Kazari sushi

Kazarisushi is sushi made up of a bunch of parts that are arranged strategically so that they form patterns when rolled futomaki style. The snail is made up of rolls, pyramid shaped rice columns, egg and so on. The colors are produced with seaweed, dried pickled plum and other sushi ingredients so it tastes quite good, actually. It is something of a craze at the moment, along with truly amazing bento designs (Kyara-ben).

Conomi

Finally moving into Harajuku, the mecca of Kawaii culture. The book will feature some of the more interesting labels, innovative ideas and fashion that borders on art. 

Japanese school girls are something of a pop culture icon in Japan, and abroad (kill bill, various manga such as Sailor Moon, films like Battle Royal, etc)  and Conomi are a seifuku (school uniform) fashion label, that celebrates the  cult of joshiko. More than aware of their consumer and purchasing power, school girls in Japan are the ultimate symbol of youth. Conomi make unofficial, preppy school uniforms for students who go to schools that don't require school uniforms, or for weekend wear. If you are in France, go check them out at Japan Expo in July. 

SAN X

San-x are responsible for some of the most iconic kawaii characters. Tarepanda was their first hit, followed by a countless slew of adorable (mostly animal) characters. At the moment, their main character is RILAKKUMA, the nonchalant, dopey, floppy bear. I am considering starting golf, just so we can use the Rilakkuma golf balls. Completely turned their company showcase upside down.  Thank you san-x and we apologise for turning your place into bear chaos!!

SWIMMER shoot

Swimmer are one of the most popular product designers at the moment, kawaii cookie cutters, cell phone cases, cups, plates, baseball caps, sneakers, dusters, etc. etc. etc. if I listed everything, it would be the length of a phone book. Their panda cakes are off the hook!

Pet Works

Went to Petworks, a design lab that is probably most known for making sony's Postpet; software that has animals such as the now ubiquitous pink, furry bear, Momo take your email and put it in the post (if you live in Japan, Momo is seriously everywhere on products).   This was back in 1997, there was nothing like it, and people went nuts for Momo (nowadays, Momo and friends are learning to tweet though). The company also makes dolls, and Nausicaa inspired glider planes.

Eico Hanamura

Went to the sleepy seaside Shizuoka town, Ajiro to visit seminal manga artist Eico Hanamura at her studio. She began in 1958, and is hugely influential figure in creating the kawaii look.  Much loved in the fashion industry for her gorgeous 60s outfits, her images look as fresh as ever.

Macoto Takahashi

Macoto Takahashi is a highly influential shojo-ga ka (girls illustrator), and one of the pioneers of the sparkly, doe-eyed look that is employed in much contemporary shojo manga. It is unbelievable that a 78 year old man creates these fancy, lovely, lacy, dreamy portraits of coquettish girls sitting in flower fields, in front of castles and lakes filled with swans. He will be celebrating 60 years as the king of excruciatingly pretty shojo-ga next year. His exhibition was inundated with Ginza ladies waiting to get his signature...I must add that he (as a person) is absolutely adorable!