Well known for his photo documented love story with Madi Ju in "My Little Dead Dick", and his heartfelt blog about life in Japan post-Tohoku Earthquake, "Talking Barnacles", Patrick Tsai has released a new book with Nanarokusha, called Modern Times. The book beautifully and humorously shows Patrick's take on China and its wonders from 2007-2008, leading up to the Olympics. Check out a preview of the images here. - Jennilee
Lifecycling intimately takes a look into the lives and spaces of Japanese creatives, including Beams creative director Kenchi Aono and designers Mana and Takashi Kobayashi. Think of it as a Japanese version of Freunde Von Freunden or The Selby with beautiful write ups and interviews. - Jennilee
Above are some examples of the Spring styling from Japanese brand South 2 West 8. I can't say I could wear either of these complete ensembles but the scrunched socks and low top shoes might be doable. Check out more wild stuff on their blog.-Bob
Your $$$$, your phone and your lighter (for lighting candles, incense and fireworks, not cigarettes) should all be decked out with as much colored leather as possible.
HIRO's SS 2012 Collection will leave you feeling dazed and confused in the best possible way. The hazy look book is stocked full of tie-dye tees, edgy prints and a ton of attitude. It makes us want to go back to senior year and be the total badass we always wanted to be! School sux, down with the man, etc...
I told myself I wouldn't start looking at spring or summer collections until we had some sort of winter but I'm no longer holding my breath. Instead, I'm looking forward to shorts, bucket hats, chambray, fun patterns and all the things that the Japanese brand Engineered Garments does so well. Check out the rest of their lookbook here. -Bob
Sweatpants are one of those trends I've never given much thought about getting behind, basically an instant "nah." Leave it to Japanese styling to make me reconsider how I feel about 'em, both outfits are something I could see myself wearing and especially the later pair in brown that could easily pass for trousers. So now that I am convinced that they can be worn well, will I run out and get a pair? That's the tricky part. -Bob
Sally Scott's persona shifts with the seasons. In spring she's cute as pie and in fall, don't mess with her. Seasons aside, she always looks smoking. - Nadia
These Comme Des Garçons Jewel Zip Wallets make us extremely happy. They remind us of bright flashing stage lights at a show—it's like having a constant party in your bag!
I always manage to fall head over heels for these super cool Japanese brands that I will never get my hands on! Right now I am currently obsessing over Jouetie's spring/summer "punk rock Bad Angel"-themed collection. I loved all of it down to the candy-colored hair and high-top sneakers. - Hazel
Show some national pride by wrapping your bike wheels with some patriotic tires from Innova. The German tires seems the least likely to show signs of wear due to the black center stripe but I'm sure Old Glory won't mind as long as you ride with pride. -Bob
For all our readers over in Tokyo, we have a very special event for you! PICTURES, curated by Ken Miller, opens Monday, November 7, from 6-8pm at Diptrics (6-5-45 Minami Aoyama Minato-ku). This event is close to our hearts because it features works from Marcelo Gomes and Sam Falls, two photographers who have worked with us in the past. Tanoshimou ne!
Brighten up your bike with a funky patterned saddle by Kashimax. If you're on a city cruiser you might want to look elsewhere, the shape is more catered to an aggressive road or track bike. -Bob
I have never seen something as killer as this Reaper rug from Soft Machine that I wanted this badly for my house. Right at the top of my list next to a taxidermy Kangaroo. X - Jen
I really love the lookbooks that Japanese brand R by 45rpm does every season, the photography is always very simple and the models are normal people which is something I don't see quite enough of. See the rest of the lookbook here. -Bob
Fun socks from Japanese brand Beams Plus in time for the upcoming Autumn weather; they'd look great popping out of pretty much any shoe, boot, or sneaker. I can't even remember the last time I wore full length socks but I'm definitely ready for the mercury to drop. -Bob
We would like to have everything in Syrup's catalog, including that crazy hair and that tasty eclair.
Disco Nails is a nail salon in Shibuya, Japan where all of your wildest nail dreams come true. Aren't those Daniel Johnston nails the best thing you've EVER seen?! - Hazel
