MyTaiwanLife

2020 Olympics in Tokyo

2013-09-07T22:27:00.000-07:00

Today I learned the IOC awarded the 2020 Olympics to Tokyo! This is so awesome. I know the last Summer Olympics in Japan was 1964, so it has been a looongggg time, too long. It's great because first timers to Japan will get to enjoy the perfect blend of old and new Japan, and their famous hospitality. I found old video clips from 1964 on Youtube, and it's interesting to see how much has and has not changed since then.

(Associated Press)

Some interesting facts from Tokyo 1964 Games according to Olympics.org:

- Due to the grueling schedule, the Captain of the Japanese volleyball team couldn't find a husband, so after hearing about it the Prime Minister of Japan hooked her up with her future husband.
http://www.olympic.org/news/japan-s-women-s-volleyball/193505
- First Olympics in Asia
- The Tokyo Games was also the last occasion that hand timing by stopwatch was used for official timing.

My favorite photo from the 1964 Games:

(Olympics.org)

Quickies on Karate

2013-08-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

I've always known karate originated in Japan, and I have vague memories of it as a kid from watching movies like Karate Kid. (Can you believe Ralph Macchio is over 50 now?!) So when I found the video below, I have a new found appreciation for the beauty and strength in karate moves.

Here are some interesting facts on karate pulled from Wikipedia; some of which are very surprising!

Originated from Ryukyu, the southernmost islands in Japan.
Influenced by Chinese kung fu from cultural exchanges between China and Japan
Karate is divided into 3 more basic parts - kihon (basics or fundamentals), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring)
Karate was only made popular in the rest of Japanese during the early 1900s

Japanese Brazilian

2013-07-27T00:50:00.000-07:00

The history between Japan and Brazil always interests me. It's an exotic hybrid of Asian, European and Afro influences combined into one. If you've never studied or read articles on the history of Japan and Brazil, it's pretty fascinating. For the purpose of this blog, I am focusing on Japanese in Brazil since there are not many well-known Japanese Brazilians in Japan.

Since I love following fashion, there are some well-known fashion models from Brazil with Japanese ancestors. In a previous post I wrote about Juliana Imai. There are also male models like Leandro Okabe, Hideo Muraoka, and Akihito Sato. Droooolllll

(Hideo Muraoka homorazzi.com)

(Leandro Okabe adonismale.com)

(Akihito Sato philippinemodels.blogspot.com)

Then you have musicians and politicians and entertainers. I enjoy the chill, relaxing sounds of bossa nova and Lisa Ono is a well known artist in Brazil.

Lisa Ono singing Girl From Ipanema

Then you have some hilarity from Sabrina Sato who was made famous in Brazil by their version of Big Brother. She is pretty ballsy and outrageous. Just watch some clips of her driving drunk, doing samba in a quiet neighborhood late at night and trying to speak very broken English to the one and only WOLVERINE!

(Youtube)

Finally you have samba in Tokyo! Pretty cool to see Japanese people channeling the rhythmic dances of samba...

(Youtube)

Controversial new Hayao Miyazaki Kaze Tachinu film

2013-07-17T22:52:00.001-07:00

I read an article from Tokyotimes.com that Hayao Miyazaki is releasing a new animated film titled "“Kaze Tachinu” (“The Wind Has Risen”) about the lives of Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of Japan’s World War II-era Zero fighter plane, and mid-20th century writer Tatsuo Hori. Though I am not big on historical films, I LOVEEEEE his animated ones.

Most people know him from his movie "Spirited Away". It's about a girl, Chihiro, who gets separated from her parents, and is lost in a fantasy world filled with ghosts, frog-like people, and a dragon-boy, who she cares deeply for. It's one of those movies that help you reclaim your childhood innocence. This movie is no bubble gum crap, and it certainly has some dark sides to it. The storyline and images that flow out of Miyazaki's mind is otherworldly. So much so that I even had a dream filled with one of his soap-shaped bugs with 8 legs crawling around.

Spirited Away has lessons in friendship, greed, and conquering your fears. After watching it the first time, you will probably hit replay, and enjoy it all over again as I did. Go buy or rent it!

UPDATE: Seems like people in Japan are pretty pissed at the anti-war stance of Miyazaki's new film "Kaze Tachinu". Even though people want animated films to be PC, I think Miyazaki has a right to express his opinion. War is a human abomination, and needless lives are lost due to ideologies.

(imdb.com)

(Studio Ghibli)

Japanese desserts - Green tea flavored

2013-07-14T18:30:00.000-07:00

My favorite desserts come from Japan. I love it all - donuts, cake, flan, chocolate pudding, boba, ICE CREAM. You name it. Most people's first introduction to Japanese desserts were probably at a sushi restaurant and served a scoop of green tea ice cream. On a flight to Tokyo as a little kid, I liked it so much that I would ask my Mom for just 'green tea'. My little dumb brain forgot to say ice cream, so I got a nice cuppa hot green tea. I don't remember being too happy.

The most popular green tea ice cream is probably made by Maeda-en, and lately I've been into Haagen Dazs' version. Maeda-en is mild and sweet with just the right amount of green tea goodness. Haagen Dazs is pretty good but too creamy (watch the fat/calorie count).

(shopwell.com)

Green tea is also nice because it can be made in soooo many different ways. Green tea Kit Kats, for instance. If you love blended chocolates such as orange, raspberry, white chocolate, and coffee then you will surely enjoy this magnificent (sometimes expensive) treat. There is also green tea yokan. Yokan is a jelly dessert consisting of red bean paste, agar and sugar. Its texture is thicker than jello and its flavor is not overwhelming. It's especially good to eat chilled on a hot day.

(tumblr.com)

(blogspot.com)

Japanese desserts can be created with shaved ice. With a variety of toppings such as sweet red beans, ice cream, little chewy mochi (rice balls), fruits, even flan, you can eat this and die happy.

.(weheartit.com)

(foodspotting.com)

This is just a tip of the sweetness, cavity inducing iceberg of Japanese desserts. I haven't even started on their coffee flavored jellies, cakes, etc. God I love Japanese desserts!

Is there a green tea dessert I've forgotten or haven't tried yet?

Shoji Ueda - Japanese Photography

2013-07-11T21:58:00.003-07:00

So I found a Twitter post by @ Fashionpressnet today about a Japanese photographer, Shoji Ueda. His style is a combination of surrealism based on reality. His photos are head of his time, and he has a unique use of perspective. My favorite photo titled "Children, Father, Mother" (パパとママとコドモだち) from 1949 looks like a cool, retro photo for some fashion label.

パパとママとコドモだち Children, Father, Mother (1949)

シリーズ「砂丘モード」より Dune Mode (1985)

Read the full article on Fashion Press' site.

Parapara, Ayumi Hamasaki and Japanese group dance

2013-07-09T19:09:00.001-07:00

Japanese group dance or parapara (パラパラ) is something you may see when exploring nightlife in Japan. The group mentality is everywhere, including in da club!

This nice thing about this type of dance is that the moves are generally uncomplicated. This way the audience can dance the same way a performer does, and it unites everyone. Watch the below video from an Ayumi Hamasaki concert to see what I mean.

(Youtube)

Intro lesson on Para para basics (Youtube)

Advanced para para (Youtube)

Two side notes: Ayumi Hamasaki is a great performer! She's got passion for singing and performance. Will review her stuff later. Also while para para is great and intricate, it does lack individuality and spontaneity. But it does not hurt to try. Para para away!

Perfume パフューム JPop's Finest

2013-07-06T00:09:00.000-07:00

If you have not heard of electropop group Perfume, then where have you been??!

They are an all female group from Japan formed in 2001 in Hiroshima. The group includes Ayano Ōmoto, Yuka Kashino, and Ayaka Nishiwaki. If you've watched the Pixar movie "Cars II", then you may have heard their song "Polyrhythm". Perfume's first song to catch my ear was "Fushizen na Girl" (不自然なガール) back in 2010, and I've been hooked to their electropop sound, fashion, and choreography since. These girls kickass!

Perfume is busy touring Europe for Summer 2013, and then back to Japan in December 2013. Come to America soon!!

Polyrhythm performed in Tokyo Dome (TokumaJapan Youtube)

Fushizen na Girl (TokumaJapan Youtube)

Japanese Skincare

2013-07-03T17:03:00.003-07:00

There are several reputable brands of Japanese skincare out there. My favorites are Shiseido, and Muji. Shiseido is has an excellent deep clean cleanser for men that I use twice a week. It's almost like having an at-home skin treatment because after I wash off the cleanser, my skin already peels lightly. Price varies, but just above $20, and it lasts me a year. Shiseido has a beautiful flagship store in Ginza, where I shopped at, but they don't do duty free so you're better off buying a skin care set at the airport before you leave Japan.

If you are looking for something light, I suggest Muji's products. I have a foaming cleanser that is light, and does a good job of cleaning my skin. It costs about $10-15, and lasts for about 6 months with twice a day use.

I have also seen a charcoal cleanser from various brands such as Gundam, but I will have to test another time. I also have heard good things about SK II, and DHC. Most of these products can be purchased online at Amazon or a local Asian grocery store. Also many Macys department stores carry Shiseido for men and women. Are there any Japanese skin care products, especially for men, I am unaware of? I love to try new things.

Muji foam wash

Charcoal face wash (I have yet to try)

Save 15% off on our lively, non-drying face wash. Sale ends July 31st.

Japanese packaging. LOVE!

2013-06-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

Check out this Pinterest page on various Japanese packaging labels. Colorful, simple and most definitely eye catching.

http://pinterest.com/oingiboingi/japanese-package-design/

Origami and Japanese packaging

2013-06-23T22:55:00.000-07:00

I love Japanese packaging. The colors, meticulous methods of packaging, and presentation are what catch my eye. When I was little I relished shopping at the department store with my Mom because of the cool bags and gifts they would include. They were so exacting when wrapping your items, and then sealing the top of your bag with store emblemed tape. It's like origami but for your shopping bag. I'm sure the current attention to the environment will shift packaging from paper to reusable bags or cloth, such as furoshiki. Furoshiki is the art of using cloth to wrap various items such as wine bottles or boxes. It literally means bathspread since people in the olden times would use it to carry items to the local bathhouse. Check out the imaginative ways to package!

(Adme.ru)

(funsterz.com)

(http://art-maddie.blogspot.com/2011/08/wrapping-techniques-furoshiki.html)

Here's another article about Japanese Happy Bags sold during New Year. For a fee ranging from $100 -$300 USD, you get a gift bag filled with clothing, electronics, and other treats. Most times, the total value of the contents exceed the price paid.

Grandmother music video - Osaka Obachan (Osaka grandmother)

2013-06-17T16:06:00.000-07:00

For a funny respite from your Monday, please enjoy this video I found on Visit Japan's Twitter page. As with any country, every region has its own character or personality. In Japan, people in the Kansai region (where Osaka is) are stereotyped as loud, opinionated, and flashy. Personally, I love all those qualities, even though my Mom is from Tokyo. Japanese moms are pretty hilarious and quirky. My mom would jump in to make sure my dinosaur dioramas got an A+ by sketching out the animals, then having me color them so that I did my part of the project (which really meant hers), or make me egg salad sandwiches that would send kids scurrying away from me because they had a few hours to ferment in my lunch bag since the morning. Or when I found condoms in the bathroom, and asked Mom what they were for. She got too scientific about the birds and the bees. So yes, Japanese moms are HILARIOUS!

(Osaka obachan music video from Youtube)

Tao Okamoto with Hugh Jackman in Wolverine

2013-06-15T16:58:00.000-07:00

The preview for the upcoming Wolverine movie looks hot! Especially when you get a top Japanese fashion model to play in an action flick. The lovely Tao Okamoto gives an interview about her role as Mariko Yashida.

Check out Tao walking the catwalk from my last post on Japan Fashion Week 2012.

Natto - Healthy and stinky. Love or hate it

2013-06-14T15:56:00.001-07:00

When I was little, my mom would take the siblings and I to various Japanese grocery stores- Yaohan (remember them?), Nijiya, Mitsuwa or a mom and pop place. Amongst the Japanese cookies, wakame salad, furikake, and occasional treat of anpan in the shopping cart, was the stinky, sticky, gooeyness of natto. For natto newbies, it is basically fermented soybeans that is added as a topping on white rice. I don't get why people enjoy the flavor or texture, but they do. As in most things in life, I say don't knock it until you try it, but my experience tells me not again, EVER!

Here are some creative ways people enjoy natto...

(Natto spaghetti - Trotch.com)

(Natto sushi - Umamiart.com)

(Typical style of eating natto - Wikipedia.org)

(Natto bath)

(Healthy natto with brown rice - Wired.com)

(Iron Chef Natto Battle - Video dubbed from Food Network)

Maybe eating natto isn't so bad after all. According to a Wired.com article, it may prevent Alzheimer's. So eat up I guess!?

New zombie series - Attack on Titans - MUST WATCH!

2013-06-13T18:30:00.000-07:00

Wow! Talk about an epic anime series- Attack on Titans (Shingeki no Kyojin 進撃の巨人). I could not stop watching this 10 episode animation about giant zombies terrorizing little European hamlets. The main characters are like 3 Musketeers - Eren, Mikasa, and Armin - who survive trials and tribulations with the support of each other.

I liked the pace of the series, the plot, and often surprising twists and turns. Attack On Titans does a superb job of connecting the viewer to the plight of the helpless inhabitants of the fortified lands called Wall Maria, Wall Rose, and Wall Sina. As you see the giant zombies tear down each wall, and the villagers backed into a corner, the bravery of these people come through. At times, I thought "finally some defensive action! These people are totally chicken shit!" Armin can really annoy when he's constantly crying, but you'll see his character development. I would say there's a bit of graphic death scenes, but not in the style of Walking Dead. Anyway, just watch it already!

(From Wikipedia)

Where cats outnumber humans - Cat Island Tashirojima

2013-06-13T12:42:00.000-07:00

Here's a cute story for you cat lovers (愛猫家), and especially to my friend Jenny! Tashirojima, or Cat Island, has only 100 permanent residents but almost 1,000 cats. The island is near Miyagi prefecture, where the tsunami hit in 2011. Luckily all people and most cats on Tashirojima survived. Cats are a beloved part of Japanese culture. You may have noticed this at Japanese restaurants and seeing a white bob cat statue with 1 arm raised greeting you. They represent good luck and fortune.

According to International Science Times, the island was popular with fisherman during the 1800s, and there is one tale that says a fisherman collecting rocks accidently killed a cat when a rock fell on it. So he buried it and created shrine. Since then there's been cat devoted architecture erected throughout the island. They are super kitsch, and I like!

Japan-guide.com states the only way to get to the island is by ferry, which departs 3 times a day from Ajishima Line terminal near Ishinomaki. The tickets can be purchased on the boat for about 1200 yen and takes 45-60 minutes.

(From Youtube)

(From amusingplanet.com)

(From Flickr: Hirano_sui)

Saving money to Japan

2013-06-11T18:11:00.000-07:00

If you are making any travel plans to Japan, here are some ways to save money! There are several things working in favor of an affordable trip. According to a recent New York Times report, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's changes appear to be working, which inadvertently leads to a weaker yen. A weaker yen for Americans and others means more spending power when you visit.

In 2006, I remember the exchange rate being $1 US = 116 Japanese yen. As of today, it is $1 US = $98 Japanese yen. Also, my roommates found a $600 roundtrip deal to Tokyo in September, so it is possible to get a steal of a deal to Japan. My goal is to be there in 2014.

One website that I find super helpful when planning my foreign trips is Onetravel.com. I noticed that flight aggregate sites such as Kayak.com or Vayama tend to miss Asian or European carriers that could offer better rates.

For affordable places to stay, I chose Toyoko Inn, which has locations throughout Japan. This chain is awesome because they've got locations within walking distance to train stations, and the Shinjuku Kabukicho location offered free breakfast. Check to see if the one you select offers free breakfast.

Finally, researchers at Texas A&M University seemed to have debunked the belief that Tuesdays or Wednesdays are good days to book cheap airfare.

How do you find travel deals? How do you budget for trips besides eating ramen noodles or bringing a flask to a club then pouring it into your drink? Just wondering...

RIP Nujabes 瀬場潤 - Japanese DJ

2013-06-06T09:22:00.000-07:00

I was recently turned onto Nujabes 瀬場潤, a Japanese DJ who died in 2010 from a car accident. Nujabes stands for the DJ's name spelled backwards - Seba Jun. It's sad that artists are usually noticed post death, but his music is perfect for relaxation and reflection. I was turned onto his stuff by a very special Someone, and I'm glad I was introduced to this DJ because his stuff is sentimental, worldly and telephonic. Basically....I love it!

My favorite tracks are Flowers, which features Dinah Washington, and has a retro 1940s sound to it and Luv4u, a Nujabes mix created by Thomas Prime. Luv4u has a Japanese male singer flowing in a poetry slam style tone.

Sample these songs from Soundcloud below..

Nujabes - Flowers ft. Dinah Washington
Nujabes - Luv4u a Tribute by Thomas Prime

You can play Nujubes' whole 2005 Modal Soul album below. It's perfect "I'm in bed on a weekend and don't wanna leave the comfort of the covers" music.

RIP Nujabes

For some upbeat sounds, I like listening to Shinichi Osawa. My favorite mix is his Star Guitar mix by Au Revoir Simone. His music videos are ethereal, fun and are like visual crack candy.

From Youtube, Paris

From Youtube, Star Guitars ft. Au Revoir Simone

Download the unmixed Star Guitars by Shinchi Osawa

Happy listening!

New York City and Hawaii turning Japanese

2013-05-01T02:14:00.000-07:00

Just returned from visiting New York City and Hawaii. I've gotta say the Japanese food in these two spots are just as authentic as being in Japan. In NYC, I visited MOMO's in Brooklyn, then Kambi, a ramen spot. My friends and I started at Momo's while waiting for a table at ROBERTA'S (excellent pizza!). Momo's served fusion Japanese food. We ordered lamb gyoza then tofu salad. At first I was disturbed at the thought of lamb gyoza due to the imagined "gamey" flavor, but it was cooked perfectly and seasoned well. Pheww. The tofu salad was also interesting because the texture of the tofu was thicker and creamier than regular tofu. I liked the avocado and drizzle of light shoyu (soy sauce) with it. A few days later I checked out Kambi, a ramen spot, and enjoyed a yummy chicken shoyu ramen. The ramen broth here is more fuller in flavor and appearance. The chicken had a nice fatty flavor to it and the green onion and tea egg were perfect accents.

Tofu salad at Momo's

Shoyu chicken ramen at Kambi

Hawaii, of course, has an abundance of Japanese inspired foods. One place to start is Shirokiya at ALA MOANA MALL. SHIROKIYA was the oldest mall in Japan started in 1662. They've got a fun food court to purchase bento boxes or made to order food. I ordered a chicken katsu on bed of salad from one of the stalls. It was perfectly fried with just the right amount of tonkatsu sauce.

If you are ever traveling outside Japan, and want a touch of Japan, then visit these locations!

Momo's Brooklyn

Kambi

Shirokiya

JPOP my ear!

2013-03-10T22:13:00.000-07:00

This past month I've been discovering some fun, Japanese dance and pop music. My favorite finds are Perfume and DJ Moonbug. These are all thanks to Soundcloud, which is an awesome app of strictly homemade music or remixes. I have found some of my favorite house, pop and dance music remixes on it, so download when you get the chance!

I found Perfume on Youtube almost 3 years ago, and love their modern dance sound and music videos. They've got slick choreographed moves, and the visuals, including their costumes and background are AMAZING! Below is their music video for Fushizen na Girl.

(Video from Youtube - Tokuma Japan Communication)

(Video from Youtube ultrakohji)

(Video from TokumaJapan's Youtube site)

Perfume has had a few of their songs remixed by Moonbug or Novoiski 2 on Youtube. Visit Novoiski's page on Soundcloud

This remix by Moonbug is my FAVORITE!

Jiro Dreams of Sushi, a $300 Japanese dinner

2013-03-03T21:52:00.000-08:00

Been busy with work, however, found the time to watch "Jiro Dreams of Sushi". It is about an 85 year old man in Tokyo, who owns a 3 star Michelin restaurant. It's the rags to almost riches tale of a man with a single dream of running his own sushi restaurant. This is an inspiring movie because it shows the dedication, hardwork, and love this man brings to his craft. When you watch the movie, you will see that even at his age, he still moves around- going to the market, overseeing the sushi chefs, personally serving his customers, and he still tells himself that he is still learning how to perfect his craft. It's truly a Japanese trait to strive for perfection while being humble. LOVE IT!

Photo courtesy of hardergeneration.org

(Trailer courtesy of Magnolia Pictures and VISO Trailers Youtube page)

Happy New Year 2013! Gay Asia

2013-01-06T22:02:00.000-08:00

Happy 2013! Wishing everyone a healthy, wealthy and beautiful start to the new year...
2013年ハッピー！新しい年に誰もが健康で、裕福で美しいスタートを願う

It has been my yearly resolution to travel somewhere internationally each year. I love experiencing new cultures and creating exciting memories. Currently researching different countries to visit, especially in Asia. On the top of my list are Tokyo and Taipei, my Mom and Dad are from here, respectively. It just feels more familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. Familiar in the sense that if I do not speak, the locals assume I am one of them, and unfamiliar because my Mandarin is only basic and Japanese is basically nonsensical, so communication can be hard, but figured out. Hand gestures, pointing to photos or putting together English and patches of Mandarin or Japanese that I know to form a statement or question. Most of the time it results in a few laughs or confused looks.

My last visit to Japan was 2006 and Taiwan in 2005. It would be fun to revisit as a full fledged adult as opposed to a college kid who was scraping by. It's time to enjoy the finer things in life! While researching some places that caught my eye, especially in Japan, was the city of Beppu on Kyushu, one of the southern islands of the Japanese archipelago. According to Wikipedia, it is known as a spa city and hosts the "eight hells of Beppu" (別府八湯).

(Courtesy of sasimi.jp)

(Courtesy of kanpai-japan.com)

This would be an ideal place to getaway and relax after hitting up the beautiful chaos of Tokyo. Another facet of travel I am curious about is the gay nightlife in Japan, especially Tokyo. I found a very helpful and interesting video on logotv.com from their Round Trip Ticket series. I should probably create an original piece for visits to Kyoto or Osaka, which I also hope to visit.

Watch Reality TV, Video and Movies - Logo TV

Japanese guys can be super handsome, but very shy too. I've got to brush up on my Japanese asap!

MUJI SF

2012-12-01T22:52:00.000-08:00

The Muji San Francisco store opened November 30, and luckily there was no line due to the heavy rain! They have a beautiful 2 story space with the interior having a natural look. I especially loved the cash wrap area where kitchenware like pots and pan covered the backwall. They sold clothing for men and women, personal care, travel accessories and luggage, and upstairs housed kitchen and houseware.

They have a few kinks to work out such as price labels missing on the product, and not posted on the shelf. Also they lacked small sizes on some clothing. Come on Muji it's opening day!

I definitely enjoyed the refreshments provided for the Opening Day such as daifuku (mochi with sweet red bean), strawberry cookies, and tea. I bought a really cool clear briefcase made of plastic for work and face wash. They had a 30% off promotion on clothing, but am not sure how long it will last. Check it out!

Muji
540 9th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

UNIQLO SF

2012-10-07T23:18:00.000-07:00

Konnichiwa! It's been a while, and wanted to share my experience at the new Uniqlo San Francisco store that opened in Union Square. I do not know how I managed to wait in line for 1.5 hours at 9am without any coffee! (For those who know me, they know I need coffee to start my body motor.) Got in and it was organized chaos. Whoever trained the team did a good job of having energetic and helpful salespeople. I also appreciated the "Japanese sales style", which involved 1 salesperson shouting their product promo to customers. Reminded me of these different boutiques and competing salespeople attracting people to their tiny clothing shops in Tokyo's Harajuku district.

I totally scored on colorful $9.90 denim, which they will alter for $5. Say what?! YES, $5! For denim over $20, the alteration is free! The price promo does not last long. I basically bought all colors, whether I liked the color or not because they could be gifted or whatever. They had $20 Merino wool v-neck sweaters, $40 fleece lined hoodies, and 6 pairs of colorful socks for $9.90. My bag was full and I walked home with a tote bag.

HOWEVER, do note when you plan on returning or exchanging go straight to the top floor, registers 13 and 14. Do not waste your time on the main floor only to be told by the register guide person that you need to go upstairs.

For alterations:

First, get your denim pinned in the fitting room. Upon checkout, ask the cashier to print you an alteration receipt, then keep an eagle's eye on the alteration drop off tables. One is on the right side of the main floor, which is basically a portable kitchen island type table, or on the top floor on the left side of the cash registers. They've quoted anywhere from 1-3 hours, which is really not bad for a store that just opened. I wore my new favorite, altered turquoise denim a few hours after purchase. Super happy!

So go shopping nowwwwwww!
http://www.yelp.com/biz/uniqlo-san-francisco

Japan and Brazil connection

2012-08-04T20:51:00.000-07:00

I was web surfing on NHK's news site and found an inspiring article about Titi, a Japanese-Brazilian graffiti artist who is creating art throughout areas devastated by the tsunami, and how his art is lifting the people's spirit and encouraging interaction. This article definitely put things in perspective for me, and I am going to persevere and attain my goals too! Gambatte Japan!

(wochikochi.jp)

(Urbanartcore.eu)

(arrestedmotion.com)