Osamu Watanabe

Despite having officially finished the book, and going into the design process, when I came across the Fake Cream work of Osamu Watanabe, I knew we had to have it in the book. His work has everything this book encapsulates -- sacchirine sweet, pastel-colored, romantic, frilly, over-embellished, no limits love for kawaii. Asides from his opulently decorated fake cream unicorns, giraffes, crocodiles, etc, he has made homages to Botecelli and Rodin, as well as a cream Zen garden and seated Buddha.

Last shoot: kokeshi!

At Naruko Onsen in Tohoku at the moment which is possibly the cutest village in Japan. This region is home to the kokeshi doll, a traditional wooden doll which is experiencing something of a revival at the moment　(mostly due to the Tohoku disaster and the fact that these areas are still struggling). Naruko Onsen is kokeshi heaven! Spent the weekend sitting in hotsprings at Bentenkaku ryokan, learnt how to do the matsuri dance (although couldnt remember any of the steps) and joined in the festival carrying the mikoshi (portable shrine). The locals are super friendly, and everywhere you look, there are kokeshi motifs and several craftsmen's studios-- this village is SO cute -- Japan at it's best! Thanks Naruko Onsen for the loveliest weekend shooting this book, esp. the people at Bentenkaku ryokan. Photos: Kokeshi telephone box, kokeshi firetruck, festival peeps, kokeshi on the portable shrine, kokeshi street signs and hand rails, kokeshi coffee stirrer. <333

Bukkoro

Interviewed Yukiko Yokoo at her house in Nakano and currently working with her on hopefully banging out a cover.
Check out her work, we love it <3333 Surely if you have been in Japan, at some point you have played on this game! A curry eating game within the game. (the taiko drums are eating curry....) Why go to the gym when you can play happy hardcore on the taiko game? (ﾟ口ﾟ; Psy trance taiko? The characters in this have had too much coffee?

Kitty chan robot show

BABY,THE STARS SHINE BRIGHT Kitty robot

PARO

Is "cute" therapeutic and healing? 

Went to Tsukuba science city to talk with Dr. Takanori Shibata, at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology who developed Paro, the robotic seal which has been used for medical purposes, such as a companion for aged people suffering from dementia. Paro also helped those affected by the 3/11 disaster and is unbelievably lifelike, responsive and adorable. Great interview!

Paro being cute
Paro annoyed w/ the flash:

Sumida River fireworks and Yukata

Went to the  spectacular Sumida River Fireworks, one of the most anticipated summer masturi of the year. This year summer kimono (yukata) are particularly popular and most girls were decked in their cutest kits, looking absolutely stunning. The designs of the fabric are a joy to look at, and range from bold Taisho retro motifs to fluffy pink gyaru style patterns. Shot a plethora of girls and their fabulous ensembles -- the fashion, aided by the etheral atmosphere of Asakusa downtown, and the Sensoji temple backdrop makes for one of the best shoots in the book.

Yumiko Igarashi & BOO

One of the famous girls manga titles is Candy Candy, illustrated by Yumiko Igarashi which was originally serialized in Nakayoshi magazine. The protagonist, Candice is an orphan growing up in the US in the beginning of the 20th century, and her day to day struggles are beautifully depicted in this staple coming-of-age manga. Candy Candy is a title that Japanese girls grow up with, and even though it first appeared in manga form in the early 70s, girls today are still captivated by Candy's cheerful manner and ganbarre (fighting) spirit. Igarashi is seriously one of the most adorable ladies we have ever met! Picture: Igarashi and Geoff's dog, BOO>