RAIZIN IN THE SUN from Creative Control on Vimeo.

“So how was it growing up in Japan?”
That is the question I am asked more than any other. I used to wonder why people were so curious, but as I mature I realize that my upbringing was indeed unique and that I represent the new multicultural generation. We are the generation who may or may not identify with the nationality named on our passports. Our ethnicity might be completely different from the country where we were socialized. Our first language might not be the language of our parents.
My Jewish father from Greenwich Village and my black mother from Washington Heights sure did not ‘blend in’ physically in any way in our provincial Japanese environment. But instead of focusing on ‘blending in’ they negotiated the path of crossing cultures. With my siblings at my side, surrounded by nature in the beautiful mountains and clear rivers of my hometown, I became a product of my environment. These are my stories being a Raizin’ in the Sun …

I’m currently addicted to the word “swag” (the noun and verb version, not the adjective), but this is the adjective. The epitome of #passportlife, tweet that.  I see you Lila.

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: