Paper Sushi Chef

I came across this creative man and his little sushi store at Design Festa 2009 last month. Paper craft kappa maki by Hiroshi Namiki and some wonderful sushi plushies. He had a whole range of things in his little shop and he was so busy creating more I didn’t get a chance to talk to him about his work. It’s a shame, but at least I got some snaps to share with you. Don’t forget to check out his site and the great videos he has there. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday to Tokyobling!

Yesterday Tokyobling had it’s first birthday party. Last year, November 15th was the first post on this blog and I had to celebrate it a little, with a piece of cake near my office and then home to get an early night in bed (for once in a while) with a bottle of Talisker Single Malt 10 year old Whiskey. I know, cake and whiskey, the blog is getting older and so am I.

When I first started this blog I had no idea it was going to end up being a daily update thing with pingbacks and comments and trackbacks and listings and stats and scores. It was just my attempt to put up a few of the snaps I took in my everyday life, and to show the good side of life in Tokyo. Someday I hope I can get back to that more relaxed way of a blogging life. But until then, I’ll try to keep it going as steady as I can. I can’t share the cake and the dram with you, but here’s two photos I took. Enjoy, and wish me luck!

Cafe Andonand

Had an hour to spare and get myself some breakfast this morning in Yokohama. Walking around the West Exit area I came across this cafe, produced by Mister Donuts, Cafe Andonand serving a rather different kind of donut from the usual Mister Donut fare. The coffee too is different and certified by the Rainforest Alliance. I had to at least try it out, being a secret and big fan of Mister Donuts. The interior was quite well done and the music a bit of a step up, much pricier though. Check out their site for more interior shots and more info on their menu! RIght now they have stores in Shibuya, Yokohama, Jimbocho, Shiodome with probably more to come.

Beware of Flying Kids

I know the title of this post is a wild translation of the text on this traffic sign I saw in Kakegawa City last month, but I thought it fitting! A more proper translation would be “(Please) take care of (children) suddenly jumping out (into the street)”. It’s just outside a kindergarten in the middle of the city. Don’t you just love the look on that kid’s face though? Taken at the crack of dawn.