The Fox is Black

  • W. David Marx is an author who has lived in Tokyo for the last 20 years. Recently, he shared what I thought was a rather interesting way to approach visiting Tokyo for the first time, creating a guide that takes a unique perspective. “This three-day guide provides a way to experience very old Edo period spots, mid-20th century establishments, and early 21st century cutting-edge culture.” Ultimately, he’s planned a guide for 72 hours in Tokyo, and I have to say, I would absolutely follow what he’s laid out here. Obviously cities grow and morph over time, and I find it interesting to plan your trip around these different phases of a cities evolution. Also, big shout out to illustrator Yuki Oebo, who created thee super charming art that accompanies the guide.

    72 Hours in Tokyo, Illustration by Yuki Uebo
  • An illustrator based in Japan, born in Tokyo and graduated from the Department of Graphic Design at Tama Art University, Taku Bannai works in a broad range of areas such as advertisements, books, magazines, and artwork for record covers. He captures our everyday scenes in a papercut, minimalist style, which creates a “blank space,” as he calls it, which allows the viewer to imagine their own stories. I find his work so calming, and I love all the small imperfections that can be found throughout.

    Art and illustration by Taku Bannai
    Art and illustration by Taku Bannai
    Art and illustration by Taku Bannai
    Art and illustration by Taku Bannai
  • Stumbled upon Tamitu last week, an herbal honey that is made by mixing several types of herbs and spices with carefully selected pure honey, which is supposed to give a complex depth to the natural sweetness. The company was created by Mizutani Bee Garden (great name for a band, btw), which was founded in 1912 and has been producing pure honey for over a century.

    I really like that they’ve taken a contemporary approach to their branding and marketing. The look of the packaging makes me think of a fragrance, kind of like what Margiela does with REPLICA, and the bottle is kind of new apothecary feeling, it immediately gives me the vibe of “being healthy.” Paired with the photography utilized across the products, site and social, you get this really peaceful, pure feeling that seals the deal here.

    Tamitu Herbal Honey
    Tamitu Herbal Honey
    Tamitu Herbal Honey
  • There’s something so wonderful about the carefree illustrations of Tokyo-based illustrator Nori Okawa. To me, I see a spontaneous mixture of manga and pop art combined into some new form of expression. It’s zany and over-the-top, yes there’s something to these pieces that keeps drawing me in, I keep seeing more details and nuances that I missed in my first impression. I wish I had a giant, painted version of one of the pieces below hanging on the walls of my apartment.

    Nori Okawa
    Nori Okawa
    Nori Okawa
    Nori Okawa