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Tokyo 2020 Olympic/Paralympic Mascot Design Proposals to be Judged by Children

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics Committee has announced a call for entries for the Tokyo 2020 Games Mascots. Although Japan is well-known for their mascots, the last time the Summer Olympics were held in Japan the year was 1964 so mascots weren’t really a thing. That means this will be the first mascot for a summer Olympics game held in Japan.

Around the end of this year a shortlist of entries will be judged by a group of elementary school children, which is kind of a cool idea. But given the past controversies those kids better be up to speed on international copyright basics and plagiarism.

All residents of Japan are welcome to submit their proposal for mascot.

Spoonful is a category of news on Spoon & Tamago that provides short, brief stories on Japanese art, design and culture.

Think Small: A Solo Exhibition of Sculpture by Takeshi Miyakawa

May 22, 2017 / Johnny / Comments Off

“Think Small” on view at John Doe gallery in Brooklyn through May 28, 2017

The Brooklyn-based Japanese designer Takeshi Miyakawa currently has a solo exhibition at John Doe gallery, also in Brooklyn. On display are a series of sculptural pieces, both abstract and functional. But in each instance they capture Miyakawa’s knack for reframing the small and ordinary.

The Company Uniforms of Fashion Designer Naoki Takizawa

May 17, 2017 / Johnny / 1 Comment

Naoki Takizawa designed all the uniforms for the crew of the new Train Suite Shiki-Shima (all photos courtesy Naoki Takizawa)

When the luxurious Train Suite Shiki-Shima launched earlier this month people ogled at its sumptuous bar car, first-class dining room and lounge car with its large windows and couches. But when it comes to the service industry, one design detail that often gets overlooked are the staff uniforms. But this is expected. After all, it’s not a fashion show. The customers are meant to be at the center stage while the staff quietly orchestrate. But behind many great experiences are the people that make them happen. And behind many successful uniforms in Japan is fashion designer Naoki Takizawa.

Tsutsui Tokimasa Fireworks is Keeping the Flame of Tradition Alive

May 16, 2017 / Johnny / Comments Off

the factory and shop of Tsutsui Tokimasa Fireworks

In a rural part of Fukuoka prefecture there’s a small company that’s been making children’s fireworks for over 80 years. Tsutsui Tokimasa Fireworks specializes in small, handheld sparklers and are one of only three other Japanese makers of sparklers. Their handmade sparklers are so beautifully packaged you might not want to burn them, especially in the dark.

Go Visit the New Ota Art Museum & Library

May 15, 2017 / Clara Kreft / 1 Comment

the new Ota Art Museum & Library | photos courtesy t-site/ Atsumi Iwama

Take the train from Tokyo’s Kitasenju-station, about 80 minutes North-East up to Gunma Prefecture, and you will arrive at Ota station. In front of Ota station’s North Exit is the newly opened Ota Art Museum & Library.

You Can Now Have Japanese Fisherman Call You to Wake You Up Bright and Early

May 11, 2017 / Johnny / 2 Comments

Fisherman Call is a new wake-up service created by Japanese fisherman

Waking up early can be tough, especially if you’re a recent graduate who is new to the 9-to-5 shift. Sometimes you just keep hitting that snooze button over and over. But if you live in Japan, you’re in luck because a new service will have Japanese fisherman call you bright and early from the high seas. Now if that doesn’t get your day going, I don’t know what will.

Falling Leaves: Endearing Portraits of a Grandmother, a Grandson and a Tragedy

May 11, 2017 / Johnny / 1 Comment

“Falling Leaves” by Akihito Yoshida

Back in 2011 when photographer Akihito Yoshida visited his cousin living in a small rural town in Miyazaki prefecture, he discovered a very special relationship. The younger cousin, born in 1990, was living with and caring for his Grandmother, born in 1928. With over 60 years between them, they had done everything together. The grandmother had been there for every important day. “I grew up basking in the love of my grandmother, so it’s only normal that I care for her until her death,” the cousin told Yoshida.

Etsuko Ichihara’s Namahage Deity Invades Tokyo

May 10, 2017 / Johnny / 2 Comments

In Japanese folklore there exists a beast-like deity called the Namahage. It can be found all over Japan, taking on different appearances and even names depending on the region. Although harmless, it exists to scare those who are lazy or wrongdoing out of their bad habits. Inspired by this tradition, media artist Etsuko Ichihara decided to create a modern-day version of the Namahage specifically for Tokyo, and unleash in onto the streets of Shibuya, Harajuku and Akihabara.

The Incredible Sand Sculptures of Toshihiko Hosaka

May 10, 2017 / Johnny / Comments Off

Hosaka won the recent Fulong International Sand Sculpture contest with his sand sculpture of Musashi Miyamoto

Toshihiko Hosaka began making sand sculptures in art school and has been using beaches and sand boxes as his canvas for almost 20 years. His work defies what we typically think of as sand art as he sculpts and carves the loose, granular substance as if it were some malleable form of clay.

There is no core, mold or adhesive ever used throughout the process: just sand. The only trick Hosaka uses (and this is commonly accepted) is a hardening spray applied to his sculpture only after it’s been completed, in order to prevent wind and sun from eroding it for a few days.

New Objects of Nature Preserved in Acrylic Cubes

May 9, 2017 / Johnny / Comments Off

Ever stumble upon a beautiful leaf or flower and wish you could freeze it in time, keeping it forever without it withering away? That was the idea behind Sola Cubes, one Japanese designer’s creation that would showcase the wonder and beauty of mother nature by preserving them in acrylic cubes.