Tokyo

Way back in November, Cynthia and I stopped over in Tokyo for 3 days. This was my first time there and Cynthia’s first visit in many years. We were quite jet lagged the entire time, but made the best of it by dragging our tired asses all over that city. Even though we were in constant motion we still only saw a small fraction of what’s available. As luck would have it, we happened to be there during the 100% design show. While it may be old news for some people, we wanted to share our opinion of the show. Here are a few words from Cynthia and a selection of photos from the trip. Enjoy.

Cynthia had this to say…

100% DESIGN TOKYO

We visited Tokyo, Japan on our way to Jakarta just in time to catch 100% Design show. This event originally was a yearly event in London and this is the second year of the Tokyo version. The event showcases furniture & product design work from up & coming and established names. Since they wouldn’t allow us to take photos inside, check out the links we provide. Most of these sites are a wealth of information.

For up & coming designers, we really like Designboom’s effort to expose designers representing different countries. A design company from South Korea called No Name No Shop (www.nonamenoshop.com) had very unique concepts. They showed kits made of wood and other natural materials, that can be made into fantastic objects like fairies…Check out this link: www.designboom.com/snapshots/tokyomart06

The Dutch stand was the most prominent. Royal Tichelaar Makkum ( www.tichelaar.nl ), a very old ceramic flatware company hired young Dutch designers to create lines. Studio Job, a very cool design couple that the world has been hearing so much about, made plates that are nowhere close to the blue on ceramics typical of the classic Dutch style. These plates were our favorite piece in 100% Design.

Marcel Wanders was the design rock star of this event. He designed souvenir pieces for the event. And he also showcased his new collection for Puma. We didn’t care much for the stuff he was showing but we’re still big fans. This man designed the Knot Chair!

Outside they had containers that were used as gallery spaces. We met the Hulger phone designer, they’re old phone handset that attaches to your cell phones. He said his next step is making them for Skype! We’ll keep an eye out for that.

Hulger container at 100% design

coffee shop outside the fish market.
Yes, the photo shows the whole thing.
This place was awesome. Run by the older lady behind the counter.
The coffee wasn't great, but the experience was well worth it.

Love hotel

Great Contemporary Japanese restaurant

Actually taken in Singapore.
We couldn't figure out why there were dear playing basketball
or what it had to do with ANA

This is Cold Starbucks on a 7-11 shelf. There's a microwave next to it.

Fish Market