100% Design Tokyo

Went to the 100% Design show in Tokyo today. Pretty interesting and since today was day one it was also pretty busy!











Some of the stands were good many just 'ok'. There does seem to be a real lack of new creativity these days and I was a little disappointed with products which, although nice, lacked any inspiration or new thinking....
















One of the good areas was the section for student designers from universities and colleges.










My goodies from the show.

Temples (well Shrines actually) & Turtles

Well OK its actually not a temple, its a shrine but then I couldn't use my T&T title...... Its strange that parks, shrines and temples often have turtles lurking in the ponds and pools. I did hear a story that they are often abandoned pets who have been 'released' but not sure if there is any truth to that. Regardless, they seem quite content and proliferate into large groups on rocks to enjoy the sun...














This small shrine is fairly close to my house, and is a quiet break from the craziness of Tokyo life....















The small water fountain chōzuya (手水舎) at the entrance is to purify yourself, as can be seen small ladles are used to wash the hands, and the mouth if so desired....then you are free to approach the main structure and pray... Many people visit this shrine and others at New Year to pray for a good year. You can see the same place on New Years night here

A koma-inu (狛犬)

Mt Takao 高尾山 (takaosan) is about one hour from my house in central Tokyo. A perfect place for checking out the greenery and forgetting the greynery of the city.....

It has a number of shrines on the slopes and is associated with Tengu 天狗, one of which you can see below in all his splendor.




In order to get to the top you can take a chair lift which at times seems like its about to stop... erm actually it did stop that day but thankfully not at the same time that these pictures were taken!






















Many people take their dogs for a walk, here is a particularly cute one .... must be a nightmare to keep him clean though!

Its been a Beary long time.......

This keyring/key chain is made by a German company called Lumibear. The design is by Elmar Flötotto and the original one is about two feet high and has a light inside...


Anyway I used to have one of these...maybe about 8 or 9 years ago now but it was stolen and since then i have been looking for the same colour and type.. finally found one in Fukuoka (福岡市). Great
...............


Oh, and I know what you are thinking.....are those MORE penguins? Ermm well yes and since you want to see them so much, here they are :-)

Tired....................?

Feeling stressed?... Had enough? Then the "so tired" cafe may be for you. They make a good cup of coffee (for about 700yen), or something stronger if you'd prefer. Its in the new Marunouchi building near to Tokyo station. ( here's the link to the English site)

The lesser known Ikebukuro Penguin

Went to the Sunshine 60 building in Ikebukuro a couple of weeks ago. I was interested in the aquarium there as they had a new attraction.. the penguin walk. The penguins walk along a path and you get to see them close up..

More details here

Unfortunately I didn't get there in time so I will have to see it next time. The aquarium itself is not bad, Enoshima is better though...



I saw the penguins in their regular enclosure, these are genuine Ikebukuro Penguins... well not really they are African Penguins..... if you love penguins like me then you can check them out on a 24 hour web camera at the aquarium. Enjoy

Shiseido

Went to an exhibition of art work for the cosmetics company Shiseido last weekend at Setagaya Art Museum

Couldn't take any photos inside of course but here is the link, it was certainly interesting, the company seems to tend towards Art Deco style designs. The Museum itself is an interesting design too and is also in the middle of a large park. Very relaxing :-)

X-Ray Postcards

Had a bit of an accident about three weeks ago, hence no updates. Ended up breaking my wrist and thumb which hasn't been the best situation. But....on the bright side I got X-Ray postcards from the hospital! The all new craze, break a bone and then send a picture to your family and loved ones.....