Over 150 years ago the ukiyo-e artist Shigematsu Enrosai created an imaginary beast as a woodblock print and called it “Twelve Precepts.” The beast featured the head of a rabbit, the neck of a dragon, the tail of a snake, the forelegs of a monkey and the hind legs of an ox. Indeed, it was a fantastical combination of all 12 zodiac animals. Now, Japanese artist Feebee has created her own interpretation, and has produced it in the same technique as it was made in around 1850.
Following a highly successful inaugural year, the 2017 Ronin | Globus Artist-in-Residence Program is back! Open to artists practicing in Japan, this annual program seeks to stimulate cross-cultural dialogue by providing the opportunity for Japanese visual artists to live, work and exhibit in New York City. Last year’s winner, Oz Yamaguchi, concluded his residency last year with a sold-out art show!
In what can only be described as part of the 3rd wave movement of green tea, the world’s first hand-dripped green tea café has opened in Tokyo.
an 1803 account of a mysterious ship carrying a woman that landed on Japan’s shore
In early 19th century Japan, there were several reports of a “hollow ship” allegedly washed ashore the coast of a village in Hitachi province (today’s Ibaraki Prefecture). An attractive young woman stepped off the sturdy boat with glass windows, but was unable to communicate in Japanese and eventually the locals returned her and the ship back to the sea.
The curiously named Creepy Nuts are a Japanese Hip Hop pair (get it?) comprised of R-Shitei and DJ Matsunaga. R-Shitei, whose rap name means “R-Rated,” is a lyrical genius who spouts fast-paced rhymes over his partner’s catchy tracks. The duo began working together in 2015 and released their first mini album just about a year ago in January 2016.
all images courtesy Fumiko Takase / ippitsuryu.com
The dragon is a mythical creature. In fact, it’s the only mythical creature among the 12 zodiac animals and, for centuries, has been considered to be an embodiment of a deity and the source of all other animals. For many artists specializing in images of the dragon there is a certain dedication and sense of purpose to honor this mythical beast and mighty symbol of good fortune.
Fans of Kino’s Journey, the Japanese novel series about a girl who travels through mystical lands with her talking motorcycle Hermes, will be delighted to know that we are one step closer to getting our own personal Hermes.
In a global debut at CES, which is currently taking place at Las Vegas, Japanese automaker Honda has unveiled a motorcycle that leverages the company’s robotics technology to self-balance and respond to its owner.
The Shinshoji Zen Museum and Gardens is a sprawling campus of traditional Japanese structures like tea houses, hot baths and museums all connected by tranquil and beautiful Zen gardens. In other words, it’s your one-stop-shop for Zen meals, Zen baths, Zen art and everything else you need to nurture your body and soul.
Located in Hiroshima, and completed just 3 months ago in September of 2016, the museums and gardens elegantly merge traditional and contemporary design.
Happy New Year! It’s become a tradition here at Spoon & Tamago, around this time of year, to share some of our favorite Japanese designer New Year’s cards (prior years can be found here).
Of course, not everyone sends cards. Some simply post staged photographs. Others painted paintings. One even created a free, downloadable calendar. But even though sending nengajo, as they’re called in Japan, is in a secular decline, we still enjoy bringing them all together here because it gives us a chance to reflect on those we shared a moment with, whether it was intentional or by chance.
Now, prepare yourself for an onslaught of rooster-inspired New Year’s cards.
3.8 billion years ago life began on earth with single-celled organisms like bacteria. And over millions of years multicellular life evolved into land plants and forests. The colors and shapes of flowers, fruits and seeds all have unique purposes and are as beautiful as they are functional.
One Japanese designer, intent on showcasing the wonder and beauty of mother nature, developed a way to exquisitely preserve plants in acrylic cubes. He called them “Sola Cubes.”
OrySnack: The Bar Where Bartenders Work From Home
Japanese Aquarium Drops 2026 Version of Flowchart Illustrating Their Penguin Relationships. This Year There’s an English Version.
Tadao Ando Designed & Donated a Floating Library that Delivers Books to Children
Tatsuo Horiuchi | the 73-year old Excel spreadsheet artist
Keisuke Aiso’s Ubume Sculpture that was Missappropriated as the Face of the Momo Hoax
