These beautiful little globes are the latest creation of the Japanese boutique firm Nendo. Blown-fabric, created for Tokyo Fiber ’09 Senseware, is made from ‘Smash’ fabric. This rip proof polyester thermoplastic lights beautifully and stretches to hold air much like a soft billowy balloon. A throwback to traditional Japanese chochin paper lanterns, Blown-fabric lanterns are constructed much like blown glass giving each object a hand crafted uniqueness.
In these videos Japanese artist/programmer Daito Manabe experiments with sound triggered electric stimulus. While we’re not sure how safe this is, it’s awesome to watch. Maybe there’s hope for the most uncoordinated of us to finally pop lock. Sign us up.
We are deeply saddened to be covering the passing of one of our generation’s most innovative creatives. In writing this I have found new meaning to some her work. In the past, I have viewed her many pieces with admiration, the above video now makes me teary. On Sunday September 7, acclaimed director Nagi Noda died as a result of surgical complications from injuries she sustained in an automobile accident last year. Noda was just 35 years old.
Born in Tokyo, Nagi Noda remains one of Japan’s most accomplished young artists. Her inventive projects and unique approaches have inspired viewers across the globe. Early in her career she was signed to Partizan as a director, where she created her most notable work. Partizan stated “She was a beautiful spirit and an extraordinary talent, she will be greatly missed.”
Japanese photographer Sato Shintaro’s “Twilight Zone” series depicts Tokyo from high above it’s back streets and alleyways. These images capture a perspective of the city which conveys the true complexity if the Tokyo’s streets. The diversity in architecture and the sheer density of the townships give this series it’s impact.
Photographer Joan Sinclair explores the world of Japan’s underground in her new book Pink Box. Named after the private room in an Osaka Strip club, Pink Box provides a glimpse of Japan’s most elaborate gentleman’s clubs: the fake train, the fake classroom, the almost extinct no-panty lounge. Check out the Pink Box events section for book signings if you live in the Los Angeles or San Franciso areas.
