Japanese Architect Makoto Tanijiri: in Tokyo - The Nature Factory

Via: www.diesel.co.jp

Japanese architect Makoto Tanijiri’s nature factory store installation for the diesel denim gallery opens on fri – aug 14. As the name implies, the installation is inspired by nature and the entire store is decorated with tree-like plumbing pipes, this is a very cool store innovation design.

Muu Design Studio: "The Pitin" a bicycle stand that doubles as street furniture

Via: tokyomango.com



Displayed at the ZERO exhibition during Tokyo's Design Week, the “PITIN” from Muu Design Studio, a Tokyo based store, designs a bicycle stand that doubles as street furniture (table) - the cycle seat becomes the seating for the bikers. You can ride your bike straight into the stand, which locks the front wheel for stability and provides an instant table so you can have snacks while you rest awhile, or work on your laptop while having a view of the city street. Urban development designs like these offer smart multidimensional solutions to the growing problems of bike parking as well as outdoor furniture for public places. (This is why I LOVE JAPAN).

I'd Live There: An Amazing Papercraft Castle

Via: tokyobling.wordpress.com



This is a castle made entirely of paper.

"I had the immense opportunity to see this wonderful paper craft art installation by a genius of the name of Wataru Itou, a young student of a major art university here in Tokyo. The installation is hand made over four years of hard work, complete with electrical lights and a moving train, all made of paper!"

Takashi Murakami: Kaikai Kiki Gallery in Tokyo

Takashi Murakami held a showcase recently which revolved around his robotic figure, Inochi. Held at the Kaikai Kiki Gallery in Tokyo, the show was an amazing display of just how comprehensive Murakami’s exhibitions can be. Showcasing his creative prowess and marketing genius, Murakami previewed ads, videos, and artwork, all revolving around his latest work. Aside from the show, Takashi had a run of Inochi figures, hand signed with only 200 produced, halted due to quality control, although the Medicom produced sets could see a release in June 2009 with a price tag of $1,500 a pop.

Magazine Numero (in Tokyo) - Cover: Isabeli Fontana (pretty gurl)

Have my eye on emerging markets, and I'm always looking at Japan...