When the train is late...

In Tokyo this can only mean two things: earthquake or 'human accident' (read suicide). So when the train was late the other day I knew which one it was, given there hadn't been a quake and was standing at the platform contemplating this poor person's fate. Normally when 'accidents' happen there is a bit of disruption but the Japanese are pretty efficient at cleaning up. This time however things were different. The woman who jumped hit the top of the train and bounced off at high speed shooting through the open door of the nearby shop kiosk. Blimey! Feel bad for those customers who was just buying their morning latte when they were bowled over by a flying dead body. Pretty disturbing.

It's a sad fact that Tokyo has a ridiculously high suicide rate with over 30,000 per year. That's over 80 people a day, with a lot opting for the subway to do the job. So much so that some stations have put in blue lights as colour psychologists believe this has a calming effect as it reminds us of the sky and sea and apparently makes us think and reflect. Different lines also have higher suicide rates due to the speed of the train and also the amount it costs the family of the deceased for the clean up. Some lines cost more than others. Can't help but think they should probably look at why people feel the need to commit suicide rather than changing light bulbs to more mellow colours. That and install high barriers and keep kiosk doors closed.

Matsuya Design Gallery - Ginza

 

After hearing Ginza was a place for rich old ladies to buy big knickers I hadn't really thought of going to the area until I saw the Japanese Package Design Price 2011 Exhibition was on at the Matsuya Design Gallery. 

I have to admit I am slightly obsessed by packaging and Japanese design takes it to a whole new level, elegantly combining form with function in the most unique ways so I was quite excited to pop along and take a look. The exhibition was small but certainly worth it with lots of gems including a brand identity for Udon Noodles designed by Nosinger, brand design for cosmetic company Maderin Orange by Sugiyama Design and party popper design by designer Kishino Shogo. Also shown was Black Black caffeinated gum (barraku barraku in Japanese) by Enjin Inc and a colourful box design for Kaori Mothballs (of all things) and Lumine check the bargain campaign by the talented Mr Design Kenjiro Sano.

There are lots of great galleries in the Ginza area and the surrounding buildings are worth a look on their own so I will definitely be back soon, even if I don't need new underwear.

Sushi x

Shinjuku Gyoen loveliness

Yogi friend Sam-san and I decided to head to Shinjuku Gyoen park today for a mini picnic of pancakes and cherries. We did have some sandwiches until a crow swooped in and stole them whilst we were wondering around taking snaps of the gorgeous brightly coloured flowers and perfectly manicured Japanese gardens.

If you've never seen a Japanese crow then think back a few hundred million years and picture a pterodactyl. Okay maybe not quite that big or vicious but they are still abnormally massive birds with sharp, pointy beaks, a bad temper and an affection for other people's food. They are brazen so beware and eat quickly. Determined not to loose the pancakes we moved the main gardens and lay in the middle of the grass reading Deepak Chopra and attempting a few yoga moves. Feeling very peaceful and Zen, it was only right to readdress the balance with a spot of shopping on the way home.

Sam-san also bought me an iced heart biscuit from Dean & Deluca in Atre as a thank you for helping her design graphics for her new yoga classes. Super kawaii (cute)! I would show you a picture but I ate it.

The park is so relaxing during the week. There are only a few people wondering the grounds, soaking up the flowers and watching the turtles and giant koi splash in the quaint rivers that flow under miniature wooden bridges. It's a great place to recharge the senses in the middle of one of the busiest cities in the world.
Bliss.
Sushi x