How Japan Gets It Done

Japan is nothing of not punctual and well organized. It is filled with rules both spoken and non. This suits me to a tee in almost all situations. One perfect example is that after work, I know there will be a train waiting for me at the platform at 9:01. Very different from my life in NYC, where you are never quite sure when that train will show up. It makes the biggest difference in the morning. I don't have to worry about being late. And for anyone who knows me...I HATE being late.

One further example of Japan's fascinating rules: the protest march. Now, in NYC, and in almost any other city in the US, protests, riots, parades, are a major headache. It means delays, road closures, and sometimes property damage and worse. Let's see what a protest march looks like in Japan.


Coming. And going.


See how all of them stay inside the orange cones. They do this every time. I have see more than 10 of these "protests". On this day they were chanting some (weak sounding) slogan, pumping their fists, and waving their flags. All of this was taking place on a main street in Ginza on a Saturday. And not one person was delayed. How do they do this?


See my man there in the yellow and blue jumpsuit? He is controlling the traffic light to prevent any delays. They force the protest marchers to travel in small groups. This is the head of one of those groups.


Through this technique the protesters get to say there fill: inside the cones, and only in small groups, and only for the so long as the cops say...AND us regular people, be us walking or driving, are neither inconvenienced or delayed. Man, Japan does have some stuff figured out. Another thing they got down is cars. They are currently kicking all kinds of sand in the face of the US manufactures. One of their newest efforts is the Nissan Dualis.


It is like a mini Murano. (What's up Lisa!) But you may be asking yourself...what is that big thing behind it. Oh, that's nothing. Just a real life transformer robot!


Yeah...so I took a bunch of pics. I won't bore you with them all. But, come on...it is not everyday you see a huge ass robot. For those of you who care, here it is in action.



Nissan is doing well to get a lot of attention for this basic (but bland) mini-CUV. Plus, to release it at the same time as all the Transformer hype...marketing genius.

Moving on.

Last weekend I was able to get a good ping-pong session in. After it, and after I had had a couple of drinks, I found myself bowling. Yes, bowling.


It was kinda cool that it was all black lit and all, but still, I usually think bowling is beneath me. apparently not. And the worst thing, I did have to wear bowling shoes. They were not THAT bad, but I somehow don't have any pics of them. And I was relieved that I didn't have to hand over my shoes to anyone. This lead to some black light photos.


And just in case you forgot what these Air Max 90/360 One Time Only's look like in regular light.


And after some "help" from a friend, I grabbed this picture. I am not usually such a rule breaker...but it is what it is. Enjoy.


MUSIC

I'm lovin' this Chamillionaire track featuring Slick Rick. It's got a nice rolling beat with some strings, piano, and West coast synths thrown on top. Plus, how can you deny the eye-patch?!? [via The Fader]

Next we have a single from Marc Ronson's album featuring Lily Allen. I got lots of love for the song. I got only a little love for the video. I am not really feeling the Roger Rabbit tribute. Take a look and tell me what you think.



And lastly, here is a dope Catchdubs remix of a Lil Wayne track. It is some slow banging goodness. He just keeps tossing different stuff at that simple beat. [via Pinglewood]

Just a bit off...

This might be a strange post: not one shoe or car in sight. I am still waiting for those Patta Asics. And believe you me...all this waiting is killing me. They were released over in Amsterdam last week. Later this month they will be available in only 6 other stores worldwide. Luckily one of them is in Tokyo. Click HERE to check out Patta's blog...with lots of pics from the release.

Moving on.


So, after weeks and weeks of only shopping and eating, my girl and I decided to do something different. I found out about an exhibition that I really wanted to see. After doing the necessary research online...off we went in search of the museum.


We did find it, and what a nice building it was. It is tucked away on a side street in a nice looking neighborhood. For a second we wondered if this was the right place. The sign partly hidden on a side wall put all worries to rest.


That's right, we traveled off the beaten path to get our culture on with some
Henry Darger. I am not sure what my attraction to his work is. Just in case you don't know what his stuff looks like...here is one example.


I would love to have taken lots of pictures of the well displayed work...but the Hara Museum of Contemporary Art was having none of it. Click HERE for a small taste of what his stuff looks like. I went to see his stuff when I was living in NYC years ago. I am not sure what my interest is. Maybe it is the pure, unquestionable authenticity of it? He didn't need to be validated or told he was great. He just did his stuff. Or maybe it is my respect for the intense focus it must have taken for him to produce such a vast amount of work? I am not sure. I can easily recommend seeing and reading about him to anyone. The story of the work matches the quality of art.

Here is a clip from a documentary about him and his work.



And lastly...click HERE for the trailer that documentary.

That's all I got for you this week. Keep scrolling down for some (slightly dated) music links.

MUSIC

A good remix of a Ciara track that makes in much more listenable. driving beat with electro finishings. Fun, I could do without the breakdown...but it wraps up nicely. So, I guess it is needed. [via Dirty Down]

This next one goes out too all my peeps serving time. Specifically poor Paris. This is a fun blend of her terrible song with some Petey Pablo jam. Click HERE to hear how sometimes two wrongs do make a right in this case. [via The Hood Internet]

Here is the video for the M.I.A. song BOYZ that I posted 3 weeks ago. It is great in a 8-bit, bright color, fresh dance-move kinda way.



Can't wait for the album to drop. And lastly today, here is a that Dizzee Rascal song that I tried to share last month. The link was taken down before most people could enjoy it. HERE it is one more time. Enjoy!

Red Hot

Rainy season has begun. It is my least favorite time in Japan, although...talk to me in August, and I might answer differently. After a warm week, the temperature dropped and so did the rain. All this rain throws all kinds of monkey wrenches into my shoe rotation.
Rain or no, off I went to Tokyo Dome last Monday. Why you ask? Well...it wasn't for no baseball game. That's not how I roll.
My girl came too. Actually...she's the reason why we went in the first place.
As is our way, we arrived way too early. We quickly discovered that our seats were not all that great. It was the first time to Tokyo Dome for both of us. (FYI: it's big.) Earlier in the day, I'd had a hard time choosing what shoes to wear, thinking that it would be like an American baseball park: all sticky floors and dirty everything. Come to find out it is very clean.
They even had smoking rooms, which was very nice. It was to be my first stadium rock show. I have have always been more of a club or small gig kinda guy. I don't think I will make a habit of it, but once in a while won't kill me.
Eventually time passed, and the place filled up. My girl and I were just having fun crowd watching. I was feeling kinda excited, but I wasn't really sure why. I guess the energy of 40,000 people can't be denied. Then the lights when down. The crowd stood up and cheered, and off we went.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers didn't waste any time. No intro, straight into their jams. After their first song, Anthony apologized for having to postpone their show for 2 months. Later in the night, Flea also said they were sorry. Nice guys.
Not being the hugest RHCP fan in the world, I decided to take notes on my phone throughout the concert. This is in no way saying that I didn't enjoy the show. I like a lot of their songs. Their set included a good balance of new and old stuff, though kinda leaning more towards the newest album. Lot's of good sing-along songs. Good times. Here are some of my notes.
* One person stands...we all stand. (We never did sit back down.)
* If you stand ON the seat, security comes in less than 15 secs. Vigilant to say the least.
* Modern technology changes everything: cellphone lights instead of lighters.
* Guitar solos still rule, who knew.
* Punky & funky times are happy times for this crowd. Love the synchronized cheering and jumping.
* Lot's of banter between songs, but I'm not sure how much of it this crowd is understanding. Maybe they can ALL speak English?
* Someone is tape recording the show in front of us. I think that is illegal, where is the security. Wait...they still make tapes?
* RHCP are nothing if not professional; consistently energetic and on point.
* The sound is mixed pretty well. Sometimes it is bass heavy..not a bad thing. But the melody gets lost from time to time. the space does the sound no favors.
* My girl seems to be the only person not signing. That's not how she gets down.
* Seriously...solos are still awesome?
* The drum set had individual lights. It is a cool idea that is not being utilized.
* If you thought this crowd loved only guitar solos...think again. Drum solos rule too!
And then, after 2 hours of rocking out, it was over. We were back home and showered by 11pm. My girl had a great time, but was happy to get home. And after going to this, it made us want to go to more concerts. Not necessarily more rock shows, but just shows in general. Developing.

Alright...that was plenty enough about that. Let's move on. Remember the Homegrown hyperstrikes that came out 6 months ago? Well, now is your chance to pick them up. Here is a pic to remind all of you forgetful fellows.
[source]

Sadly they only have limited sizes, and the price is a bit dear: $2000. Click HERE to pick them up. I will pass on these, they don't have my size. (Ha!) But I did come across another orange pair that peaked my interest.
[source]

Those are the Air Max Light's. They come in some plain colorways, and then they come in these bright-ass colorways. I'm liking these. I do hope the neon yellow is a little less lime. I have yet to see these in person. But, don't you worry...I'm in the hunt.

While I was messing about on Sneaker Freaker's site...I also found these.
[source]

Some great childhood memories came flooding back. (To see the other colorways and products, click HERE.) According to the site, Vans had released some special editions when the movie Rad first came out. And now they are making some retro versions available. For those of you too old, too young, or just plain missed it...here is the best scene. Keep your eye out for synchronized dance routines, parachute pants, ankle boots, that chick from Full House, endos, tailwhips, wheelies, and bunny hops. Enjoy!!



And click HERE to watch the entire movie online. It makes me miss my old Skyway. And speaking of awesome old movies. How about a clip from another of my absolute favs; Condorman.



I love this movie for all the terrible gadgets and killer cars. How can you not love those Porsches: all whale tailed and slant nosed! I does hurt to watch them get ruined though. Ok...enough of that old crap.

Music

Here is a beat stuttering remix of Kid Sister's "Damn Girl". The synths make me smile. [via Discobelle]

It seems I can't get enough of remixes of crunked out tracks. Here is another one. This one is Sinden's remix of "Everybody's Rocking" with some E-40 hotness. [via Electric Zoo]

And finally, the best song I came across on the interwebs last week is THIS THING HERE. Click on the link and you will not only hear the track...but also find out more info. I don't really care about the details, cause whoever it is, they are bringing the electro groovy goodness. [via The Fader]

Later

The Train Rolls On

Hello, hello, hello. It was a long ass week. I had a couple big things planned that just completely fell apart. But...such is life. To make myself happy I met some friends today for a therapy session.


Some ping pong therapy that is. I destroyed them. I can't boast about many things. This is sad but true. But...one thing I do have...is some mad ping pong skills. I tried to warn them, but they paid me no heed. Well, after many ass whippings, they know I ain't no joke on the table. Now that I know where this place is, I plan to go more regularly. Happy Happy!!

I started a project many weeks ago. It has finally come to fruition. Here it is:







To finish that reference I give you the Quad City DJ's in all their glory...circa 1995.



All of those pics I took on the train on the way to work. It was not so easy. I could only take the picture if the carriage was mostly empty, cause I don't need to be accused of taking pervert shots of girls. (A big problem in Japan) And wouldn't you know it...but the train was crowded more often than not. Unbelievable....I know!! Well, that project is done now, so I can just chill on the train. And to clear that terrible song out of your system. I give you my favorite The Avalanches track.



It is a fun video...nice to see all the different samples acted out. I had this cd at one point, but I have it no longer. This is a sad thing. I wish I still had it...I wonder where it went?

Last weekend I made it to one more sneaker consignment shop. La Avenue was much cleaner than the stores I went to the week before. I am not sure that is important...or even a good thing. It made me happy, but it doesn't mean the shoes are better. I found a couple winners, but nothing jaw dropping. I have been on a mission to find the Nike Air Zoom Spiridon's that I used to have...but I have not been able to track them down yet. Here is a pic to let you know what I am talking about.

[source]

I really miss these shoes. I have been keeping my eye out for them for a long time. I thought I got lucky on Sunday. I found these DS (dead stock: new/never worn) with the box and only ¥13,500. ($110)


BUT!!!!! They were one full size to small. I can stretch a half size up or down, but NO way can I do a full size. I was disappointed. But...I have not given up. I will find them someday! (Or I could always just order than here from Pick Your Shoes. But that would take some of the pleasure of the search out of it.)

Music:

Here is a super dope use of a good Daft Punk sample track by Kanye West. Grabbed from EVR Authentic Shit show. [via Discobelle]

Here is a crazy remix of the Boston song I Need Your Love by B.O.B. [via The Fader]

I feel like I have posted this M.I.A. track before...but I'm too lazy to make sure. Sorry. Here is her Boyz track.(again) [via Pinglewood]

You might have noticed there has been a slight increase of music links and clips on this site. It is not an accident. I spend a lot of time listening to good music. If there is something exceptional...I feel like I want to share it. I also posted my Top 5 Music links. If you like something you hear...go to those sites...they have way more.

SPECIAL NOTE:

A big happy birthday to my Country Sis!!! I miss you and I am already looking forward to seeing you and your fam in Nov. You are the best big sis a person could want. No one cannot stop the tank! Keep rolling over the tiny crap of life!!!


I post this pic...cause after looking through hundreds of your pics online....I couldn't find ONE that worked!!! Stop taking so many pics of your adorable kids, damn it!

Have a great week. I will have a big event Tuesday..and I will tell you all about it next week.

Later

Ps. Which colorway of the Spiridon are people feeling. Right now...I would take either. But if I could find them both, what shall I do?? Aany thoughts out there?!?!

This or that?

I took this shot in a fancy building near Tokyo Station. The picture doesn't quite do it justice...but it is a nice and unusual interior. The lighting structure is designy but somehow doesn't overwhelm the place. While I was there I had a nice, if expensive, meal. (Sorry, no pics.) And most likely I will be going there again soon. If any of my friends or family ever came...I might just take their sorry asses here!

Moving on. Near my work there is a Nissan showroom. These days they are holding some exhibitions with the focus on vintage cars. Right now the focus is on the...

...Fairlady Z. Or as it is known in the US, the Datsun and then the Nissan 240Z. On the right, is the top of the line NISMO tuned 300Z for 2007. It was great to see them together. I have always had me some love for the 70's and early 80's Fairlady. It seemed like an underdog of a sports car...and plus it looked cool as hell. Then they were terrible for most of the 90's. I hated that car. But now, with the latest car...they really got it right.

The lines of heritage are perfectly clear. But not in a retro cheeseball way, a la the Beetle. It is a little retro, but in an update way. A way that reminds you of the vintage years but doesn't pretend to want to take you back there.

As simple and cleanly designed as the 240's back end is...it pales in comparison to the NISMO. That looks as serious as a heart attack. All those diffusers and spoilers and the dual exhaust and on and on. I like it. Click HERE for some more pics. Put them up for a vote and I would go with the modern 300Z every time.

And now for your moment of Zen.

Today I went to Inogashira Koen in Kichijoji. The reasons for traveling to this area, a bit to the west of Tokyo, will become obvious soon. But while I was there, I took advantage of the gorgeous day and ate some lunch in the park with my trusty can of beer.

This was my view as I ate my lunch and got my drink on. All those parents taking their kids out for a spin and all those young couples working so hard. I was not about to rent a boat all by myself...but...me and the little lady have in the past. We did it in spite of the long standing superstition that if a couple uses the swan boat, they will break-up. I'm not sure how much weight I would put in that claim...we are still going strong.

It really is a nice park. But forgive me one complaint; there is a complete lack of garbage cans. This is not cool. But it is a small thing. I won't let that stop my enjoyment of the park. It has lots of bridges and paths through the forest. I even came across a tiny shrine.

Make sure to notice that the little statues of different animals are wearing some red clothing. I see this from time to time...but have yet to hear why. I will not give up though, I'm on the case!

But, as nice as the park is, it was not the main purpose of my trip. This was.

You may not be familiar with this shop. And to be honest...neither was I. It was a serious over site on my part. I am ashamed of myself. Here I was thinking I had it all figured out. How silly of me. But hey...life goes on. So, last week I was doing research about sneaker spots in Tokyo and I came across 2 that I didn't know. SKIT was the one in Kichijoji. It was quite a find. Just off the main drag, in a nondescript building, is a medium sized room utterly jammed with shoes. I didn't have the courage to take any pics...plus I was kinda dumbfounded. None-the-less, I was able to grab some pics from their website to give you the feeling.


[source]

It is crazy. I could never step back far enough to get an overview. I kept stepping on shoes and knocking my head on the stuff above me. I found some great stuff. They carried deadstock and used stuff. Each shoe had a tag with it's details: condition, box (yes or no), size, year made, and price. I can't even remember all the stuff I saw and considered. To give you some idea, click HERE to see the shoes they put in stock ONLY today. Here are the two that came the closest.


[source]

These are some Air Max 90's from 2005. They were part of the Albis pack. They have become known as the Sertig 90's. I love them; the bright colors mixed with black, the laces, the speckled midsole, all of it. I was even preparing myself to overlook the leather toebox. Then, these caught my eye.

[source]

These are some Opium Air Max 180's from a few years back. The air is actually glow in the dark...which is pretty dope. But today was not my day...both were not in my size. If they were, I would have gone with the 180's. Those neon laces cannot be ignored. But is a close one. As for the store...I will be checking in on the regular. Sadly, the staff left a bit to be desired; not so friendly.

The other store I found out about...I went to on Sunday. I had totally forgotten about it. I went there by chance about 3 years ago. It is very similar to SKIT...but a bit nicer. It is PX-Station. They had some nice stuff too...but nothing I just HAD to have.

A word about these stores. While I am happy I found, or at least re-discovered them, they are not exactly my cup of tea. If I were a hardcore collector or wanted to buy and sell shoes on the web, I think I would be peeing in my pants. But, I basically love going to regular shoe stores. Knowing all the shoes are in perfect condition and there is a good chance they will have my size. Who knows, maybe I will learn to love these types of resellers...but I doubt it.

And that's all she(he) wrote, besides some music.

I heard this track on EVR a bunch of times. Today I came across the video. And BANG...2 million views!! So, yeah...I might be just behind the curve on this one. I still like the song. (And I'm gonna ignore the plethora of all-over-print hoodies up in this video.)

Lil Mama - Lip Gloss


And if I am waist deep into the shit that is pop music...I might as dive all the way in. Here is the other pop song that is getting stuck in my head. (And I am not all that angry about it.)

Avril Lavigne - Girlfriend


Wow...good luck choosing the winner in that match-up! I pick Lil Mama, just cause. Well, to be honest, it might be because I just don't like Canadians. (joke)

All right everyone, on that note...have a nice week. Make sure to let me know if you agree with all my choices. To refresh your memory: 240z vs. NISMO 300z /Air Max 90 vs. Opium 180 / Lil Mama vs. Avril.

Later

PS. To clean out your ears after that pop crap, make sure to listen to the new Sinden Kiss show. (via Mad Decent)