WTF - Random Supermarket Items

More random WTF supermaket finds...the Gorilla Snot Gel is a perfect gift for the FIST PUMPING GUIDO or CHA CHA MAN-CHOLA EYEBROW'D PAPI in your life.

Hello Kitty Duck Tape - Perfect for your KAWAII BONDAGE J-Kink a la AUDITION scenarios.

Tokyo Love Amour

Tokyo Amour photos by Rene Habemacher and
Antoine Assers. Images courtesy of A Shaded View
on Fashion and the photographers.

Images I found on A Shaded View on Fashion - archived pics from the Tokyo Amour party in Paris. You can view the original posting via this link.

Amazing Animals - How Cute Is This?

Conan the "Zen" dog image courtesy of Fox News

How cute is this pic?

This dog named Conan has learned how to pray with his Buddhist priest father.

You can learn more through the Fox News website via this link.

Too Damn Cute!!

ANGELINA JOLIE FOR ELLE JAPAN OCTOBER 2008 ISSUE

Angelina Jolie image courtesy of Elle Japan

Angelina Jolie graces the cover of Elle Japan October 2008 issue. You can view a Google translated page of the Elle Japan website via this link.

In the accompanying article she states "I have become a lot stronger than I used to be, although it is strange to say myselfI think I have become a better woman. I am maturing everyday."

She continues by saying "Even though everyday is really busy looking after the kids. I feel like I have found the calmest place in life. Brad and I have always wanted to live surrounded by children. If the children are happy then everything else is fine. What Brad and I always prioritize is the family’s future and we balance that with our work."

Natasha Poly for Vogue Nippon - DEJA VU

Natasha Poly photographed by Inez Van Lamsweerde
& Vinood Matadin for Vogue Nippon image courtesy
of Vogue Nippon

Natasha Poly for Vogue Nippon September 2008. She was photographed by Inez Van Lamsweerde & Vinood Matadin, styled by George Cortina. Total Deja Vu with the current Vogue Australia October 2008 cover.

Lily Donaldson for Vogue Japan October 2008

Lily Donaldson for Vogue Japan image
courtesy of Vogue Japan

Lily Donaldson is the cover girl for Vogue Japan's October 2008 issue.

Beat Takeshi for GQ Japan 2008

Beat Takeshi for GQ Japan image
courtesy of GQ Japan

Auteur Beat Takeshi is on the October 2008 cover of GQ Japan. You can read the accompanying article in Japanese on the GQ website via this link.

Fantastic Fashion / Art Attack - Free City Traveling Supershop

Nina Garduno photographed by Alex
Koester courtesy of The New York Times



Freecity Malibu Store photographed by
Alex Koester courtesy of The New York
Times

Freecity, the lifestyle Malibu based shop, vintage retailer and clothing line has now created free standing traveling Superstores. The Superstores will be setting up shop in various venues around the world, mainly at art/literary/music inclined locations. The New York Times published a great article, written by Cathy Horyn, about Freecity and founder Nina Garduno, which can be viewed via this link.


Freecity Superstore at HRM Japan image courtesy
of Japan Times, HRM Japan and Freecity

The most recent Freecity Superstore location was at the Hollywood Ranch Market in Japan. The HRM host boutique is a very popular vintage lifestyle shop, one of the original purveyors of vintage in Tokyo. You can read more through the Japan Times Stylewise column via this link.

Fantastic Fashion / Fashion for a Cause - T-Shirt label "New Fashion Rules"

David Koizumi and New Fahsion Rules co-founders
image courtesy of Japan Times


David Koizumi and New Fashion Rules co-founders image courtesy
of New Fashion Rules


T-shirt image courtesy of New Fashion Rules

New Fashion Rules is a charitable T-Shirt company created last April 2008 by male model David Koizumi. He enlisted help from other veteran Japanese male models to design limited edition T-Shirts which they would sell at various venues to benefit Japan's chapter of the charity World Vision.

The first run of T-shirts sold out within three days, and the second run sold out just as fast. Thus the idea grew into a full company. They have now added 17 more models, including some female models, to contribute designs as well. Beginning in August 2008 they will have a total of 40 t-shirt designs available through various boutiques, venues and online. Remember, all proceeds will go directly to World Vision Japan.

EBI CHAN FOR SHISHEIDO MODE MIX MAQUILLAGE FALL 2008

Ebi-Chan for Mode Mix Maquillage Fall 2008 image
courtesy of Shiseido

Here is an image of Ebi-Chan from her campaign for Shiseido's Mode Mix Maquillage Fall 2008 range of cosmetics.

The make up range features the collaboration from Central St. Martin's School of Design and former Versace consultant Christopher Kane, a 25 five year old London based wunderkind.

Mr. Kane created 6 shades of Lasting Climax Rouge, 5 colors of Forming Shiny Eyes eye shadow and a unique powder-foundation case, which he states is "refined and futuristic".

Other celebrity models to be featured in this campaign are Agyness Deyn for the international print, tv and poster ads. Japanese celebrities Misaki Ito, Yuri Ebihara (pictured above) Chiaki Kuriyama (GoGo from Kill Bill) and Anne Watanabe (model and daughter of famous actor Ken Watanabe) will be included in the domestic Japanese campaign.

YAY OR NAY?!! EEL SODA!!!

Eel Surge Soda image courtesy of Japan Tobacco Inc.

A new canned soda called Eel Surge, made by Japan Tobacco Inc. premiered this month during Japan's summer eel eating season.

The drink supposedly builds stanima in men, which is the prime target consumer group. The yellow colored fizzy soft drink contains five vitamins, including A, B1, B2, D and E that are found in the eels.

"It's mainly for men who are exhausted by the summer's heat," said company spokesman Kazunori Hayashi.

The demand for eel, prepared as "kaba-yaki", which is broiled with sweet sauce, is so prevalent that two companies in Japan have been busted for mislabeling Chinese imported eels as being local home grown.

GOT TO HAVE IT!!!! SEGA'S SEXY E.M.A. FEMBOT

E.M.A. image courtesy of Sega

Sega's E.M.A. (Eternal.Maiden.Actualization) is a sexy fembot who can dance, hand out business cards, sing and even give kisses. She stands at 38cm and is equipped with infared sensors to avoid obstacles. The fembot has fully movable elbows, knees and shoulders. Kisses are bestowed when humans come close enough to set her sensors into "love" mode. E.M.A. made her debut at the Tokyo Toy Show 2008 and is available starting September 26th 2008, she will be priced at around $175 USD.





Some say that E.M.A. is nothing but a glorified version of WowWee's Femisapien, which debuted earlier this year and was available starting September 2008, but at a lower price point of 99$ USD.

Femisapien image courtesy of
WowWee

ART ATTACK / GOT TO HAVE IT!!!! ROYAL/T SHOP COSPLAY CHAOS

Picture courtesy of Royal/T

Royal/T Art Space is the Zion for Anime-Maniacs in L.A.!! This unique space is a multi faceted entity incorporating a fusion of an art gallery, boutique and restaurant/theatre cafe.

The genesis of Royal/T started when owner Susan Hancock, successful entrepeneur and "ModernJapanArt" collector approached Takaya Goto and Lesley Chi of Goto Design NY to conceive a space to showcase her extensive "Mod.Jap.Art" collection, with the help of architect Kulapat Yantrasast from wHY Architecture.

The duo came up with an concept inspired by the "Meido Kissa/Maid Cafe" phenom originating in Tokyo's Akihabara district. Since Akihabara is a manifistation of the 21st Century Digitalopolis (a la Blade Runner/Neuromancer), Royal/T not only has an art space to feature pieces from the Hancock collection, but carries the ANIME/CYBERPUNK/COSPLAY lifestyle into the connected boutique and cafe.

Cutting edge Japan-Artists such as Chiho Aoshima, Chinatsu Ban, Yayoi Deki, Mitsuhiro Ikeda, Izumi Kato, Hideaki Kawashima, Mahomi Kunikata, Yayoi Kusama, Mr., Takashi Murakami, Yoshitomo Nara, Mitsuhiro Okamoto, Aya Takano, Yuken Teruya, and Keisuke Yamamoto are represented in the collection. In addition, Western artists collected by Hancock include Ghada Amer, Stephan Balkenhol, Louise Bourgeois, Cecily Brown, Tracy Emin, Tom Freidman, Mark Grotjahn, Jim Hodges, Mike Kelley, Chris Ofili, Elizabeth Peyton, Richard Prince, Wilhelm Sasnal, Fred Tomaselli, Piotr Uklanski, Lisa Yuskavage.

The boutique carries various items directly connected to the artists featured in the gallery space, as well as items inspired and/or thematic of the movement. All items are noteworthy of "GOT TO HAVE IT!!!" status.

Ayumi Mamiya/Magikano Figurine by Max Factory


Image courtesy of Royal/T

Oni Musume/She-Devil IV Figurine by Kaiyodo & Bome Studio


Image courtesy of Royal/T

The cafe/restaurant continues the concept by featuring waitresses dressed in typical FRENCH MAID COSPLAY uniforms. The menu is based on a fusion of Japanese and CaliFrancais cuisine with traditional comfort foods such as "comfort" food and beverage classics like Curry Rice and Matcha Milk Tea as well as modern creations like Yuzu Shrimp Salad and Kyoto Sunset Tea. All dishes are served all day.

Royal/T is a runaway success since it's opening in late 2007, with loads of clients/customers/fans crowding daily to experience the complete lifestyle immersion.

TRANSPOWER: COCO'S VOGUE NIPPON

Coco picture courtesy of My Favorite
Girls blog

This is Coco, a 19 year old Ladyboy/Newhalf/Model/Actress from Japan. She is still a pre-op transexual at this time, having had breast augmentation and an orchiectomy.


Image courtesy of Dailymotion

You can view a video clip of her interview at Vogue Nippon's offices by clicking this link.


Image courtesy of Jump!

This link will lead you to a video clip of Coco's appearance on the Japanese variety show "Jump!".



Coco Images courtesy of My Favorite Girls blog

Additional info, pics and video clips can be found via the "My Favorite Girls" blog. Coco and Nong Poy are the two top LADYBOY STARS of Asia....if not the world........

****MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT ALL MY POSTINGS LABELED TRANSPOWER!!!!****

GOT TO HAVE IT!!!! iPHONE FEVER HITS JAPAN

Pic courtesy of Apple

Apple's 3G iPhone will be launched in Tokyo this Friday July 11th by Softbank Corporation at their flagship store. Doors will open at extra early at 7:00 am to service customers. The other stores will open at 9:00 am for business.

The iPhones will also be available online starting Friday July 11 as well. This launch will be the first in Asia, to be followed by a launch in Hong Kong. New Zealand and Australia had their launches a few months ago.


Flagship Store photo courtesy of Softbank Corporation

Enthusiasts of the iPhone have been lining up since Tuesday July 8th in front of Softbank Corp.'s flagship store so that they can be one of the first in Japan to purchase the 3G iPhone.



Hiruyuki Sano photo courtesy of Crunchgear

The first person in line is Hiruyuki Sano, a student from Nagoya, who ditched class Tuesday to drive 160 miles north so he can buy the iPhone for his 25th birthday, which is on Friday July 11th, the day of the launch.

He actually brought his Macbook Pro, iPod, a change of clothes, an umbrella, snacks and a folding chair. His dedication means that he will suffer through four more days of Tokyo's hot and humid summer heatwave.

He also received permission to miss school from his professor. "My professor is a big Apple fan, so when I told him I wanted to come line up for the iPhone, he told me to go for it," Sano said after a fitful night of sleep in his chair. "My mom told me I was crazy."



Koichi Funyu photo courtesy Reuters

Koichi Funyu uses his mobile phone while in line to purchase it's replacement iPhone.


Tetsuya Umeda photo courtesy of Reuters

Another college student, Tetsuya Umeda, brought along a biography of Steve Jobs while resting on a piece of cardboard while waiting in line since Wednesday July 9th.


**UPDATE /FRIDAY JULY 11TH 2008**


Customers in front of Softbank's Flagship Friday Morning courtesy
of Reuters

Under Softbank Corp.'s "White Plan", customers can "Purchase of iPhone 3G 8GB model at approximately ¥23,000, ¥960/month, and unlimited packet usage at ¥5,985"

The flagship store is located on Otomesando Street in the trendy Harajuku district of Tokyo.


Map courtesy of Softbank Corporation

Store address and general info are as follows:

Address - ALTEKA PLAZA 1ST FLOOR, 1-13-9, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Street & Subway Access - 2-minute walk from JR Harajuku Station or 1-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Meiji-jingumae Station (along Omotesando St.)
Telephone - 03-6406-0711
Business Hours -10:00-22:00 (Contract applications/upgrades/repairs available 10:00–21:00)

FASHION CHAMPLOO - JAPANESE VIN UPS

Photos courtesy of Harley Davidson Japan

Here are some amazing vintage pin ups from Harley Davidson Japan's archives. That's what I call an FASHION CHAMPLOO -

JAPANESE/VIN UP

An exhibition called "Harley the History", being organized by the American and Japanese divisions of the comany, will take place at BankART 1929 in Yokohama, Japan between July 9th through July 21st.

The show is free to the public and is divided into to sections - The "History Road" features classic motorcycles, old advertisements, Harley Davidson themed paintings, videos, old catalogs, owner manuals, magazines, newspapers and other related materials.

The "Memorial Road" features over 100 photos featuring the Japanese Harley lifestyle from the Showa period through to modern day Japan.

GOT TO HAVE IT!!!! KINBAKU

The latest must have fashion item coming out of Japan is "KINBAKU". They're small figurines tied with silk cords the traditional Japanese "Rope Bondage / Kinbaku Shibari" method and used as either necklaces, bracelets or cell phone accessories!

The creator's name is Istuji Hirostugu and is himself a practioner of the art of "Kinbaku Shibari". He hand ties each figurine so production is limited, thus raising the "hot factor" even more!

Some links to the "KINBAKU" site and to a related Yahoo Japan site are as follows:

Kinbaku via the Kintayna Studio Site: http://www.kitanya.com/info

Kinbaku via Yahoo Japan Site: http://store.shopping.yahoo.co.jp/teltelland/20070110.html

My favorites would have to be the Bulldog and Piggy......

NEW FASHION TREND REPORT - JAPANESE YOUTH STYLE

New FASHION TREND -

There's a new fashion trend brewing in the cities of Nippon. Kid's in cities such as Tokyo, Osaka and Nagasaki are creating a new street trend. The young men are moving away from the Steam unk, Cyberpunk, Gothic Dolls, Retro Punks, Kawaii and Jap-Hop looks towards a new trend that incorporates a part of their history. The trend is to mix modern clothes with SAMURAI and other Japanese historically correct items of clothing, accessories, makeup and hairstyles to create a thoroughly modern mix that could only be found in Japan. But there is an interesting twist to this trend that takes it beyond just the visual dimension, which will be mentioned later......

Examples seen "on the street" are:

Neo SamuraiBoys are adopting the Japanese "TOP KNOT/CHONMAGE" hairstyle into their daily lives even though it involves elaborate styling time and maintenance. Conversely Neo SamuraiGirls are adoptiong the Geisha hairstyles as well make up, running through all the historical variations.

Of course all these traditional items are then mixed up in a unique way with modern designer clothes, as well as mixing them with the standard Japanese trends mentioned before (Steam unk, Cyber Punk, etc)

HERE IS THE TWIST - The kids are not only adopting this trend to create strong visual clothing through their clothing, hair and make up choices, they are also mixing up their language with traditional classical/period Japanese, thus extending the mix up into the audio dimension.

A good analogy would be if American Goths not only wore their "dark" looks, but pepper their modern English with Victorian or Shakespearean English.





















Fruits Magazine is great resource to see "seen on the street" images documenting this trend. The link is as follows:

http://www.fruits-mg.com

The Fruits Magazine fan site is as follows:

http://community.livejournal.com/fruits