I’ve talked about my new bike, but today I realized that I hadn’t showed it yet, so here she is. It’s an older bike — a 2005 model of the Bianchi Fretta-T BD-1 — which I purchased from my friend Craig. I have been absolutely loving the ride I’m getting from it, and don’t particular like when I ride my old Muji bike (for running errands). I couldn’t recommend it enough, and wouldn’t be against buying a similar model again, but new (note that the body has now changed though, more curvy).

In passing, the photo above was taken with my iPhone using a great little app called Toy Camera, which randomly puts an effect on your photos, making them look like they were taken with a Lomo/Holga-style toy camera. The only beef I have with it is that the effects are always random, whereas I’d like to be able to select the type of effect. I also bought an app called Camerabag that does a similar thing, but also lets you select the filter. The only thing is that I prefer most of the effects that you get with Toy Camera.

I’m bored, and trying not to think about certain things, so let’s play a game. Pictured, a light. It’s somewhere in Tokyo. Ten points to anyone who figures out where. I may add hints in the comments section.

Assistant and PMKFA are plotting something. See, I have proof. I’m sure it’s something nasty.

I’ve been asked by a few people about the view from my desk at the PingMag offices in Harajuku, and so here it is (the glare is due to the crazy sun we were having — it got to 18 degrees on that day). Below, at night.

Archigram‘s Peter Cook and Assistant‘s Megumi Matsubara, at last Friday’s opening party for the “New Trends in Architecture in Europe and the Asia-Pacific 2008-2010” exhibition at Hillside Terrace in Daikanyama. The show runs until December 21.

Finally made it out to my first Likemind Tokyo event last Friday — it’s much more convenient to go now that I’m based in Harajuku. It was good fun, and for those wondering how it compares to PauseTalk, it’s basically a casual get-together without any moderated discussion — sort of like what PauseTalk turns into after we’re done with the official proceedings. The Rhythm Cafe venue is nice and funky too — and great cupcakes!

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.

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’.

Headed out to Iidabashi tonight to meet up with the TAB/AQ crew to celebrate the birthday of TAB staffer extraordinaire Kaori. We went to Hive Cafe (1F Grand Plus, 4-7-4 Iidabashi), newly opened this week, and from the same owner of the terrific Boulangerie A in Sanbancho (near Co-Lab). It was quite the feast!

Another year, another end of Tokyo Design Week, and another departure by Jesper. This time he was accompanied by his Next Century Modern crew — Ola and Christopher — and it was a pleasure to meet them for the first time. They organized a farewell party last Friday night in Nakameguro at a cool little bar called Hakoniwa — very close to the station, facing the tracks. Here’s already looking forward to next year’s visit!

Was out in Shibuya yesterday with my friend CheapyD, and he brought me to Pakutch where I was treated to the Tower Burger pictured above. It’s actually not as gigantic as it may appear in the photo, and was delicious.

Something I spotted a few weeks ago (forgot to post it): Shinkansen & Love, a fashion magazine themed on the Shinkansen. Basically, fashions to ride the Shinkansen in. It’s actually well photographed, and is from Infas (Studio Voice).

Audrey and Cornelius at the United Bamboo party, with Cornelius looking much happier than he did when he posed with me — the company was better, I guess.