Paisley St Claire

Japan: Shinzi Katoh

Readers of design blogs and zakka-lovers would be no stranger to the amazing work of Shinzi Katoh.

I have been a massive fan for a long time. So, I was extremely excited to meet him when we were in Japan. Mr Shinzi Katoh showed us hand sketches of some of his early work, the designs for next years diaries, his upcoming collaboration with Pixar's Toy Story and the fabulous paintings he is currently working of for an exhibition that will tour Japan.

We were very priviledged to meet Mr Shinzi Katoh and his lovely team - it was truely a highlight of our entire trip. I don't usually post photos of myself and my family but this one is too exciting not to share. By the way, my husband and I were not deliberately trying to dress like twins.

 

Unfortunately, the Shinzi Katoh studio shop and muesum isn't open to the public anymore but they have a Shinzi Katoh Cafe and Shop in Osaka which is well worth the visit for fans travelling to Japan. 

Japan: cat parlor

Its no secret that the Japanese can be a little bit quirky. So when in Tokyo, we decided to do as the Tokyoites do and go to a cat parlor (they call it a 'cat house' but I think cat parlor is cuter). This one is at the top of Tokyu Hands in Ikebukero and is called Nekobukero (a little play on neko - meaning 'cat' and Ikebukero - the suburb). The fascination for me was to see people (most in there were adults) super excited about the prospect of getting to hand feed and pat ordinary household cats.

We spend our time watching cats sleep and trying to coax shy ones from their hiding spots. After about 5 minutes, a lady comes and jingles a little tamborine. Cats come running from everywhere - there were more cats in there than I had thought. She then hands out a little handfull of cat biscuits and we proceed to entice cats to eat from our hands. I'm no going to lie - it was fun - and I'm a dog person. 

Japan: natural beauty

I mentioned in my last post that we have just come back from Japan (we've been back less than a week). We've been a few times over the last 5 years and each time is different. Different because we visit different places, our children are older each time (note: I'm not saying that it gets easier), we're comparing to the other times we've been there and we're searching for something each time - the happiness we felt the last time we were there. This time was also different because we we experiencing Japan only a few months after the tragedy and devastation of the Tohoku earthquake. For me, it felt very different this time - maybe a combination of all of the above.

Something that remains constant for me is the natural beauty of the country. We travelled high in the mountains to one of the most amazing places I have ever seen - Shirakawa-go. We stayed in the gassho house in the first picture.  

We also travelled further south to Kyoto - the bamboo forest was breathtaking.

These last photos are from a temple in Kita-Kamakura, about an hour and a half on the train from Tokyo.

All photos taken by me (and Husband). Please check with me first if you want to use them. x Paisley.

'I heart Tokyo' bag featured in Home Beautiful

I was very excited to see my I heart Tokyo shopper tote featured in this month's issue of Home Beautiful. Japan is always in our hearts, now more than ever.

I heart Tokyo Tote

Just added to my website and etsy store - my new 'I heart Tokyo' tote. It features the names of some of my favourite Tokyo prefectures and is available in Natural/Red (pictured), Natural/Black and Black/White. And stay tuned, tomorrow I'll be showing you my new tote collection, 'My mamma said..'.

Japanese Craft Books

One last thing, I know there are a lot of you out there who love Japanese craft books. Sure, we can't really understand the instructions, but the photos are pure inspiration and the diagrams in the back give you a pretty good idea of what to do. I only had a very small amount of time to grab some new books to add to my collection. I managed to restrain myself to just these 6 books:

  

Shinzi Katoh goodies

We're back home now - thankfully just missing the typhoon that has devastated parts of Japan. Today will be the last of my Japan posts. Thanks to everyone who has been following along. For those who were interested, the vinyl decals held up perfectly to the rough treatment. I mentioned earlier that we found a Shinzi Katoh Design store in Ikebukero (I also spotted one in Ueno Station). This is just some of the pieces I bought - we bought a lot.

Japan photolog: Country

Japan photolog: Town

Tokyo photolog: Window Shopping

Tokyo: week two (part 2)

I can't believe the amount of things you can fit into two weeks. We've also visited Ueno Zoo, Yokohama city and Landmark Tower which is Japan's tallest building, Disneyland, and lots more shopping in Harajuku, Nippori and Chiba city. We also went up into the mountains to a particular spot which is one of my most favourite places in Japan - more photos of that later.

Tokyo: week two (part 1)

Oh my, shopping nirvana this week. We found a Shinzi Katoh Design store at Ikebukero and everything was on sale! Of course, I bought one of everything, almost. I will show you what we bought when we're back home. The Anna Sui store there is a few handbags lighter now too.

Today we went to Roppongi Hills (shopping centre) and had a great time in the Kate Spade, Furla, Lulu Guiness and Language boutiques.

This week we also found some super cute kids clothes at Zara, GAP and Benetton.Its also the 35th Anniversary of Hello Kitty so there is Hello Kitty stuff everywhere. We stopped at the Sanrio Gift Gate in Ikebukero and bought some kawaii goodness for the kids.

I'll show you more photos when I'm back on my mac.

Tokyo: week one

I'm having a great time in Tokyo... as if there was any doubt that I would. We had a little technical difficulty to start off with but we're all sorted now so I can show you a few of the things we've been doing.

On Wednesday I met up with the gorgeous Kaori and her lovely friend Ken in Harajuku. They took us to a charming little boutique in the backstreets of Harajuku called Marble SUD. The store has an eclectic mix of clothing and accessories as well as a selection of items from local designers and artists, including Kaori's handstitched french bulldog keycharms. Marble SUD will be holding an exhibition of Kaori's work in November.

It was the last day of a 5 day holiday so the streets in Harajuku were pretty crowded. Kitson had only recently opened at La Foret (just around the corner from here) so there was a lineup to get in there.

We also spent some time in the beautiful shops of Omote-Sando.

Another highlight so far has been our visit to the Teien Art Museum at Meguro. We saw the amazing Stitch by Stitch exhibition featuring a group of Japanese textile artists. Unfortunately, I wasn't allowed to take any photos but I'll try to find some information and images about artists and their work when I get back home. It really changed my understanding of how embroidery can be used as pure art.

The exhibition finishes this weekend but if you are ever in Tokyo you should try to visit the Teien Art Museum and gardens. It is the former residence of a Japanese prince and is the most exquisite example of art deco decor and architecture I have ever seen. Worth a visit just to see the light fittings and door knobs alone!

Oh, I mustn't forget to mention my new favourite Tokyo discovery... Takano Fruit Parlour. I visited the one at Takashimaya Times Square (Shinjuku) but there are several around Tokyo.

Seriously, I never knew fruit could taste this divine. The peach sorbet is like heaven.

We've also been a bit touristy and visited Mt Fuji and Hakone via bullet train and today we spent the day in Yokohama city. Thanks to everyone who has been emailing and leaving comments with their favourite Tokyo haunts. I'm trying to squeeze in as much as I can so hopefully I can check out some of your suggestions.

Guess where I'll be this time next week.....

Tokyo. Yay!!! I'm busy marking must-see destinations in my Google map of Japan. On the list are some very cool art exhibitions, shopping hot spots, a trip to Mt Fuji, Disneyland (of course), a trip to the seaside and to the mountains. Although, I admit that most time has been spent carefully marking shops.

I'm hoping to blog while I'm in Japan but if I disappear for a while, you know where I am. Probably here. 

Thanks Curly Collection!

A huge thank you to Gyle and Yachiyo from Curly Collection for the lovely gift I received last week. Tokyo based Curly Collection has been around for about 25 years. They design the cutest accessories featuring polka dot fabric and buttons, baby-soft chenille and tonnes of trimmings. I have no doubt that Curly makes the girliest girl stuff in the whole of Japan. Everything is sweet like candy and super soft - I adore the little cupcake pin cushion! Super generous - thanks Curly! Check out the Curly Collection website here.

Naoshi the Sunae Artist

My parents used to have this little bottle filled with layers of coloured sand. I think they got it on holiday somewhere. I always thought it was quite exotic and I thought that was pretty much as artistic as sand could get. Until I discovered Yokohama-based graphic artist, Naoshi, who works in the Japanese medium of sunae, or sand painting. Her work is quirky and sweet. Some of the pieces even have a little story, like this one:

I'm pretty sure not many of us have tried sunae before, so luckily Naoshi provides a step-by-step guide on how to make your own sunae artwork. The full details and tips are on her website.

Naoshi's original art can be seen at exhibitions all over the world. Currently her work is showing as part of the Sugarcraft exhibition at the Kasia Kay Art Projects Gallery in Chicago. Or you could head over to her etsy shop and pick up a print like these:

PingMag

Want to get the low down on Japanese cool and quirky? Check out PingMag. This e-zine covers architecture, art & crafts, events, fashion, film, art, music and much more.

For example, you can learn how to make Tsumami-kanzashi hair clips.

Or examine the mystique and appeal of the Japanese school uniform.

Or the magic of Tokyo's street lamps.

PingMag even has a separate mag called PingMag Make which has interviews with innovative Japanese craftspeople.

Jlogs (Japan-blogs)

Ok, thats a pretty lame title but stay with me on this one. I've found some great blogs a that give a wonderful insight into Tokyo and Japan in general.
 
8tokyo is written by a Japanese girl who makes beautiful canvas totes (8tote). Her blog is full of great pictures of Japanese shops, fashion, food and fun things.  This really is a fantastic blog.

Riceballer is a blog written by an American lady living in Japan. It chronicles the process of moving to Tokyo and making a life there.

Julie is a young Canadian woman teaching English in Japan. Her blog, Julie in Japan, has heaps of helpful hints for people visiting Japan or moving there to teach English. She also talks about Japanese culture, tv and food.

Found, now home is an exquisitely photographed blog. The writer traveled to Japan in April this year and the her photos are just beautiful. Particularly relevant for those who are interested in Japanese fabric. Found, now home also has beautiful photos of interiors and vintage finds (in America). Definitely worth a look. You'd love it Diana.

Curly Collection

 
Curly Collection has some of the prettiest things imaginable. I can understand why its one of Kaori's favourite shops. They have clothing, accessories, craft supplies and cute little knick knacks. The site is in Japanese but that doesn't stop you from looking at the pretty pictures. Visit Curly Collection here.

Tokyo Made

Tokyomade is a fabulous website selling fashion, accessories, art and other bits and pieces from independent, Tokyo and Japan-based creators. The website has bios of all the designers so you can find out a bit more about them. There is also a blog featuring cool stuff happening around Tokyo. The site is in English and prices are in US dollars. I love that jacket.

Clockwise from Top Left: Counterfeit Mouse necklace by BLITZ Kiss (US$15), Kimono Patchwork Bag by Honmonoya (US$105), Rainbow Necklace by Cometman (US$180), Biru Biru t-shirt by Seimani (US$50), Dinosaur Necklace by BLITZ Kiss (US$25), Bello Jacket by ZOESTYLES (US$178).