SKE48 Bukatsu Damashii
Club activity themed SKE48 photobook 27 December, 2011 by Sho
Today we look at another, newer SKE48 book, SKE48 Bukatsu Damashii (Club Spirit) by Fusosha Publishing. Released in September, the book features many candidly taken photographs, set to the book’s extracurricular activity theme.
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SKE48 Complete Book
A complete manual to everything SKE48 26 December, 2011 by Sho
Not exactly a new book, but the SKE48 Complete Book 2010-2011 is a nice compendium of SKE48 knowledge. The book was released last December and remains in print, though judging from the title it will most likely be phased out soon. Completionists will want to grab a copy before that happens. But even if not, it still contains enough sweet treats within to warrant attention.
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The Spec Kit
Tracing the growth of Watarirouka Hashiritai 25 December, 2011 by Mus
Released this past November, THE SPEC KIT Watarirouka Urikomitai (THE SPEC KIT 渡り廊下売り込み隊) follows the growth of one of AKB48′s most popular sub-groups, Watarirouka Hashiritai. The B5-sized book chronicles the group from the start. A picture timeline and essays from those involved with the group traces the milestones in Watarirouka history.
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PlayStation Vita
The traditional gaming industry's new hope 23 December, 2011 by Sho
Sony’s latest portable gaming system, the Vita was publicly launched last Saturday in Japan. As luck would have it, I had the chance to get a hands on on this new piece of technology. Impressions within.
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Real Grade 1/1 Gundam Project
The famous life-sized Gundam 21 December, 2011 by Sho
After making its debut at Odaiba back in 2009, the giant Gundam was moved to the Shizuoka Hobby Fair where it stood until March this year. Since August, parts of the famous life sized Gundam statue were returned to Odaiba where they were put on display. But last month, work began on reassembling the statue Gundam once more at Odaiba.
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Hero / Sweet Jewel
Double A-side release from avex trax new pop group 21 December, 2011 by Sho
Today marks the day of the second release by avex trax’s latest group of music talents, Fairies. The new single is a double A-side of Hero / Sweet Jewel. Both songs feature high quality, pleasant and incredibly listenable sounds, with Hero reiterating their hip hop inspired style established in their first single and Sweet Jewel being a more typical Christmas themed pop song.
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Mister Donut
Japan's largest donut chain is also one of their best 19 December, 2011 by Sho
While the sparsity of Krispy Kremes often attracts long queues to the cafe during lunchtime hours, Mister Donut shops are rarely packed. I used to be an avid Krispy Kreme supporter too but when comparing the two now, Mister Donut takes the cake for being my preferred doughnut place.
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Diablo III Preview
Prepare to face hell all over again 17 December, 2011 by Sho
The next installment of the popular Diablo franchise will be returning soon to wreck havoc on our social lives. We were fortunate (or unfortunate) enough to get a sneak peak of this most anticipated game. Within you’ll find a detailed but spoiler free run through of what Diablo III has to offer.
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EveryBody JUMP!!
SUPERGiRLS to release second performance album in February 16 December, 2011 by Sho
Fast rising Avex Trax idol group SUPER☆GiRLS announced that they will be releasing their new album scheduled for 1st February 2012. This is their second stage album after Chouzetsu Shoujo last December and will provide them with new group and unit songs for their 2012 performances.
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Memories for the Future Project
Google service lets viewers tour disaster areas 14 December, 2011 by Sho
Previously we mentioned Google Japan’s efforts to promote Japan’s cultural offerings and encourage foreigners to continue visiting Japan in response to the Tohoku disaster. Since May this year, the Japan Street View team have been actively working on another humanitarian program with their Mirai e no Kioku (Memories for the Future) Project.
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6%DOKIDOKI
Harajuku's explosion of colors 10 December, 2011 by Sho
6%DOKIDOKI is a famous Harajuku fashion boutique responsible for much of the “kawaii” fashion looks that you see in magazines like Fruits. The creation of fashion designer Sebastian Masuda, 6%DOKIDOKI basically provides (barely) toned down decora-styled clothing and accessories to the masses.
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Banana Inn Hotel & Spa Bandung
Affordable 4 star hotel in Bandung 09 December, 2011 by Sho
Not too long ago, I spent a few nights over at Bandung for business and ended up staying at the Banana Inn Hotel & Spa. It took a while to follow up but here are some more shots of the hotel and some details of the accommodation for those looking to visit Bandung any time soon.
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Tsukematsukeru
Kyary's new capsule tune will stay in your head 08 December, 2011 by Sho
Blogger turn fashion model Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ) is back again with her first individual single release since the album Moshimoshi Harajuku, which contained the much talked about PONPONPON.
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AKB48 Google+
Google's attempt to invade Asia involves idols 08 December, 2011 by Sho
Today marks the 6th anniversary of AKB48′s theater debut at Akihabara and will be celebrated in the evening with a grand performance no doubt, a performance that we tried applying to but sadly failed to get tickets for. Instead, we’ll be cheering them on from the sidelines.
At 12.30 PM this afternoon though, many waited in anticipation as the AKB48 YouTube channel revealed a special announcement. AKB48 will be teaming up with search giant Google, to make use of their new social network Google+ in their future efforts to reach out to global fans.
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Baby, The Stars Shine Bright
The Chanel of lolita fashion since 1988 06 December, 2011 by Sho
As a culturally rich nation that has brought us some of the most intriguing arts, culinary and technological innovations, over the years Japan has had plenty of other cultural exports that have had to take a backseat in recent years to more penetrable media creations. This side of Asia, fashion often takes on a secondary importance to practicality but I’m going to take a chance anyway and make it a point to take some time to write about another matter of interest, Japanese fashion.
To ease viewers in, many of the following articles will reference other pop-culture topics that you should be more familiar with. This first one skims on lolita fashion, something that has lent itself well into otaku culture, especially in the West. And when mentioning lolita fashion, the first brand that comes to mind would be the illustrious Baby, The Stars Shine Bright.
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Cool Japan Forum 2011
Japanese businesses continue to work toward globalization 03 December, 2011 by Mus
Along with the staging of Anime Festival Asia, an event named the Cool Japan Forum was held as well. Cited as an event that brings the top minds from various industries under one roof, we visited the Forum to hear them speak.
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Sundown Festival 2011 Impressions
Singapore's largest outdoor music concert battles the weather 29 November, 2011 by Sho
Thousands braved the strong rains and made their way down to the Marina Promenade last Saturday for what was perhaps the largest outdoor concert in Singapore this year, Sundown Festival 2011. Despite the rain, approximately 10,000 turned up (3,000 more than expected) with many arriving hours in advance.
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Japan Top 20 Hip List 2011
The top 20 hit products of 2011 according to Dentsu 28 November, 2011 by Sho
Earlier today, the Dentsu Innovation Institute released their findings for 2011′s top “hit products” in Japan. The list shows the top 20 items, figures and phenomenons as seen from a internet survey the company carried out earlier this month. It’s a nice representation of the current buzzwords and what’s hot in Japan right now.
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Yomenya Goemon
Eating spaghetti the Japanese way 26 November, 2011 by Yan
It has always been a struggle to find food that agrees with the rest of the crowd while not breaking the wallet, especially when one is in town over the weekends. I’m happy to announce that with the recent addition of Yomenya Goemon in town, it could really be a good option to dine at. After all, how many people can say no to both Western and Japanese food?
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Honke Owariya Soba
546 year old taste 25 November, 2011 by Kazesuki
If you’re walking in the middle of Kyoto taking in the cool atmosphere while the yellow autumn leaves wavering with each caress of the wind, you’ve had that craving for soba. Honke Owariya is one soba shop that is worth a try. The restaurant has been making buckwheat soba since the Edo period. Their soba noodles have served the Japanese Imperial family since then.
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