[ m i s t e r s t a r f i s h ]

Japan Premium Beef, Inc.

This makes my mouth water. It's one of the things I miss the most about eating in Japan.

Japan Premium Beef, Inc.: "

by Laura Neilson

Just in time for grilling season, Japan Premium Beef recently opened its first retail shop in New York's Noho district to much acclaim. Now discerning carnivores can take meaty matters into their own hands by purchasing various cuts of the importer's Wagyu-style beef, formerly available to restaurants only.

The superlative-quality beef, best known for its vividly marbled appearance, high percentage of unsaturated fat and refined flavor, comes from Oregon-raised Wagyu (or Washugyu) cattle.

Originally, Japan Premium intended to export the beef to Japan, but recent international shipping restrictions foiled the plan, resulting in the upscale butcher shop.

While the beef is certainly the main attraction, the presentation and aesthetic of the storefront itself shouldn't go unnoticed—even vegetarians can appreciate its spare, minimalist decor, befitting a scene from sci-fi flick or contemporary art installation.

'We believe that Washugyu is art,' explains manager Taiki Otsuka, of the store's all-white setting which deliberately lets the product speak for itself. Given this conceit, it seems almost fitting that Japan Premium Beef's home is a storied building once owned by Andy Warhol.

Japan Premium Beef
57 Great Jones Street
New York, NY 10012 map
tel. +1 212 260 2333

"

(Via Cool Hunting.)

Tamao Funahashi, photographer

Timeless and modern. Reminds me of old Japanese tapestries.

gkojaxlabo:(via tamjpn): "

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(Via たんぶらうざ.)

Technorati Tags: cherry blossom, water, reflection, tree

Lost In A Sushi Moment

A hypnotic video where all it is a camera simply placed on a conveyer belt at a sushi restaurant. It's an inspiring idea that feels like equal parts art, music video and film title sequence. Click on the top link to play.

Lost In A Sushi Moment: "

[YouTube - Link]

The effect of sending the camera around a Tokyo sushi restaurant via the conveyor, coupled with the music on this video, is quite a beautiful thing.

Dennis Wheatley and Stefan McClean were sitting in a Tokyo sushi bar when they had an idea to make this impromptu film:

'We were sitting in this sushi bar pondering how best to set up a camera to film things all by itself whilst we were in Tokyo.
Take our hands out of the equation… let the camera have its own journey.

What we loved about watching this film back was the space that the
camera was able to enter.. extremely personal and scrutinising but not
too lingering.'

The music is titled 'Lost in a Moment' by Shrift.

From the Upcoming ueue, submitted by Jake.

"

(Via Neatorama.)

Muji Straws made out of actual wheat straws

Here's a brand new product with an idea that's thousands of years old. A perfect product for a eco friendly, minimalist and utilitarian brand (non brand) - Muji. Made from wheat straws and nothing else. What a great idea.

[from influxinsights.com]:could muji be the global brand of the moment?: "Perhaps there's never been a better time for Muji.

The Japanese brand has been around for decades and has slowly come out of its shell to expand into international territories, but it's global footprint is pretty tiny. With the world looking for more sustainable and affordable products, Muji seems well placed to be a leader in this space and it's something that the brand truly owns as it comes from its original DNA.

There's no other retailer of its scale that comes close to Muji's philosophy and ideology.

One great example of this in action is the recent prize it held for new products. Asking for solicitations and ideas from the outside world.

The winner was a straw straw that was developed by a Japanese designer. The concept so perfectly fits the brand and its ethos, no wonder it won. No flash, no frills- just a clever idea that reminds us and re-introduces us to the original straw, complete with its inbuilt recyclability.

The straw straw is so timely and so Muji.


Posted by Ed Cotton"

(Via http://www.influxinsights.com/influx.xml.)

Kitten walks with only 2 legs ２本の前脚だけで元気に歩き回る子猫

This poor kitten was brutally injured then had his hind legs and tail surgically removed. It's unknown how he got injured. He was nursed back to health by the employees of this book store in Akita, Japan and is now living at an adopted home. It's inspiring to see him walk around with ease but also really heartbreaking.


via FujiTV News 12/16/08 broadcast

たまーにブログ ３ｒｄ シーズンより：
”大けがをして両方の後ろ脚としっぽを失った子猫が、秋田県大館市内の書店従業員に命を救われた。２本の前脚だけで元気に歩き回る姿は書店のお客さんからも愛された。新しい飼い主が現れ、このほど引き取られた子猫。従業員たちは、寂しさを感じながらも、幸せな未来を祈っている。

　大館市片山町３丁目の書店「ブックス・アピア」で飼われていた生後２カ月ほどのおす猫。体長約２５センチで、つぶらな瞳が愛らしい。「ぶちちゃん」と呼ばれていた。

　書店の谷地田茂行社長の話では、１０月１６日の朝、書店入り口近くの自動販売機の裏で、「ニャー、ニャー」とか細い鳴き声がするのに、出勤してきた女性従業員が気づいた。のぞいてみると、大けがをした猫が横たわっていた。

　後ろ脚やしっぽがつぶれたような状態になっており、血もにじんでいた。すぐに市内の獣医師のもとに運び、手当てしてもらった。両方の後ろ脚としっぽは皮一枚でつながっているような状態で、自動車にひかれたらしい。自販機の陰にいた理由は分からないが、発見されなければ命も危なかったという。

　手当てを受けた子猫は書店に戻り、店内で飼われるようになった。ぎこちない動きながらも、ケージを出たり入ったりして、店内でじゃれ始めた。お客さんにも可愛がられるようになった。

　元気を取り戻した子猫は、１１月１１日に両方の後ろ脚の切断手術を受けた。数日後には、器用にバランスを取りながら２本の前脚だけで歩き、走るようにもなった。跳ね回る様子に谷地田社長も驚き、「生きることに前向きな姿に、心を打たれた」と話す。

　その後、飼い主になりたいと、北秋田市の女性が申し出た。手術の抜糸も済み、子猫は１１月末、新しい飼い主に連れられていった。世話を続けた従業員たちは「生き続けてくれて、本当に良かった。一緒に過ごせて、私たちも幸せだった。店にいなくなって寂しいけれど、元気に暮らしてほしい」と話す。

　新しい飼い主のもとでは、「たくま」という名前になるのだという。これからもたくましく生きて欲しいという願いを込めて。 ”

The End—via nevver:

mabelmoments:vruz:The End—via nevver:: "

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(Via たんぶらうざ.)

Technorati Tags: the end, black and white film, film stills, end credits, 終

Insect Sushi & Japanese Food

From a blog by an insect for food enthusiast Shoichi Uchiyama. He just published a cook book on creating Japanese food with a little more... crunch. His blog is filled with startling photos of every day Japanese dishes with that bit of bite size protein. Some parts of the world might consider these insects a normal part of a meal. But Uchiyama understands that the gut reaction for most people (including the Japanese) for these critters on their plates are their worst fears coming to life. Still, reading his blog, he seems passionate about changing those perceptions. Hats off to a Herculean task ahead.

For more about him and his new cook book, check out English articles from the Telegraph and Japan Times.

(Via 昆虫料理を楽しむ.)

Technorati Tags: shoichi uchiyama, insects, cooking, cook books, crickets, beatles, sushi, udon, tofu, scallion, eating, food, japan, japanese

Japanese Film Noir: Colt is my Passport コルトは俺のパスポート

via San Sebatian Film Festival

Japanese Film Noir: Greed in Broad Daylight

via San Sebatian Film Festival

Japanese Film Noir: Brutal Tales of Chivalry

via San Sebatian Film Festival