Drainspotting is a photography book of Japan’s custom manhole covers, found across nearly 95% of the country’s 1780 municipalities.

The book features a curated selection of over 100 photographs, capturing the best and most visually compelling of Japan’s 6000 distinct manhole cover designs, part of a 20-year beautification program — orchestrated by what’s essentially Japan’s version of the WPA — aiming to make manholes reflect the uniqueness of each city — its mythology, its aesthetic sensibility, its legacy and essence.

props Brain Pickings

The fusion concept that has become prevalent with Nike’s Jordan Brand has spread to Converse. It’s all in the family; however, Converse is the pretty sister while Jordan Brand is the obnoxious brother. I choose the sister! I love the Jack Purcell’s that I have spotted in the Dress Code 1/2 line up. I can’t wait to receive my three pair. More on Jack Purcell later this week. Promise.

In my usual fashion I am going for a wrist partner that only a few people own. This time she hails from Japan. I can’t think of a more suitable partner for me in 2010. Check her out:

I know she looks a little crazy in the face, but I think I LOVE HER. If you decide to try to steal her be prepared to get railroaded.

This past Sunday I had the distinct pleasure to co-host episode 6 of the Drum. The episode focused on the influence of Japanese culture in the U.S. and predicted which countries around the world will be next in terms of cultural influence. We spoke about Pharrell, Nigo, Hiroshi Fujiwara, Takashi Murakami, Andy Warhol, Levis, Nike, Woolrich, J. Press, Kanye West, just to name a few. Co-hosted by @madmanralph with special guest @janicemomoko You can listen here.

Nine fountains designed for the World Expo in Osaka, Japan.

Masterpiece

Japan is always coming out with cool technology before the rest of the world. This time they cooked up a Digital “Smart Sign” that can change its display based on demographic information it gathers from passersby, enabling consumers to see more personally relevant and targeted ads. See a picture below: