So how does this relate to Japan?

Is it the fact Jony Ive spent 14 days with a master sword maker in Japan to help him reach greater depths of industrial design zen? Perhaps so.

Try the fact that Japan is one of Apple’s most fertile markets being the 2nd highest in iPhone sales after the US, capturing 72% of the smartphone market share…all within an already advanced, highly saturated mobile environment.

So suffice it to say Jony Ive’s impact on Japan goes deep. Sony, Toshiba, Panasonic and others have all started releasing their own iPhone knock-offs (yes, a’la Android).

In effect, the roles have reversed: now Japanese designers are studying Ive’s ideas in an attempt to keep their companies’ market share from shrinking.

So grab a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy this “longread” about one of today’s most influential designers.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-1367481/Apples-Jonathan-Ive-H…

On a warm spring day, this sunny spot seemed perfect for a cat-nap.

I was at a station the other day, and as some imagine, there are non-smoking notices all around train stations. They’re on the walls and even imbedded in the pavement. It’s more than you see in the West.

For those of that don’t know, smoking in Japan is like what it used to be in the US in the 80s. OK, not THAT bad, but enough that it’s done in offices and other public places.

Back to the train station, there are non-smoking ordinances in effect, but flaccid law enforcement cannot be troubled enough to enforce it.

So as I walked up to the station, I was greeted by a rather brazen smoker enjoying himself next to not one but two non-smoking signs. “Perfect shot!” I thought. I suppose he wasn’t that brazen after all. He immediately walked away as soon as the camera came out.

In a society that prides itself on social harmony and order, I am befuddled by the apparent lack of courtesy from smokers. While many other conventions are followed, most not even laws, why do so many smokers ignore actual ordinances?

Last question: in light of the Fukushima radiation issue, why can’t people see that their second-hand smoke is more dangerous than living 100km from the nuclear power plants in Fukushima?

OK, these are real, as in really being sold in a popular children’s store, and being really politically incorrect. Not sure, but maybe he’s another warped Japanese character? アフロくん？

“Bosozoku” is Japanese for “speed tribe”, a motley collection of motor-head punks who’s sole purpose is to trick out their motorcycles, then ride them obnoxiously through neighborhoods at night. The cops really don’t stop them, but usually chase them off, causing an equally loud disturbance themselves. Click here for more.

All said and done, bosozoku are generally successful at making a lot of noise with their aftermarket modifications, mechanical as well as cosmetic. At least this guy won’t be going anywhere soon. Click here for more.

A couple of guys on a busy street, playing some tunes and sharing their art. Cool vibes; lots of people were watching.

Lots of it. I like wasabi very much.

…lights up the railway…

I hardly noticed this beauty shop, stocked full of eye-catching hair products; it was a veritable explosion of pink! But then I looked up at this sign…Mandom?!? Not “femdom”?!?