Category: insider new york

Uki Uki and Bye Bye Kitty

Thanks to an open house at Japan Society, I had the opportunity to see Bye Bye Kitty – the organization’s latest art exhibition. The open house was part of their “Uki Uki Nights” a way to bring in a youthful crowd with cosplay parade, go-go dancing, and games with the girls and guys behind Apple Kissa, a maid performance troupe created by the New York Anime Festival.

Bye Bye Kitty is an exhibit advertised as the darker side of kawaii – an antithesis to Hello Kitty, the well-known feline character known for its incredible cuteness. The first few rooms hold artwork that is a fusion of Japanese techniques (i.e. ukiyo-e style prints) with modern creative ideas. It is also one of the few exhibitions Japan Society has done that is more modern in concept.

When you first enter you gravitate towards an image of an at-like hill mound, only to realize the mound is composed of salarymen and women. It sort of hits home with the idea of Japanese men and women trying to climb to the top of the corporate ladder, as well as a play on Japan’s increasing unemployment.

There are two pieces by Manabu Ikeda, prints of massive proportions illustrating a version of a type of “Tree of Life.” I was greatly impressed by the use of cross-hatching and the time-consuming idea of it all that can only be seen through a magnifying glass, available nearby the two prints. Even then it’s still hard to take it all in.

All of pieces in the exhibit will shock and awe, but then again that’s what Japan is known for. Bye Bye Kitty is a representation of today’s view on Japanese culture – a mish-mash fusion of past, present, and future in art. One could also try to describe it as “gurokawa” a term that Gashicon uses to describe Hangry and Angry. While Hangry and Angry depict a more kawaii than grotesque, Bye Bye Kitty is more grotesque than kawaii.

I hope that Japan Society continues their series of Uki Uki nights because it’s an excellent way to expose today’s Japanophiles with the more examples of Japanese culture that’s not associated with anime, manga or Pokemon.

Were you at Japan Society’s Uki Uki Night (if you were what did you think)? What do you think of Bye Bye Kitty?

Bye Bye Kitty
March 18 – June 12th, 2011
Japan Society
333 East 47th Street 

New York, NY 10017
212-832-1155
Admission: $15 / $10 seniors and students

The Mighty Harajuku Project


Harajuku is known as the area where Japanese youths go to express

themselves through fashion. From Goths, Lolitas, Punks, morigirls, decora and
cosplayers alike, they all come to Harajuku to become a melting pot of fashion styles and subcultures. 
With the increase in “fast-fashion” and big box stores, the desire to be unique and creative with expensive brand-name items is in decline. 
The Tohoku Earthquake discouraged a lot of people from visiting Harajuku because of that underlying fear of “the big one.” Not Sebastian Masuda. 6%DokiDoki was one of the first Harajuku shops to reopen, and Masuda has be recording the area’s recovery through pictures and Tweets.
This is known as the Mighty Harajuku Project.

It is an effort to bring together the people of Harajuku (i.e. people who live there, work there, have visited, want to visit) and provide strength and support to those who need it most. And most of all to give Japan the spirit to move forward.

This past weekend I attended Sakura Matsuri at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens where numerous fans of Japan congregated and admired the annual blooming of the cherry blossoms. I found this a perfect opportunity to find people who would be willing to help me out spread the word and show their support. (Signs used were from Electric Alice. Check out their blog and shop, as well as their Mighty Harajuku effort)

Uncle Yo gives his regards.

Misako Rocks! had a cold, but the sign says it all.

Andrea from The Weekend Lolita and fellow NYC Lolita, Mary Alice

Savannah and Aly (Her Lumpiness) were kind enough to lend their faces.

Chris from Sugar Bomb rocks her sign.
While looking from the rest of the world, Harajuku is a place that is admired.
It is a rare area that Japan can be proud of for constantly transmitting interesting information from a very edgy angle. If Harajuku loses its power, I have a strong feeling that Tokyo, Japan will lose a lot of its appeal. I want to let people know that we don’t want Harajuku, Tokyo or Japan to lose anything from the earthquake; and I think that by letting people know our thoughts, it would definitely encourage them as well. I am naming this project 【MIGHTY HARAJUKU PROJECT】, and show the world what is going on in Harajuku through photographs and simple words. I want to show thereality, both good and bad, of Harajuku to the rest of the world.
-Sebastian Masuda, %6DokiDoki
How you can help:

Sakura Matsuri is over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help out. Feel free to reblog this content, tweet your photos using the hashtag #m_harajuku, and follow the 6% Doki Doki Facebook Page.

Helpful Links:
What is the Might Harajuku Project?
Might Harajuku Project

Twitter
@sebastea（Masuda Sebastian）
@tokyofashion(Tokyo Fashion.com)
@6dokidoki(6%DOKIDOKI)

Facebook
Masuda Sebastian
TokyoFashion.com
6%DOKIDOKI

Sakura Matsuri Redux

Sakura Matsuri was a perfect and brief introduction to spring. The sun was out and the weather held out for the massive crowds the Brooklyn Botanical Garden was soon expecting.

Whether it was the programming or the ultimate end to cabin fever, people attended in droves. The grass was covered in a sea of people enjoying the beauty of recently bloomed cherry blossoms amongst friends and other Japanophiles. And if you were old enough, you could enjoy the flowers in true Japanese fashion: lying on the grass with a bottle of sake to share.

Providing a mixture between old and new, Sakura Matusri’s programming featured everything from Taiko Drumming to Butoh Dancing to Swordfighting skits to anime-focused comedians to a cosplay fashion show as the festival’s closing number. 

This of course attracted all forms of people interested in Japan.
Cosplayers are a vast-growing group that New York has no choice but to pay attention nowadays. Thankfully the Brooklyn Botanical Garden has listened and created a “J-lounge area” for anyone interested in the more kawaii and anime-centric side – while at the same time introduce a new generation to the more cultural aspects of Japan. 

They had even included an event for Lolitas to strut their stuff on the runway. The parade that followed felt a bit unbalanced with abundance of Sweet Lolitas, but perhaps that’s what happens when the sun comes out. The urge to wear color is hypnotically suggestive.
The whole weekend was overwhelming with people, beautiful scenery, and pep-filled programming. I was unable to get a glimpse of alot of the programming, but I was able to take a few photos. Here are the best of the lot. 

Brooklyn GO Club

Trying a hand at Sudoku and Kakuro

Ikebana displays

Did you attend Sakura Matsuri in New York this year? I would love to hear about your experience!

Hello Kitty in the City

The first image of kawaii you can think of is more often than not Hello Kitty. But who is the face behind that feline? Last month I had the opportunity to meet Yuko Yamaguchi, the creator of Hello Kitty as part of a promotional tour for Sephora’s Hello Kitty Collection.

To ensure people who wanted to see Hello Kitty, customers had to purchase $35 worth of Hello Kitty merchandise. You were given a pink (naturally) emblazoned with Hello Kitty on it, ensuring your spot in line. I thought this was a great idea since it enables early birds, passerbys, and workaholics like me an equal opportunity to guarantee a chance to see Yamaguchi.

I decided to purchase an eyeliner pen in “Teacup”, and two pots of nail polish in “Minty” and “Frosted Cupcake.” (As a side note, I highly recommend the Peachy blush stick for everyday wear). And for buying more than $35 worth, I received a Hello Kitty cellphone charm as a bonus.

All the employees got into the pink spirit and sported Chubby Bunny Hello Kitty bows to add some color into their all black dress code.

There were even Lolitas from California promoting the event as Hello Kitty’s official entourage – including Julie and her friends! They handed out flyers to passerbys and in-store window shoppers highlighting the event later than night, as well as posed for pictures for anyone who asked. I thought this was a great way to promote Lolita fashion and in a positive light!

By the time I arrived it was jammed packed with fans. To ease the pain of standing in line the Lolitas working handed out Hello Kitty Yan-Yan and Ramune in baskets shaped like Hello Kitty’s head. And for those who’ve never had Ramune, it was quite a treat not knowing what to expect after that resounding pop.

The wait was long, but only due to Yamaguchi want to autograph each item with detail and love. However the staff was kind enough to notify us for the long wait times, and to have patience.

To make up for it Hello Kitty continually weaved the lines for photo-ops and kept the atmosphere upbeat. Not easy for a cat with a large heart/head.

For those who missed the event, don’t worry. According to Hello Kitty Junkie, she’s coming back to New York in September – hopefully to unveal more Hello Kitty themed makeup.

In the mean time I urge all of you to head down to your local Sephora and try out the Hello Kitty Collection for yourself!

Some more photos from the event:

Highlights of Easter

Hope you all had a lovely Easter. I ended up on a mini-egg hunt in my own apartment, and headed to the Easter Parade for some hat-watching.

I felt that this year was the year of the glue gun, since there were a lot of homemade hats. There was a lot more of creative “I did this last night, but it’s still looks fabulous” hats. Or perhaps I arrived too late to see some real spectacular sights. 
Here are some of the ones I found. Enjoy!

Bowtie Required

While bowties aren’t lolita, they are cool.  The new season of Doctor Who is premiering tonight on BBC America tonight, and I’ll be tuning in — bowtie around my neck and fez on my head — but I’ve got a spoiler.

I’ve already seen “The Impossible Astronaut”.  I had the opportunity to attend BBC America’s Brooklyn premiere party on Tuesday. Keep in mind this was not a premiere with cast and crew, which was last, last Monday (and unless you were an expert line squatter, there was not much of a chance). However it was a party fit for fans nonetheless.

(Unfortunately the lighting was not the best so bear with me with very dim pictures.)

Held at the Bellhouse in Brooklyn it was a Doctor Who themed affair with cardboard standups, themed drinks, and Fez cupcakes. One felt underdressed if you weren’t in a striped suit, long scarf, suspenders or a fez. Festivities were well on there way, and by the time I arrived the joint was standing room only. The attendees ranged from Whovians in full costume to the casual fan.

Courtesy of The Chip Shop, you could sample British staples like Bangers and Mash, Shepard’s Pie, and Scottish Eggs, as well as Jelly Babies and Cadbury Crème Eggs. Sadly no Maltesers or Smarties in the mix.

Hosted by Secret Formula, they kept the crowd lively and hyper right up until the end. There were costume contests featuring a Weeping Angel (winner), Dalek, a female Doctor Eleven, and of course several various regenerations of the Doctor.

There was also an informative and interesting presentation by Micho Kaku, reknowned physicist, on the theory of time travel and the logic behind being your own grandpa – and entire family tree – for that matter.

Overall, I think the best part about this viewing party was that unlike watching it in your room, alone with the TV’s afterglow for companionship, you were seeing it with friends and fellow fans alike. And seeing it before tonight’s television debut with other people who could geek along with you made it that much better.

I can’t say much for the two part episode but that it is new and exciting and makes you think. A lot. Especially if you’re the type of fan who analyzes every trailer that comes out, screenshot by screenshot. The rest — as we say — are spoilers.

Don’t worry about missing the chance to see The Doctor on new adventures. Gather your army of remote-controlled Daleks, Cybermen and stress-free Adipose and check it out on BBC America tonight at 9PM EST.

Calling all Theatre Geeks – The Wii Plays ends Feb 12!


For those who play video games, you know the story lines and interactive is an equivalent to actual theatre (for the most part).

Ars Nova takes it to the next level and presents “The Wii Plays” – a series of 8 minute plays that take Mario, Sonic, Bob the Builder, Barbie, and, of course, the Wii to the stage. 

I had wish I had known about this sooner, but if you get the chance head onto Ars Nova before Saturday, February 12th.  It’s a good compromise for that nerd-minded significant other when you can’t agree being treated to opera for Valentine’s Day. 

Here are two reviews by NY Times ArtsBeat and Switched.

February 1 – 12, 2011
Ars Nova
511 West 54th St
New York, NY 10019
Tickets: $15

City Bakery’s Hot Chocolate Festival

Chocolate lovers should jump for joy, unite in masses and head to the City Bakery in Union Square during February.

Why? For the City Bakery’s annual Hot Chocolate Festival.

Hot chocolate is a fickle drink that acts like it’s always going through the “terrible twos.” It can be thick and syrupy or watery with lots of marshmallows or mixed with chili peppers because it wanted to see if it tasted good (Answer: it does!)

And for those who can’t get enough of it, the City Bakery started a festival where for each day in February they have a new flavor of hot chocolate. Sweet deal, no?

Try flavors like Moulin Rouge, Earl Grey, Arabian Nights or my favorite Ode to the Polar Bear.

via Time Out New York

Hot Chocolate Festival
City Bakery
3 West 18th Street
New York, NY 10011

H&M NYC Project

I recently passed by the H&M on Madison Ave and notice one of the windows was replaced by a black wall with a collage of TV screens.

It’s called the H&M NYC Project. H&M wants to show you the real, fashionable side of New York. No models, no designers, just you showing off your incredible fashion sense.

If you happen to stop by their store, there’s a photo booth by the entrance on your right for taking pictures. You take a picture in the photo booth, and it’s displayed on their store windows as part of a rotating photo slideshow. It will also be uploaded on their official flickr page. Or tweet your picture and use the tag #HMNYC.

This is a great opportunity for Lolitas to strut their stuff in addition to daily_lolita. So grab your most stylish coordinate, head down to H&M, have a mini photoshoot, and maybe do a little shopping afterwards.

I’m not sure how long this event/performance project will last, but if you need a legimate excuse to dress up, head to H&M.

Let’s show some New York Lolita pride!

H&M NYC Project
505 Fifth Avenue
at 42nd Street
New York, NY 10017

Twitter: HMNYCProject
Flickr: H&M NYC Project

Where’s Broadway? Shows to see before 2011

The economy has been rough on everyone, including Broadway. Avenue Q moved back off-Broadway. After a long wait Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark is finally showing previews for its January 2011 release. Some shows have too good a cast to change actors (i.e. Promises, Promises). Some simply can’t muster the effort to go on for another year no matter how good it is (i.e. Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson).

So if you want to do the tourist thing, see a Broadway show.

But how do I get tickets?
If you have a particular show in mind and want to make sure you have good seats go to the show’s main website. Often times they will send you to Ticketmaster, but sometimes they have coupon deals on the website so check there first.

The other option is the TKTS Discount Booth. If you’re more concerned about getting a low price than what show you see, this is place to go. Often these are tickets that have gone unsold, as such when you buy them that day the price is often between 20% – 50% off the regular price. Sweet deal right?

The disadvantage to this is that you need to wait in line and you probably won’t know what performances are available until you get there. So make a list of at least 10 shows you’ve been dying to see. There are also two marquees that rotate available shows and now the Times Square location has live helpers in case you arrive at the ticket counter, your show is sold out, and you don’t know what else to see.

If you are not a waiting-in-line type of person, there are also two other locations Downtown and in Brooklyn.

Now onto the shows.

Felá (Closes Jan 2) – A slice of life musical about the times had by Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the Afrobeat pioneer. With the music and charismatic choreography, you can’t help but be smiling and dancing another with the cast.

Eugene O’Neil Theater
230 W. 49th St
New York, NY 10019

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Closes Jan 2) – Try to imagine President Andrew Jackson as an emo rock star dealing with marriage, populism and the Indian Removal Act. Can’t? Michael Friedman does it for you. It’s Indians and Cowboys at a whole new level.

Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre
242 West 45th Street
New York, NY 10036

West Side Story (Closes Jan 2) – This classic Sondheim tale of love and the life on the other side of the tracks is a story that everyone remembers (or at least heard of). Fall in love with Tony, Maria, the Jets and the Sharks all over again or for the first time.

Palace Theatre
1564 Broadway
New York, NY 10036

Promises Promises (Closes Jan 2) – A musical comedy set in Mad-men era starring Kristin Chenoweth and Sean Hayes. Chuck Baxter is a man who simply wants to move up in the world and to fall in love. However this comes with a lot more strings attached than he would’ve liked.

Broadway Theatre
1631 Broadway
New York, NY 10019

Elf (Closes Jan 2) – Remember that Will Farrell movie of the same name? Now it is performed live on Broadway. Just in time for the holiday season dance with elves and Santa.

Al Hirschfield Theatre
302 West 45th Street
New York, NY 10036

In the Heights (Closes Jan 9) – Wonder what it’s like living in Washington Heights but with music and dancing? Watch and listen to characters struggle with attaining the “American Dream,” and appreciating the little things that make them happy to get by in the Heights.

Richard Rogers Theatre
226 W 46th Street
New York, NY 10036

A Little Night Music (Closes Jan 9) – Going through it’s second Broadway revival, the performance follows three romantic couples in Sweden during the 1900s. A Little Night Music stars Bernadette Peters as Desiree. Also if you are familiar with the song “Send in the Clowns” this the play it comes from.

Walter Kerr Theater
219 West 48th Street
New York, NY 10036

Next to Normal (Closes Jan 16) – A rock musical about a family dealing with their mother’s bipolar disorder.

Booth Theater
222 West 45th Street
New York, NY 10036

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Closes Jan 23) – Based on the 1988 film of the same name, it follows a group of women as they go about their lives telenovela-style.

Balasco Theatre
111 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036

These shows are not leaving anytime soon, but they are rotating actors.

La Cage Aux Folles – Kelsey Grammer (leaving Feb 2011)

Longacre Theater
220 West 48th Street
New York, NY 10036

The Addams Family – Nathan Lane (leaving March 2011)

Lunt-Fontanne Theatre
205 West 46th Street
New York, NY 10036

TKTS Discount Booth Locations
Times Square (can only purchase day of evening and matinee performances)
Father Duffy Square
Broadway and 47th Street
-look for the red steps
South Street Seaport (can only purchase day of evening performances and day before matinees)
Behind 199 Water Street
Corner of Front Street and John Street

Brooklyn (can only purchase day of evening performances and day before matinees; plus Brooklyn only events)
1 Metrotech Center
Corner of Jay Street and Myrtle Avenue Promenade