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> 

hangry and angry

Shot the rather adorable designer Gashicon at the H Naoto HQ. Character driven design with unusual cuts and a gothy tinge. Got some great horror manga tips too. <333

Fruits

If anyone asked me who the most influential and important person in Harajuku fashion is, hands down,  I would say Aoki from the legendary magazine,  FRUITS. The term FRUITS has become synonymous with Tokyo street fashion, and the magazine itself created a platform for kids to get published and encouraged increasingly creative and off the wall ensembles. If the world knows about Harajuku street fashion, it is very much due to FRUITS mag, and the  PHAIDON book. Moreover, the full length street snap aesthetic is shamelessly ripped off by other photographers and websites.  Went to Aoki's studio in Harajuku, nice, super chill guy -- the image above is the very first FRUITS cover.

Fake sweets festival

We love sweet food....even if it is plastic. More for our epic food section

Cute Room

This is one of the swimmer staff in her bedroom. I don't know what to say, asides from w(ﾟoﾟ)w
PS she lives here with her boyfriend!!!

Lovely Lolita

Cute, girly, frilly overload!! Shot 3 of the most well known gothic lolita models; Rin rin, Chikage and Yui Minakata who grace the pages of Kera, Gothic Lolita Bible, and the catalogs for brands such as Baby the Stars Shine Bright and Angelic Pretty. Meticulously self styled, adorable Rococo dolls with the most amazing coquettish poses! Chikage has also been modeling this style for 10 years -- great interview, thank you!!

Kintaro Ame

Went to a kintaro ame factory in downtown Tokyo, which is in it's 5th generation of making these classic sweets. A long, tooth dissolving tube is made of various parts, which can be cut anywhere to  get an identical face.

Puro Land

If you follow the cult of HK, you will have a transcendental, religious experience at PUROLAND, the mecca for Kitty-chan and friends, and home of HK's London home. It proved to be so very British. The Hello Kitty donuts made me feel delirious and I am currently recovering.