The WESC Steve Aoki Japan Tour made its stop the other day at WOMB in Tokyo for a special performance following the recent Star Trek theme. Steve seems to be on another level and is truly living the dream.  The kid is Fresh.  The event was jam packed with a load of fans and enthusiasts alike and looks like quite the wild ride, not to mention an appearance by some Japanese industry heavyweights including Big-O, Kiri, and the swagger family. It was all brought together nicely by the one and only lifestyle/party photographer...The Cobrasnake.

Starting to feel the freshness that is Japan HipHop...even have started listening to some heavy metal and rock and am really intrigued by the sound and overall direction.  The above was born as a third generation Korean in Japan, a career in the music industry was never in the cards for the artist legally known as Ryu Yong Gi.  He seems to have gotten the HipHip bug at an early age through a series of relationships and chance encounters that he built in his youth alongside musical-minded individuals such as Lisa and DJ Taku.  This has allowed him to forge a powerful career in the Japanese music world.  An intriguing look into his life and the growth of his talent.  Look for this cat as his visibility and recognition begin to increase with each coming project.His style is his own edge Labeled EMPYREDOPE

via HypeBeast

Ourei Harada is the extremely top-heavy model who has been featured in dozens of DVDs, and she continues to enjoy a huge following in Japan. She surprised many by retiring from the world of gravure idol modeling in 2007, but thankfully there are still loads of photos and videos out there for you to enjoy.

Ahh the things you come across on the internet.  This one is truly ridiculous but I really do love the idea of it.  This seems to be an ingenious fire extinguisher device in the form of plastic silk flowers.  I look back at what I just wrote and it just seems ridiculous yet amazing.  When placed over an oil or grease fire, the flowers work by melting into a film that stops the burning.  Seems to make sense but take a look at the above video...the end result seems a little outrageous.  No doubt it'd be tough to clean that "film" up, but better than shopping for a new house, of course.  The truly intriguing and fresh thing about this is that the flowers magnetically stick to your fridge so you've got some rescue where you need it.

Purchase 'em here.

Arisa Oda is a mainstay in Japanese men’s mags, and it’s probably safe to say that her proportions have a lot to do with that.

It is becoming that time of the seasons again...a time to hit the horse track and lay down some picks.  I have yet to go to the Hong Kong track but have heard great things.  Nothing goes better with a day at the track than a classy hat.  Japanese select store Journal Standard have just got in stock these bright colored straw hats from Italian hat manufacturer Grillo.  This looks to be about the perfect hat for such an event of just for the warmer season that is upon us.  A hat like this can match any style and with the colorways being offered it really can go with any ensemble in your aresenal.  Striking beige, purple, blue, red and navy are all heated choices for this spring/summer season.  Currently available at Journal Standard but I can assume they are selling fast...get on it. 

Was at a friends art show yesterday and really enjoyed the experience of just walking about and absorbing the creative around me while sipping on a brew.  I did some searching and have found that many North American artists are making moves in Japan as the North American market seems to be very saturated.  A fellow Canadian seems to be making roads into Japan with some success...a multi-disciplinary artist Eeepmon (Eric Sze-Lang Chan) will be touring Japan this May. During that time, Eeepmon will put on two solo exhibits and be a part of many other art events in Tokyo.  His work usually features bright colors and subjects with the usually inclusion of animals and flowers.  If you are in Japan...check him out for a visually arresting experience.  Info on times and locations below...

Starting to see a lot of Native American influenced accessories in the past year.  Worn mainly by the ladies...I am really feeling what I am seeing.  I have seen some pretty stellar head-dresses worn by some beautiful ladies as of late.  The trend seems to be on the rise.  Accessories specialists Goro’s unveil their Spring/Summer 2009 lookbook and I am really enjoying the overall direction the look is taking.  Known as one of the premier jewelry/leather good’s companies within the Japanese market, the brands has been held in high regard with their take on Native American designs and I can truly see why.  I am also really enjoying the direction of the lookbook with the imagery given almost a nostaligic, dated look and feel.  This new lookbook provides further looks into the line that follows the same aesthetic they have become known for.  Kudos.

Pop Pop Pop...these are some super fresh/fly kicks.  They just seem to pop.  Now I am not really one to head out on the town wearing some heaters like these but I might just have to reconsider.  Back in my junior school basketball days...I used to rock a pair or pumps...light blue and black.  They were ice cold.  Cooler than a Polar Bears toe-nails.  Japanese sneaker store Atmos and Reebok have had a few team-ups in the last 6months or so.  The duo continue to light up the score-board (pun intended) with the Pump Omni Lite.  The sneaker was made famous by NBA Slam Dunk Champion Dee Brown back in the early 90s but is seen here in a much brighter and noticeable form than the original release that was decked out in all black. Purple suede, white leather and lime green are highlighted by a bright multi-colored polka dot pattern. Check out atmos for more info. 

As you can decipher...minimal design is a passion of mine.  Clean lines make for clean living...you can quote me on that.  Celebrated in Japan as a pioneer in design, Masamichi Katayama’s has an instinct for minimalistic design and has set a new standard for interior design in Japan. Katayama’s design firm, Wonderwall, has crafted some ofJapan's most revered designs including retail endeavors for the likes of Marc Jacobs, Hysteric Glamour, Ice Cream/BBC, and A.P.C, which happen to be some of the best brands in the market today.  Brand that believe that a unique and innovative in-store experience and overall design truly differentiates a brand and can take it to the next level.  Wonderwall outfit now looks towards Kita-Aoyama lifestyle store Cibone to land their expertise for a creation of various furniture pieces. Look for the pieces to be durable/long lasting and fresh.  Check the Cibone Collection via their official website.