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May 06, 2024
 

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Jean Snow

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Jean Snow
A longtime resident of Tokyo, Jean Snow lives and breathes design, pop culture, and gaming, sustained by an unhealthy addiction to magazines and frequent visits to his favorites cafes. He has reported on these obsessions for various online and offline publications.
For Jean Snow's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design
Jun 27, 2006
PBJ's SmartCaddie, Kai's kitche shears, Dainippon Type Organization's writing accessories, Nussha Japanware
This month, we are turning the spotlight on another eclectic array of goods that have been popping up in some of Tokyo's best design and interior shops recently, and are just begging to be included in any aficionado's arsenal of stylish accouterments. From portable computers to kitchen accessories, here's a lovingly selected collection of objects that deserve your attention, and perhaps your yen.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design
May 23, 2006
Hanabi light, Kai series of pots and kettles, 60VISION bags, Sharp cordless phones
Anyone who follows this column regularly might accuse me of being a slave to all that is white -- and with a name like "Snow," that criticism does seem justified. So in order to get it all out of my system (at least for a few months), this month I'm covering all things white. There is a zen-like satisfaction in a white product -- instead of imposing a particular chromatic texture that, in the end, has a great deal of influence on how the product is viewed, white lets the industrial design shine through.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design
Apr 25, 2006
Amadana appliances, Metaphys' Cyclone Cleaner, Jurgen Lehl furniture, Yukimasa Matsuda/Groovisions for Kokuyo
This month we go freestyle, working with our gut instinct about what we like right now. So whether it's adding a dash of design spice to the kitchen, or taking care of your basic cleaning needs, we guarantee that you'll be keeping house in style.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design
Mar 28, 2006
Offi's Zumi Stool, Tadao Hoshino's dresser drawers, the 'Shadow Series' chairs, Muji's Wagon Set
With the cherry blossoms finally blooming and spring-cleaning in the air, it's a good time to think about updating your home's interior. And it isn't only a few university students who will be looking for new furnishings to go with the new digs that they move into at the start of Japan's school year in April (though, apparently, Tokyo-born graduates tend to hang around a while longer at their parents' homes to take advantage of the free food and rent).
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design
Jan 24, 2006
DoCoMo's D902i phone, Signeo's MP3 player, Rooshopper tote bags, TEPCO's cooking heater, Stand Kamimakiki
It's the start of a new year and that often means making changes in your life. Want to be an eco-friendly shopper? Looking to make some much needed improvements in the household? Or maybe you just want to make the people around you exhibit signs of envy by sporting some new 2006 gear. Here are a few things to help brighten up the coming year.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design
Dec 27, 2005
Lighting brilliance from Kouichi Okamoto
Lighting is many things to many people. For many, it's simply a practical tool to combat darkness. For others, it plays the role of mood enhancer. Carefully calibrated lighting can transform a space both subtly and dramatically.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design
Nov 22, 2005
Spore's lighting solutions, Kenichiro Ohmori's Ice Partition, My Shade chair, Ryu Line Black Series, Metaphys' Factory
The Japan debut of 100% Design, an event held during Tokyo Design Week earlier this month, was a strong one, which emphasized cutting-edge interiors. The show already has a well-earned reputation in London as one of the top events on designers' calendars. Although most of the big manufacturers in the field were well represented, we're turning our spotlight on a few of our favorite picks from some of the smaller, mostly independent creators.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Art
Oct 27, 2005
An early look at Tokyo Design Week
Fall in Tokyo signals the arrival of festival season, and none has gained as much international praise as the annual gathering of all things contemporary and stylish known as Tokyo Design Week (Nov. 2-6). With four concurrent events -- Tokyo Designer's Week, Swedish Style, and new comers 100% Design Tokyo and Design Tide -- it's a massive undertaking, and one that lovers of design will truly enjoy.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design
Oct 25, 2005
Yamaha's electric cycles, Toshiba's 'Wearable Star' series, Naoto Fukasawa's Aroma Pot, AU's Penck, the Boing collection
When it comes to the promotion of design in Japan, there's hardly any honor more significant than the annual Good Design Award. Developed by the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization (JIDPO), each year the Good Design Award heralds the best of the best. In its 49th year, and with over 30,000 rated products, the scope and authority of this annual event is beyond question -- it's coveted "G-Mark" is a true sign of quality and innovation (you'll come to recognize the slanted "G" logo -- we swear by it).
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design
Sep 27, 2005
Plusminuszero cordless phone, Nendo's Skiima, Toshi Iwai's Tenori-On, Monacca's Bag-Kaku
In the world of product design, we've finally come to a point where features have seemingly attained a certain level of parity. Gone are the days when detailed specs ruled, and bigger (brighter, louder, faster) was better. The focus has now shifted toward the promotion of an object's outward design -- functionality and stylishness are now trumping innards.
Japan says Biden's description of nation as xenophobic is 'unfortunate'
The National Diet building in Tokyo
G7 eyes plan on U.S.-led $50 billion aid package for Ukraine
A local resident visits the Lychakiv cemetery in Lviv, Ukraine, on Thursday. The U.S. is in talks with close partners to lead a group of allies that would give as much as $50 billion in aid to Ukraine.
Japan drops to 70th in press freedom rankings
A businessman reads a newspaper outside a train station in Tokyo.
Japan’s record-low children population weighs on growth
The number of children 14 years old or younger fell for the 43rd straight year to around 14.01 million as of April 1.
Biden calls ally Japan ‘xenophobic’ along with rivals China and Russia
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks in Syracuse, New York, on April 25.
'Monster' Inoue ready to tear down Luis Nery in title defense at Tokyo Dome
Naoya Inoue (left) and Luis Nery following a pre-fight news conference in Yokohama on Saturday, two days ahead of their super bantamweight title fight.
Debate on constitutional revision at a standstill despite Kishida's pledges
With less than two months left before the conclusion of the current session of parliament, any possibility that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida can deliver constitutional reform before the end of his term as Liberal Democratic Party president in late September, as he has promised, appears remote.
Sapporo court ruling on Ainu fishing rights presents tough questions
A traditional Ainu preserved food called <i>satchep</i> (dried fish) being made at the government-run National Ainu Museum and Park, nicknamed Upopoy, in the town of Shiraoi, Hokkaido, on Dec. 25. The Sapporo District Court ruled last month that the Raporo Ainu Nation's rights as an Indigenous people did not extend to having an inherent right to fish for commercial reasons.
With eye on China, defense chiefs agree to bolster interoperability
From left: U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Australian defense chief Richard Marles, Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro hold a joint news conference in Honolulu on Thursday.
Yellow sand allergy: A health issue made worse by climate change
A screenshot of the Meteorological Agency's satellite image of clouds and yellow sand (in pink) on Sunday.

Podcast

From easily navigable train stations to the helpfulness of its municipal staff, Tokyo has earned high praise for its commitment to accessibility for disabled travelers.
[Rebroadcast] Japan is doing better on accessibility than you may think

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