What Japanese phrase do you like the most? "Taoyaka," meaning "graceful." It's ambiguous and sounds kind of strange, but I like the image it conjures in my mind — a beautiful, graceful woman. — Junko Naito, fashion public relations, Oct. 13
Life in Japan is a giant simulation game: What are your top three unlocked achievements? 1. Self sponsoring my visa. 2. Mastering the art of idle chit-chat. 3. Not crying while looking for an exit in Shinjuku Station. — Hawken King, designer-programmer of Dadako, April 28
If you could only paint in one color, what would it be? Black, absolutely. Black is an infinite color and the foundation of sumi-e (ink painting). — Masanobu Ota, yuzen dye artist, April 21