor (of Music Related) will be cooking up some shows this fall. The idea is to create a show that will play Japanese music only. We’re even talking about recording it live, with me in Tokyo and him in NYC, probably over Skype or iChat.
Aug 16, 2005
Anime Column for August
This month’s anime column is now up at Tokyo Q. It includes a short review of GUN X SWORD, and lots of newsbites.
Aug 12, 2005
Over My Dead Sony
And things get even more interesting regarding the Japan iTunes Music Store — take it to the man! I imagine Marxy will have a few choice words on the subject.
Last week Apple launched its iTunes Music Store in Japan with great success, becoming the number one such service in the country. Now Japanese musicians under contract with Sony are defying the record company to try to get their songs listed on iTunes, reports AP. Sony has not opted to join the service. “At least one artist has already gone against his label to offer his songs on iTunes, notes the story. “And a major agency that manages Japanese musicians said Wednesday it was interested in a possible deal with Apple Computer Inc., regardless of the recording companies’ positions.” Reportedly Apple and Sony are in talks, but have reached no decision to date. (MacMinute)
And more here.
Update: And Marxy’s take.
Aug 11, 2005
Design Column for August
I didn’t mention it here (hey, I’m on holidays), but my design column at Tokyo Q got posted last Friday. I did something different, offering up a design-friendly tour of Ginza (basically the route I follow on my monthly visits to the area).
Aug 10, 2005
Selling a Million
Looks like the Japan iTunes Music Store is off to a good start!
Apple today announced that its iTunes Music Store in Japan has sold more than one million songs from since its launch four days ago. With over 90 percent of the songs priced at ¥150 per song, the iTunes Music Store in Japan features a mix of local favorites and popular international artists, with Japanese artists claiming both the number one song (Def Tech) and the number one album (Ulfuls). “iTunes has become Japan’s number one online music store in just four days,” said Apple CEO Steve Jobs. “iTunes has sold twice as many songs in just four days as all the other online music services in Japan sell in one month.” (MacMinute)
I haven’t had a chance to explore the store much — anyone know how they’re doing with indies (smaller labels)?
Aug 8, 2005
Jean Snow is a contributor to 
He will be contributing to the upcoming fifth editions of 
