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