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.
What better reprieve is there from the hustle and bustle of Japanese city life than a trip to the local public bath house (sento)? Such is the focus of Toshizo Hirose, who has made it his life’s work to depict the unique characteristics of bath houses all across Japan in an equally unique medium: stamps.
Remi Matsuo and Hiroki Kamemoto of Glim Spanky
For anyone who spent time in Japan in the late 90s and early 2000s and was exposed to the raspy, grungy sounds of the band Love Psychedelico, you’ll most certainly find comfort in Glim Spanky. Hailing from Nagano, the duo is led by 26-year old vocalist Remi Matsuo and joined by guitarist Hiroki Kamemoto.
the W350 wooden skyscraper aims to be completed in 2041
Despite being a sustainable resource that can be harvested from perennials, the use of wood in cities and high-rises has long been avoided. Wood has been thought of as structurally unsafe, susceptible to rotting, and flammable. But thanks to advances in technology that has enabled the engineering of mega-strong, fire-resistant timber, wood is now slowly returning to urban settings. And Japan is raising the bar – quite literally – when it comes to using wood to construct skyscrapers.
