Category: Art

CategoriesArt Essay Inner GPS Life Manga review Photography Society

Manga-Review: REAL

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“Before you call yourself a Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu or any other theology, learn to be human first.” ― Shannon L. Alder First published in 1999, REAL has been capturing my attention. REAL is a Japanese wheelchair basketball-themed manga series created by Takehiko Inoue. For those who don’t know what manga is, the manga is an umbrella term for all sorts of comic books and graphic novels originally published in Japan. Even though REAL is written in Japanese (there are English translated-version available), quotes from the series have significantly influenced my English writings and my writing style in general. And not only are those quotes beneficial for my writing style … Continue ReadingManga-Review: REAL

CategoriesArt Decorations Essay Kanagawa Light Night Photography Technology Yokohama

Transporting into the Future

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“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt The 2020s is the decade when so many of our favorite anime series and Hollywood blockbusters take place. While Ghost in the Shell (1995) depicted a neon-lit cyberpunk Tokyo, Her (2013) set in a techno-perfect Los Angels not in a distant future where a man can date his operating system. However, at far as we know, the very first year of the decade, 2020, is not what we expected. As we spent most of our time at home, we haven’t experienced anything 2020-ish. We expected a cyberpunk-themed car accelerating on the night highway leaving … Continue ReadingTransporting into the Future

CategoriesAndroid Art Gadget review Google Linux Microsoft Photography Windows

dbrand: Black and Red Are Dope

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“I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul.” ― Pablo Neruda, 100 Love Sonnets For those who don’t know what dbrand is, dbrand is a company based in Toronto. With a high-qualified 3M vinyl, dbrand skins are the de-facto standard when it comes to phone/tablet skins. They made the first debut with a skin for iPhone 4, but now that they offer a wide variety of skins not only for phones but also for iPads, laptops, headphones, mobile chargers, game consoles, and wearables. The company name, dbrand, was derived from the idea of debranding a phone by covering phoee … Continue Readingdbrand: Black and Red Are Dope

CategoriesArt Essay Kanagawa Museum Photography Yokohama

Shaun Tan’s Solo Exhibition at Sogo Museum

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“Arriving at one goal is the starting point to another.” ― Dewey Quotes I’ve known Shaun Tan’s works for a long time. My first encounter with his work was when I was in a college in the US. I was taking an English literature class, and students were assigned to introduce their favorite picture books to the class. One of my American classmates showed us The Arrival, a picturebook created by Tan. The book beautifully illustrates the story of a father who left his family to find a better life for them in a distant land. With wordless facial expressions and gestures, the reader follows his story frame by frame. … Continue ReadingShaun Tan’s Solo Exhibition at Sogo Museum

CategoriesArt Decorations Kanagawa Photography Yokohama

Yokohama Triennale 2020

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“You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche The Yokohama Triennale, first held back in 2001 and occurs once in every three years, is Japan’s one of the biggest art exhibitions. This year’s edition titled ‘Afterglow’ marks the first time the exhibition has been led by an artistic director from overseas. Raqs Media Collective, a collective of three artists based in New Delhi, India, directed this year’s edition. The following is a brief description of the concept of this year’s edition by the official page of the art event: The title of Yokohama Triennale 2020 is “AFTERGLOW,” a word chosen by Raqs … Continue ReadingYokohama Triennale 2020

CategoriesAnimals Art Decorations History Photography Tokyo

Cats Overload

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“Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.” ― Robert A. Heinlein To commemorate the 90th anniversary, the Hotel Meguro Gajoen held another cat exhibition. 29 different artists contributed to this project, and more than 3000 cat figures and art-pieces were collected. The Idols of the Cat Capital exhibit represents Japan’s fascination with cats over the Heian, Edo, Showa, and Heisei periods. The exhibit was on display only until May 19th. It was such a like-no-other experience to be surrounded by thousands of cats. Absolutely cats overload!

CategoriesArchitecture Art Decorations Essay Fashion Light Night Photography Tokyo

Off the Beat

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“Who are you? Are you in touch with all of your darkest fantasies? Have you created a life for yourself where you can experience them? I have. I am fucking crazy. But I am free.” ― Lana Del Rey This was my second time photographing Shimokitazawa, a.k.a Tokyo’s hipster heaven. Simply called “Shimokita” or “Shimo” to the locals, the city’s trendy hipster atmosphere created by vintage stores, local designer shops, and art galleries is golden. I was there only for a few hours for a night stroll after having attended an international event held in the city, but you need to take half a day to wander around to explore … Continue ReadingOff the Beat

CategoriesArchitecture Art History Nature Osaka Photography

The Tower of the Sun

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“Strength is seeing yourself as you are.” ― Taro Okamoto The tower was built for Expo ’70 and was designed by a Japanese artist, Taro Okamoto. During the expo, the tower was open to the public but closed after the event. Back in 1970 during the expo, the gallery inside displayed a huge artwork “Tree of Life”, which represented the evolution of creatures. Since then, the tower was long closed until 2014 for repairs and reformation. The Expo and the tower itself are occasionally mentioned in modern Japanese history as symbols of the post-war economic recovery. The tower is so Osaka, and look a little comical. My dad jokingly told me not … Continue ReadingThe Tower of the Sun

CategoriesArchitecture Art Decorations Fashion Osaka Photography

Amerikamura

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“I cannot and will not cut my conscience to fit this year’s fashions.” ― Lillian Hellman Americamura, meaning American Village, is known as the creative fashion and entertainment mecca for youngsters in the Kansai region. Usually, it is referred to by locals as just simply Ame-mura. Some would say this district is Osaka’s answer to Shibuya, Tokyo. The district was originally named American Village due to the area’s focus on importing Western merchandise. Despite its name, there isn’t much that represents the US, expect that iconic Statue of Liberty replica, which I forgot to photograph this time (sorry guys lol). With punk, goth, lolita altogether, the district creates something of … Continue ReadingAmerikamura

CategoriesArchitecture Art History Osaka Photography

Osaka Castle

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“Many a book is like a key to unknown chambers within the castle of one’s own self.” ― Franz Kafka If you’re in Osaka, a stop at the Osaka Castle is a must. The history and beauty are breathtaking. Being the symbol of the city, it brings the entire cultural origin alive with the presentation. Despite the fact that the castle we see today was rebuilt, it has been done in a great manner that it accurately reflects the origin. The grounds surrounding the castle offers a great walk, and you can enjoy the view of the castle from different angles. I wish I could be there at spring when … Continue ReadingOsaka Castle