Category: General

The new issue of AXIS (108) is out, and I picked it up last night. The feature is on something that interests me very much: branding. From the AXIS site: Today, all manner of things can become brands – it’s not just limited to corporations or manufactured products anymore. And there are many ways for…

Kahimi Karie is back with a new single, the previously mentioned “Nana” (you can listen to a sample here). I was really looking forward to this single, and after listening to it a few times today, I have to say that “Nana” is not leaving much of an impression on me, but I’m quite enjoying…

Well, sort of. I’ve had a Philippe Strack designed Fossil watch for about 2 years now, a birthday present from Yuko. It’s been a good watch, although the wear and tear definitely shows (scratched glass, discoloration, etc.). 2 weeks ago it finally died, which I figured meant it was time for a new battery. I…

I’ve also been listening to a new album by COPTER4016882, PERFECT JOKE. It came out on Capsule’s label Contemode, and so you should know what to expect (Capsule definitely see themselves as the P5 of the new millennium – only problem is that they sound a little bit too much like the P5 of the…

Robert has started profiling the Japanese art scene at his site. He kicks things off with Inoue Yasumichi.

As mentioned the other day, this week I want to talk about some recent Japanese releases that I’ve been listening to. I’ll start things off with a record that for me seems to have become this year’s Spring album, Jazztronik’s NANAIRO. Jazztronik is Nozaki Ryota, and what he does is jazz electronica. I’ve never actually…

News of what sounds like a change in direction for Yukari Fresh from Patrick: ” Yukari Fresh is back!… and she’s a punk!? She has a new CD single out on 4/14, under the name Yukari Rotten (in tribute to Johnny, apparently), called C.L.I.J.S.T.E.R.S. The single contains two new songs, “C.L.I.J.S.T.E.R.S.” and “Going to Heaven…

Seems like things are going to get less confusing when it comes to the Tokyo subway system. I heard about this a while back, but didn’t think it would be starting so soon.

From the MAINICHI DAILY NEWS: The new futuristic vessel “Himiko” sails along Tokyo Bay as the landmark Rainbow Bridge is seen in background, in Tokyo. The 114-ton silver metalic water-bus was designed by popular cartoon artist Leiji Matsumoto, with hopes to appeal to the younger generation, and is to start service in the Japanese capital…

Yuko was at Pause tonight with a friend, and while she was there, one of the designers who we alway see there (and often wears this really nice Namaiki designed hat) came out of the office to ask her to thank me. After asking why, he replied that it seems that their website is getting…