Spoon & Tamago

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In Tokyo, A Manga Artist’s Creative Haven Inspired by Ghost in the Shell

All images © Katsumasa Tanaka courtesy Tan Yamanouchi & AWGL

Get ready for a storybook come to life – this manga artist’s dream house in Tokyo by Tan Yamanouchi & AWGL, is a compact wonderland where creativity runs wild! The artist had three requests. The space should accommodate every step of the artist’s creative process, from concept to media interviews. Second, the house should be compact, with limited outdoor exposure. And last, it should have a sense of charm that boosts creativity.

A Maddeningly Complex Ballpoint Pen Replica of a 1000 Yen Bill by Keita Sagaki

March 5, 2023 / Johnny / Comments Off

“Anatomy of Burial (It’s Only a Paper Moon)” by Keita Sagaki | images courtesy the artist

It’s been a minute since we featured manic doodler Keita Sagaki but one of his artworks is currently on view at the Daimaru Art Gallery that’s connected to Tokyo Station. And like all his other works, the maddening complexity is only revealed upon close-up.

Aki Inomata’s New Art Project Lets You Drink the Clouds

March 3, 2023 / Johnny / Comments Off

For years mixologists have tried to incorporate the concept of cloud formations into their cocktails, but with varying results. For her latest project, Japanese artist Aki Inomata has taken the idea one step further, using 3D printing technology to “print” liquid clouds into water, all with a poetic twist.

New Pillow Lets You Nap While Being Threatened by an Adorable Red Panda

March 2, 2023 / Johnny / 2 Comments

Japanese lifestyle brand felissimo has released a new pillow that allows the user to nap while being threatened by an adorable red panda plushie. How anyone could ever sleep under such intimidation and fear is beyond us.

Bento Boxes Inspired by Notable Japanese Architecture

February 28, 2023 / Johnny / Comments Off

all photos by Kakuta Wataru courtesy Kenchiku Bento

Bento boxes and architecture are actually closely related. While one serves as the primary dwelling for residents, the other serves as a primary dwelling for sustenance. Both require blueprints that carefully considers spatial design, compartmentalization and principles of form, function and aesthetics. So it only made sense to look towards notable works from the past, which have stood the test of time, in hopes of encountering new edible experiences.

Bento box architecture is an initiative by four individuals who share a love for architecture, but also food. “We believe by designing new bento boxes, we can design new bento experiences, and we hope to introduce famous Japanese architecture to the world in the form of bento boxes,” they explain.

Artisanal Ghibli Collection Blends Animation with Craftsmanship

February 27, 2023 / Kushal Jain / Comments Off

All images courtesy of Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten

Studio Ghibli is bringing a new lineup of Totoro collectibles in collaboration with some of the best craftsmen from around Japan. The collection comprises Totoro figures, paper treasure boxes, flower vases, plates, handkerchiefs, and furoshikis (traditional wrapping cloth), teleporting children to the world of Ghibli through role playing goodies.

Kurkku Fields: A Sustainable Farm, Outdoor Art Museum and Underground Library in Chiba

February 25, 2023 / Johnny / Comments Off

“Kurkku Fields” | photo by Yurika Kono courtesy Fujiwalabo

Located an hour from Tokyo in the wilderness of Chiba is Kurkku Fields, a vast, 74-acre sustainable farm that combines elements of ethical farming and food, art and nature. You can visit for a day or stay for a weekend and enjoy fresh, delicious produce, admire art, and learn about sustainable living.

Nihonga Painter Yuki Matsuoka’s Organic Artworks are Brimming with Energy

February 22, 2023 / Johnny / 1 Comment

“No beginning No end” by Yuki Matsuoka | photos courtesy the artist

Last week in Kyoto, the Eki Museum hosted an exhibition dedicated to five up-and-coming nihonga painters. Literally “Japanese painting,” the term nihonga sounds broad but actually refers to a very specific style of painting that uses only natural materials like sumi ink, mineral pigments, gofun (a white pigment made from pulverized seashells) and animal or vegetable coloring.

The History of Animal Escape Drills at Japanese Zoos

February 16, 2023 / Johnny / 1 Comment

Tobe Zoo in Aichi conducted a lion escape drill today.

Note the expression on the actual lions faces.
pic.twitter.com/azuJYQhLCw
— Spoon & Tamago (@Johnny_suputama) June 22, 2019

Zoos are home to dangerous animals and for this reason they have a moral and legal obligation to protect the community and visitors. All zoos carry out semi-annual training in response to various animal escape scenarios. But zoos in Japan often take their drills a step further, staging elaborate dry runs by using costumed zookeepers as fugitive animals. The skits can seem silly at times but are rooted in an alarming, real-life incident that took place in Tokyo almost 90 years ago.

Water-Activated Calligraphy Makes Shodo More Accessible

February 16, 2023 / Kushal Jain / Comments Off

It is said that ‘Shodo’, the art of kanji calligraphy, was brought from China to Japan during the Asuka Period (538 – 710 AD). It was considered an essential part of education amongst samurai and aristocrats. And now it is an artform limited to professionals. Like painting, it also requires a bunch of tools, endless practice and is typically a messy affair. Hanakosumi’s range of ‘Water Activated Paper’ addresses some these issues, making Shodo more convenient.