Wooden Tote Shou

Japanese artist Takumi Shimamura created these wooden totes with thin slices of wood strengthened by a resin technique. Amazing, no? I'm curious to feel them and explore their comfort and durability. Read more at gestalten.

Delfonics Pens & Pencils

I have a sweet spot for pens and pencils. I tend to prefer simple designs, like the cheap econo packs of Bic Medium point... but how sexy are these hexagonal shaped ball point pens and pencils from Japanese designer Delfonics? They come in your choice of yellow, white, red or wood.

A Solar System of Chocolates

My Mum gave us L’éclat chocolates for Christmas. I looked into the Japanese company and found this clever a line of chocolates resembling our solar system. How fun!

Tatsuro Kiuchi

I'm enamored with Tatsuro Kiuchi's illustrations. Doesn't the Japanese artist demonstrate the grandiose way small children view the world? (Psst...I printed these to pin up in my work space!)

Measure Calendar

Japanese designer Hiroyuki Miyake created a calendar, which works like a retractable tape measure. Each day is the size of one centimeter. I'd like to give these as gifts.

Japanese Food iPhone Covers

These are pretty aggressive for an iPhone case, but funky and fun. Would you put one on your device? They're actually making me a little hungry.

via: Toxel

floating bench

From Japanese studio h220430, this floating bench appears to be held up by bunches of balloons at either end. Made from alumuninum, the bench is suspended by anchors in the ceiling, which are coveted by the clusters of balloons.

(Learn more!)

Tapehook

From Japanese designers Torafu Architects, the Tapehooks are made from paper and look like strips of curled tape. I would love a few next to my door!

Paper Balloonfish

Adorable pink paper balloonfish from Japanese seller UGIiSU! I'd like a dozen, and a sweet Spring afternoon to raise glasses of bubbly to, as they dangle over our heads.

It's a film now.

Haruki Murakami is my favorite author. The love is so deep, I've reread some of his books multiple times. Norwegian Wood is where I began in my involvement with Murakami. It's now a film (thus far only released in Japan).

a dinner at Ninja- Tribeca

We passed the subtle entry to Ninja, before tracking back, and crowding the sample-sized entry. The hostess verified our reservation and radioed down to the subterranean dining room to announce our arrival. She ushered us into the elevator and as the door opened- we were assaulted by ninja poised to scare the living daylights out of us! After round of screams and laughter, the ninja asked how we'd like to get to our dungeon. To which I replied, "the most difficult way possible." Down a desperately dark corridor of steps and turns-- we fell into a subtle light- to be accosted by another ninja equipped with exploding flames.

Each table is contained in its own chamber, with sliding gate. Various ninjas snaked up on us (and continued to inundate us throughout the entire night) armed with knives, firecrackers and flames. I quickly grew pleased with my decision to sit in the corner lacking a window (easy access to a knife at the throat).

We quenched our thirst with Toh's for the ladies (champagne and lychee) and Echigo rice beer for the gents. The Toh was a bit thick and we felt it best to swap out for pure bubbly after a few. The speed of order to arrival on the drinks was a bit on the slow side, a detail that we allowed ourselves to forgive as we were under constant attack by the ninja army.

While we craved various selections from the French-Japanese fusion a la carte menu, we decided to select the Sasuke tasting menu as well, in the spirit of a full experience. For our appetizers, we requested spicy tuna and shrimp tempura rolls (doubled up from the a la carte and tasting menu), as well the Katon Explosion- caramelized foie gras and Japanese taro potatoes pressed together and served with foamy ponzu sauce. The sushi was standard- above deli grade, but nothing to write home about. The Katon proved interesting, if not a little messy and seemingly over sized for an appetizer portion.

Up next (from the tasting menu), the Batto Jutsu. The Batto is a gorgeous combination of sashimi and soft beets in a ginger sauce with a bowl of tuna confit. The dish is a lovely marriage with the sira-ae sauce and the elements are better appreciated in arranged in bites together.

Our next shared course, the miso salmon, came in a pile on par with an entree. The soft roasted Scottish salmon looked like a lazy sun bather on an island of turnip, pressed into a sea of white miso. And: it was luscious, even for fully cooled. I'll credit the miso sauce.


I could have skipped the entrees, but they were already in the queue. From the Sasuke tasting menu: a massive rib eye steak with a dipping sauce line-up (garlic apple, pepper saiko miso teriyaki) joined by sides of taro and cauliflower gratin. The pepper saiko stole the show with whole peppercorns dominating the zingy sauce. The ladies at the table, myself included, selected the steak in a box. Requested rare, our Thai style Angus came politely arranged in a box with mixed salad spiced with crispy shredded potato and two smaller boxes of Thai-spiced sauce and soft boiled egg. Per the instruction of our ninja, we mixed the sauce with the egg and doused our salad and pre-sliced steak.

Also recommended, we agreed to a few more rolls from the chef's noted specialties- the wasabi yellow tail and Rock n' Roll NY, which is composed of spicy crayfish, avocado, pop rocks salad (yes, there was an explosion instigated) and topped with habanero-masago. Served on a long and slightly dramatic plank, the presentation topped the overall excitement of the rolls, explosion aside, of course.

A magician appeared to wow us as we plunked back in our chairs, tipsy on champagne and lethargic from the overindulgent consumption. We were somehow coerced into a final course of ninja star. Noted as "The ultimate ninja weapon," the soft chocolate mousse cake stood strong with a berry sorbet and small square bowl of fresh mixed-fruit and little wooded fork for nibbling.

--
The next day in the office, I found myself approached by a handful of people, inquiring about my experience (foursquare check-in sparked the attention). It seems that is Tribeca spot is much like a chain of amusement parks- and from the sounds of the Toyko branch, New York has them beat on cuisine.




images: daily intake, eater

Mitsutomo Matsunami's Slim Apartment

Mitsutomo Matsunami designed a slim apartment in Japan that only takes up 1200 square feet of land. The modern building is seven stories and features ten apartments of varying sizes.

More : via

Zain7 Illustrations

These are lovely. View more from Japanese artist Zain7 here.

a dinner at SUteiShi

After an overindulgent New Years Eve-heavy in roast duck, rack of lamb and champagne- we craved a light sushi dinner at home in the city. With Haru closed and the cold and wind subdued, the Seaport posed a good option. We tucked ourselves into 2009 Michelin Guide recommended SUteiShi.


We peaked our appetites with Asahi beer and unoaked chardonnay. The chardonnay was excellent, certainly a gorgeous match for the Japanese menu. The decor: clean, modern and laced with red fluorescent lights. Our server a bit overambitious to walk us through the menu.


We commenced our light bites with edamame. Sea salt and black sesame sauce were offered to the side for dressing. A satisfying touch, to be sure.

For our second course, we indulged in the house-made blue crab gyozo with lime and chili spicy sauce. A bit oily in appearance, the gyozo were actually quite light. The sauce properly cut the richness of the crab and pasta.

For our main course, we decided to share a specialty fusion roll and a variety of single sushi pieces. Having a certain affection of banana in fusion rolls, we selected the Jade: banana tempura, campyo, avocado and black sesame seeds on top. The roll in a word: buttery. For our individual cuts: fluke, white tuna with miso glaze and seared scallion, toro and scallop. Each piece proved excellent, though the scallop took the cake.

Though a lovely experience, we felt a bit of pressure from our server to order more and carry on through dessert. Perhaps SUteiShi would like to graduate to a finer dining experience, rather than easy set of courses for neighbors?

images: from my iPhone

Cozy Cases

Simple and playful: I adore these iPhone and camera cases! They are designed and crafted by Japanese artist hine in Vancouver, Canada. Buy them here.

Poplar

Designed by Japanese architect Sako, Poplar is a children's bookstore in Beijing.

This belongs in my kitchen.

Make gyoza at home! According to a press release, this gadget will be available in Japan on Saturday! Simply place the outer casing and ingredients on the rotating wheel and give it a turn. It's marvelous. As if you needed another reason to love the Japanese culture.


via Tokyo Mango

Mapping the Forbidden Outside World

Vintage Japanese map from 1850 reflecting a flawed, but general idea of the world continents. As a mark of confidence, the Japanese archipelago has been positioned in the center of the map. The translation of world geography stems from the Official Japanese Policy set in 1640 to be a closed country. Read further details at Strange Maps.

when from japan, it's better.

I've spoken to the delights of Kasugai’s gummys in past posts, but I thought it appropriate to revisit the products along side other fabulous picks from Japan. New York magazine provides a centralized source on their personal reviews and locations to find the preferred products.

My personal taste is drawn to the Muscat Gummies and the Meiji Chelsea Yogurt Scotch, both have an unexpected flavor that lingers, and fosters an addiction. If you're running errands this weekend, I'd recommend fitting these stops:

M2M 55 Third Ave., at 11th St.; 212-353-2698

Tongin Mart 91 Mulberry St., nr. Canal St.; 212-962-6622.

mika ninagawa, tokyo art star

Japanese photographer and director Mika Ninagawa has published more than forty books filled with her signature 'larger than life' flowers and vibrant color palate. In addition to her photo contributions to the art scene, her film Sakuran was featured in the Berlin Film Festival as well her lovely fleurs have been infilatrated into the works of fashion designers Celine and Lucien Pellat-Filen.
It shouldn't surprise you that she has recently begun to design beauty products as well- graphic compacts that are stacked with megawatt colors for lips eyes and cheeks- including purple eye-lashes that she dons herself. Visit her lovely site. She oozes potency. Addiction awaits.