Pickles, or tsukemono, are the unsung heroes of Japanese cuisine. And now there’s a revolutionary new tool that builds on our predecessors traditional methods. For thousands of years pickles have quietly played their role as side-dish but I don’t think I’m alone in admitting that I’ve often enjoyed them as a main dish, along with a bowl of white rice. The Picklestone is everything a modern-day pickler needs: with an emphasis on material and usability, it’s beautiful, portable and functional.
The entrance way to House in Miyamotocho, a home in Osaka that embraces clutter
Marie Kondo (or Konmari, if you prefer) and her decluttering empire has taken the West by storm. And it’s given Japan an image of ultra-minimalism where people live a simple lifestyle, free of all the material possessions that have plagued Western homes. This is far from the truth and anyone who has visited an ordinary Japanese home (not one of those modernist homes featured in all the architecture blogs) knows it. People in Japan have stuff. Lots and lots of stuff.
Nene (left) and Ryugo Ishida of Yurufuwa Gang
If you want something new to listen to this week, try Yurufuwa Gang, a Japanese hip hop duo comprised of Nene and Ryugo Ishida. Dissecting their name gives you a sense of what you’re in for: yurufuwa is a combination of 2 words, yururi (leisurely) and fuwa (light or comforting). Together, Yurufuwa Gang kicks out some joy-inducing tracks that are full of goofy, slacker vibes.
At the age of 24, Mai Inoue creates paintings that look like they could have been painted by her great grandparents. Her subject matter are bonsai: the Japanese art form of pruning and cultivating small trees (commonly a hobby of seniors) that itself dates back thousands of years. And her paintings appear to be made on aged parchment paper. But these are definitely not your grandparents bonsai.
In a nondescript building in Tokyo there is a little-known museum that celebrates on of Japan’s most distinctive crafts: kigumi, or interlocking wooden joints.
“I’m standing alone before a complex of danchi. Row upon row of identical numbered buildings extend into the distance. Fluorescent lights flicker to life illuminating the stark concrete.” That’s Tokyo-based photographer Cody Ellingham at a recent Pecha Kucha talk as he discussed his latest project, a photographic journey into danchi, Japan’s public housing projects.
“ao to aka” (“blue and red”) by Haruka Aramaki
We were in Tokyo recently and one of the most enjoyable exhibitions was this show of blue and red graphic artworks by designer Haruka Aramaki. Composed of predominantly blue and red – “I feel a neutral stance from this combination” says the designer – various wooden panels line the walls of a small gallery in Tokyo. They’re accompanied by a small number of 3D sculptures too.
In Japanese cuisine, there are two distinct kinds of sweets: Western-influenced desserts such as cakes, cookies, and breads, and wagashi (和菓子), or traditional Japanese confectionery. Incense manufacturer Nippon Kodo found inspiration in wagashi for a unique set of fragrance diffusers they call ‘Kagunomi.’ The word ‘kagunomi’ itself has interesting roots in ancient Japanese folklore, specifically a story involving sweets.
As the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics come to a close, Japan has been reflecting on what has been a highly successful and rewarding competition. Japan took home 13 medals, the most they’ve ever won at a winter Olympics. But even without the medals there’s nothing quite like watching athletes at the top of their game compete in highly entertaining sports (I’m looking at you, Curling). So much so, that illustrator Ryohei Yamashita felt inspired to create a series a calligraphic illustrations commemorating the games.
Sumo wrestling is a Japanese sport that, in its current form, dates back to the 16th century. Steeped in history and tradition, the sport is highly ritualistic and parts are often associated with Shintoism. However, just because it’s old doesn’t mean it lacks a sense of humor. In fact, there is an entire ritual called Shokkiri (初切 or 初っ切り) dedicated to making crowds laugh.
