Arcade Mania gets some nice attention over at PingMag — and I swear, this was put into motion way before my involvement with the site — by way of an interview with Brian.

“Sound/Mindscapes” is an interesting new project that brings art and science together. The two-week show (November 26 to December 7) will be held at the Ongoing cafe gallery in Kichijoji, with the first week acting as a workshop for sound technology and art students, and then the second week featuring an exhibition based on the workshop. The two weeks are open to the public — the entire project is seen as an art installation — and will conclude with a panel talk chaired by Ken Mogi (December 7, 16:00). For more information, feel free to contact Jean-Julien Aucouturier, a Tokyo University researcher and Temple University professor who is organizing the project.

Pixelated Christmas imagery used at Sony Plaza stores in Japan.

I forget what this was for — found while digging through older photos — but they were on display at the ABC bookstore in Aoyama in early October. I think they were works compiled in a book.

Peter Machat was an exchange student at Nagoya Zokei University, and upon returning to Germany was inspired to create his “51 Japanese Characters” project. Visit the website and have a look at the 51 characters, from otaku to bosozoku and beyond. It’s a fun idea — the website also has a wacky mix and match section — and I quite like the style. You can also purchase a set of 51 postcards, and an A0-size poster will come out by the end of the month — both can be ordered online. Via Imprint Talk.

Muji collaborates with Austrian furniture company Thonet to update the latter’s 1859 “Chair No. 14.” Via Spoon & Tamago.

I’m assuming these are one of a kind, but I could use a pair — art by Shantell Martin.

Maiko Kuzunishi (Decoylab) returns to calendar postcards this year for her 2009 calendar project. The idea is that you subscribe, and she then sends you a postcard each month, with an illustration on one side and calendar on the other. I still have the 2005 calendar postcards displayed on my wall (in a PVC holder), and immediately ordered these.

The second episode of Néojaponisme’s podcast series on Japanese punk and hardcore is now up.

A new season means it’s time for a new entry in the “Cafe Pause Poster Series” (#4), this time by Tokyo-based illustrator Josh McKible. Huge thanks to Josh for the contribution. Below, a look at the poster as seen in the cafe‘s entrance.

Had lunch with Micke (PMKFA) yesterday in Aoyama, which marked our first “Creative Gentlemen’s Lunch Club” in quite a while. We had cheese burgers at J.S. Burgers, and because of the absolutely terrific weather were able to eat out on the terrace (I even took my jacket off).

We then went to his office, which is now located in the MHT building. We spent a bit of time on the roof (pictured above), listening to some tracks, after which I went to the work area and proceeded to bother everyone (apologies all around). Did have a nice talk with OK Fred‘s Yoshi — I swear, Radio OK Fred will return — and then coffee with Ega, One Hand Clappin’.

The Laptop Orchestra is set to collaborate with underground artist Keiji Haino for “Gagaku Is Milk for John Cage.” The show takes place Friday, November 28 at SuperDeluxe, from 19:30 (2,500 yen in advance, 3,000 at the door, with drink).

Kyouei releases its Liquid Lamp and Liquid Bookmark in red. Both are also available in white.

Néojaponisme takes a look at Takita Yojiro’s Okuribito, grand prize winner of the Montreal World Film Festival.

I posted not too long ago about the Tokyo edition of Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School, and this time it’s for an event organized by the group that doesn’t involve sketching. “Dr. Sketchy’s Exhibition Party” will showcase the works of participants — including pieces by Dr. Sketchy founder Molly Crabapple — with a few cabaret performances thrown in: Miss Erochica Bamboo, Violet Eva, The Murasaki Baby Dolls, Cherry Typhoon, and Safi. It happens Saturday, November 22 at La Boheme in Aoyama (Kotto-Dori) — 3,500 yen with drink at the door, 2,500 with drink in advance or with flyer (email them).