Spoon & Tamago

Photographer Meticulously Recreates Images of Chickens Painted by Edo-Era Artist Ito Jakuchu

Edo-era painter Ito Jakuchu (1716-1800) excelled at capturing the flora and fauna of the natural world, a skill that extended to remarkable depictions of birds. In particular, chickens were a common theme for the artist and it was said that Jakuchu owned many of them, and allowed them to roam freely in his yard as he observed and painted them. One enthusiast shares in Jakuchu’s obsession with chickens, as well as the work of Jakuchu itself, which has resulted in the wonderfully niche hobby of recreating the 18th century images through contemporary photography.

The Watermelon Kimono is the Perfect Summer Outfit

June 7, 2024 / Johnny / 0 Comments

Summer in Japan is not summer in Japan without festivals and watermelon. So if you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe with some playful pieces that celebrate the season, as well as festival-appropriate outfits, look no further than the watermelon kimono – a juicy take on a timeless garment. A unique blend of tradition and whimsy, the watermelon kimono is not just a fashion statement but the perfect embodiment of summer’s spirit.

Three Art Festival to Visit in Japan in the 2nd Half of 2024

June 2, 2024 / Johnny / 0 Comments

Japan’s numerous art festivals have proven to be an effective way of luring domestic and international tourists out of popular destinations and into rural parts of Japan they would have otherwise not visited. The poster child is perhaps the Setouchi Triennale, whose combination of art and island hopping has transformed an obscure region of Japan, into one of the country’s must-see destinations. Below, we present you with three lesser-known art festivals all kicking off later this year. If you have plans to visit Japan and are looking for destinations off the beaten path, consider this a sign.

This is the Time of Year Bamboo Shoots Grow, Sometimes Wreaking Havoc

May 18, 2024 / Johnny / 0 Comments

a triptych by Toyokuni Utagawa depicting an excursion to gather bamboo shoots (early 1800s)

According to Japan’s ancient calendar of 72 microseasons, right now is microseason 21: the time of year when “Bamboo Shoots Sprout.” Known as takenoko in Japan, these voracious plants have numerous uses in Japan, both as building materials but also edible vegetables. They can be store-bought but in ancient Japan they were delicacies that had to be picked and eaten right away or they would harden. The image above from the 1800s is part of a series depicting seasonal activities around the year. This one, from May, is a beautiful triptych that depicts noblewomen out on an excursion to gather bamboo shoots.

However, their incredible vitality and speed at which they grow—sometimes as much as 1 ft per day—can also wreak unexpected havoc on homes, particularly in the countryside.

The 2024 Toyama Kei-Truck Gardening Contest

May 15, 2024 / Johnny / 0 Comments

The 2024 Kei-Truck Gardening Contest took place over the weekend. In what is perhaps the most-Japanese contest, professional gardeners and landscapers compete to create a beautiful, seasonal, and unique landscape , all within the bed of their kei-trucks.

This contest originated in 2011 after a landscapers association came up with the idea to promote a renewed interest in gardening. It’s since spread around Japan. Read on for scenes of some of the contestants.

‘Puddle’ Are a Series of Flower Vessels Inspired by Puddles of Water

May 4, 2024 / Johnny / 2 Comments

Simple and common acts of nature often inspire brilliant design. Such is the case with “Puddle,” a series of flower vessels that mimic a puddle of water. Using properties of transparency and surface tension, these whimsical vessels create the illusion of a single plant growing from a puddle.

Five Unique Experiences at Harajuku’s Latest Development Harakado

April 28, 2024 / Johnny / 1 Comment

Harakado, opened on April 17, 2024 at the Jingumae intersection along Omotesando Street in central Tokyo. The shiny, brand new facility was designed by architect Akihisa Hirata, whose interest in tangled, organic structures, is on full display in his rendering of the facade and outdoor spaces. The reflective surfaces are a nice complement to its sister site’s kaleidoscopic entrance of mirrors.

But where Harakado really differentiates itself is on the inside, occupied by an unusual selection of non-profit spaces and low-margin businesses. From public hot baths to a free magazine library, below are the five ways we would spend our time inside Harajuku’s latest development.

Japan Quietly Shines at Milan Design Week

April 20, 2024 / Johnny / Comments Off

Milan Design Week—Coachella, but for furniture—is running this week from April 16-21. All the biggest names and brands in the design world descend upon the Italian city, which sees its population swell by nearly 25%. Now in its 62nd iteration, the design extravaganza is an opportunity for the aesthetically ambitious to showcase their latest ideas and set the stage for trends that will ripple out across the globe. Amidst all the lights and bells, a handful of Japanese designers quietly present their nuanced vision for home furnishings. Here are some of our favorites.

Myaku-Myaku Footwear, Inspired by the Googly-Eyed Mascot for the Osaka Expo

April 14, 2024 / Johnny / Comments Off

Myaku-Myaku, the unsettling googly-eyed humanoid that was selected as the 2025 Osaka Expo mascot, has inspired numerous spinoffs, both official and unofficial. And with exactly 1 year to go before the Expo, we should all expect to see a lot more. The latest iteration comes in the form of a collaboration with Mizuno, who have created a series of footwear inspired by the benevolent blob.

Death Fes in Shibuya Asks Visitor to Embrace Their End

April 14, 2024 / Johnny / Comments Off

images courtesy Death Fes

April 14th is the unofficial “day of good death” in Japan. The date 4-1-4 can be pronounced yo-i-shi, or good death, making today the perfect day to kick-off the Death Fes, an event aimed at encouraging people to think and talk about their inevitable end.