Ladybird

Hello Kitty ハローキティ

2012-02-16T22:17:00.000+11:00

(Source: CNNGO)

(Source: Jaunted)

Late last year, to celebrate their 20th anniversary, Taiwanese airline EVA Airways teamed up with Sanrio to launched their second generation of Hello Kitty aeroplanes. There are three Airbus 330-300, each decorated with a different theme - Hello Kitty Loves Apples, Hello Kitty Magic Stars and Hello Kitty Around the World.

The airline is hoping the Hello Kitty aeroplanes will invigorate travel interest between Taiwan and Japan. These adorable aeroplanes operate from Taipei-Taoyuan International Airport to Tokyo, Fukuoka, Hokkaido, Seoul and Hong Kong. My picks would be Tokyo (of course!) or Fukuoka and the obligatory trip to Harmony Land.

OMG! I must get on one of these planes! Super cute!!

Rinko's Restaurant

2012-01-31T23:44:00.001+11:00

I had been meaning to watch this film for a long time after reading about it on Make It Easy and I wasn't disappointed by the recommendation - I loved it!

Based on a novel by Ito Ogawa, Rinko's Restaurant is a food lovers fairy tale. It is such a beautiful film to watch; filled with imagination and magical, mouth watering food.

Directed by Mai Tominaga, staring Kou Shibasaki

Ps. Aren't the heart shaped bowls adorable?! I painstakingly brought back my very own heart shaped tea set all the way from Japan. Needless to say, my hand luggage was quite heavy.

Hoops x Nail Burgerlar

2012-01-30T18:43:00.001+11:00

This is old news too but my burger & nails photo was posted on one of my favourite blogs - Nail Burgerlar. woot! Nails by the fabulous Clara H.

Don't be fooled by the rocks that I got

2012-01-30T18:22:00.000+11:00

Jennifer Lopez for Tous Spring 2011. Photographed by Ellen von Unwerth

(Source: Style Stalker > Fashion Gone Rogue)

So this campaign is from back in 2011 but I haven't posted in a while and I thought these shots were pretty cool... not to mention my soft spot for J.Lo.

ジェニーさんははしがじょうずですね。

Nailzzzz by Clara H

2011-12-21T20:13:00.008+11:00

I guess it's no secret that I've always been fascinated by all things Japan and nail art is not exception. Last week I visited the super cute and extremely talented Clara H and here is what she came up with. Details are all hand painted - sooo AMAZZZING!!

Colours: OPI Matched Luggage / Essie Cute As a Button / Essie Tart Deco / OPI A Good Mandarin Is Hard To Find

ps. do you like my rhinestone encrusted phone cover? Gross fantastic right? :D

Japan x Melbourne

2011-11-27T10:43:00.004+11:00

Entry way decorated with persimmons, Naka Meguro

Wowow! Eight films in five days!

This time last year I was in Japan and while it's not quite the same, there are some really exciting Japan related festivities happening here in Melbourne over the next week or so. The Japan Culture Festival starts from 11AM today at the Collingwood Townhall and the 15th Japanese Film Festival opens this Tuesday 29th of November 2011. Check it out!

Akaroa, NZ

2011-10-26T21:31:00.001+11:00

Despite my good intentions I always forget to take photos. I did however, manage to take a few happy snaps of beautiful Akaroa. Oh New Zealand, you're so dreamy!

Nissin Hybrid Ramen CM

2011-10-20T09:47:00.000+11:00

I LOVE this! Two of my favourite things combined >> Beyonce and ramen! So hilarious!

Source: The Nomad's Land

Heal them with positive vibes

2011-10-20T08:14:00.001+11:00

I really believe in the power of positive thinking. Even when things get difficult or not so nice I really try to focus on all the positive things I have in my life to be thankful for.

Apologies, I've long forgotten where I sourced these images from. Below is what I can remember:

cute shoes / hydrangeas / sakura

Lately...

2011-10-17T21:34:00.004+11:00

The Resurrection

BFF reunion

Ramen Ya bento

Aloe vera juice

Gift wrapping

Birthday baking, recipe here

Sally Henson Salon Effects in Laced Up

And Glitz Blitz

Isn't Instagram fun?

SBS PopAsia

2011-09-28T07:48:00.001+10:00

Admittedly this is on rather early, especially for a Sunday morning but I'm still super excited about a brand new television favourite - SBS Pop Asia! Tune in every Sunday from 8:30AM on SBS1 to enjoy the latest Korean, Japanese, Cantonese, Mandarin and South East Asian pop music videos.

I am by no means a Asia Pop expert but below are a few personal favourites:

I've always liked the Fit's CMs. So funny!

Ogawa no Hotori

2011-09-11T20:43:00.002+10:00

Much to my surprise and delight I found there was quite a considerable selection of Japanese films featured in the In-flight Entertainment during our flight to New Zealand.

Inspired by the work of late author Shuhei Fujisawa, Ogawa no Hotori (At River's Edge) is a fine example of Japanese feudal drama that delves into the enduring themes of duty and sentiment.

The film builds slowly and revolves around Inui Sakunosuke (Noriyuki Higashiyama) who is given a mission of vengeance from his samurai clan.

The film also stars Rinko Kikuchi, who you will recognize from films such as Norwegian Wood and Babel. Kikuchi plays Sakunosuke’s younger sister Tazu, who in a tragic coincidence is married to Sakuma Morie – the very man her brother is set to assassinate.

Thus, poor old Sakunosuke is put in the agonising position of choosing between love for his family and duty to his clan.

Neuw Zulland

2011-09-11T17:47:00.002+10:00

Earlier this month I went on my very first trip to New Zealand.

Apparently we Australian's don't know the difference between hills and mountains. Hmph! Well, above are some lovely green HILLS in Akaroa, NZ.

Oishii

2011-09-11T13:02:00.002+10:00

Freshness Burger

Maedaya Sake & Grill

Sushi Burger

Jiro Dreams of Sushi

2011-07-11T22:35:00.002+10:00

David Gelb captures on film the masterful work of Chef Jiro Ono of Sukiyabashi Jiro. Did anyone happen to see this film when it was screened during the Sydney Film Festival? Nom, nom. Watching this trailer has made me hungry!

Address: Tsukamoto Sogya Building, Baement 1st Floor, 2-15 Giza 4-Chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Phone: 03-3535-3600

Lunch: 11:30 - 2:00

Dinner: 5:30 - 8:30

Iron Chef in Melbourne

2011-05-01T12:15:00.002+10:00

I've always really enjoyed watching Iron Chef so I was very excited to find out that two Iron Chefs will be here in Melbourne later this year. Iron Chef French, Hiroyuki Sakai and Iron Chef Chinese, Kenichi Chen will be here for an extravagant cooking event.

It takes place on the 18th and 19th of June and at $485 per person includes a six course degustation menu complemented by match wines. The even will be held at the RACV City CLub and will also feature the RACV City Club's Executive Chef, Mark Normoyle.

Sounds good huh?

Movie Night

2011-04-25T11:20:00.001+10:00

Toilet トイレット

Jollygoo wrote a great film review here.

Tampopo タンポポ

There is only really one unenjoyable scene... I'm a little bit squeamish about raw eggs.

Kimi ni Todoke 君に届け

I have a soft spot for Haruma Miura... he has two dots on his chin too.

As winter draws closer all I feel like doing in my spare time is watching movies with a cozy blanket. What movies have you been watching lately?

It's ANZAC Day today here in Australia. A national day of remembrance for both Australia and New Zealand.

Swearing; it doesn't suit you.

2011-04-23T07:40:00.001+10:00

Like the Japanese, Filipino's love karaoke. So needless to say, I love this! Apologies for the bad language homies.

(Source: Super Happy Awesome Fun)

Cookie Boy クッキーボーイ

2011-04-22T16:03:00.002+10:00

Story

ある日、記念日にクッキーを作ってプレゼントした。 箱を開けた瞬間の子どものような笑顔が、うれしかった。 アートな食感に目覚め、お菓子を独学で創る日々。 過去に学んできたテキスタイルデザインの技術を生かし、型をつくり線を描いていく。 食べることで近づくモノとの距離。 クッキーが口の中で溶けるように、人と人の気持ちがほどけてゆく。 僕は、クッキーというキャンバスを見つけた。

As the beginning of the Easter weekend approaches I can't help but think of chocolates, spicy hot cross buns and other sweet treats.

However, I am sure you will all agree that these wonderful cookies by Cookieboy are much nicer than any old foil wrapped egg. And even better, cookies are enjoyed all year round!

You can visit the Cookieboy's blog here.

(Source: a lovely blog called Polkaros.)

Help Japan

2011-03-16T21:30:00.048+11:00

(Image source: Japan will blossom again)

As you may have noticed I am rather smitten with Japan, so it really does break my heart to see what has happened and I send my thoughts, prayers and condolences to the people affected by this disaster.

For those who wish to help:

You can make a donation to the Japan and Pacific Disaster Appeal with Australia Red Cross. 'The funds raised through this appeal will be used to support communities affected by the earthquake in Japan and the resultant tsunami that reached numerous countries around the Pacific Rim and within the Pacific Ocean.'

Readers from the USA may like to visit the American Red Cross

Or you could purchase one of Hilda Grahnat's beautiful prints or postcards sets here. All proceeds go direclty to Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief through the Japan Red Cross Society.

You could also visit here and purchase a beautiful set of postcards designed by Catkin and Teasel. 100% of the proceeds go to the Australian Red Cross, who are directly aiding the Japan Red Cross Society.

And the lovely Hello Sandwich is selling her Hello Sandwich Gift Wrapping Zine (highly recommended!) for $5.00 as an instant download PDF file. All of the money raised will be donated to the Red Cross.

And lately, the adorable online shop Genki is donating all profits for this week to the relief effort in Japan.

Sending of lots of love and positive thoughts from Australia to my beloved Japan! xxx

Capsule >> I Wish You

2011-03-04T07:03:00.001+11:00

Capsule. ♡

(Source: Fuck Yeah Japanese)

Raw like Sushi

2011-03-02T19:20:00.000+11:00

I L♡VE this Missoni top and skirt from the Spring Summer 2011 collection. Amaze-balls!

Anna Beatriz Barros for Elle Magazine US March 2011

Photographed by Max Farago, Styled by Francesca Burns

Happy Tabako

2011-03-01T18:54:00.001+11:00

Even the cigarette butts are happy in Tokyo.

Please note, I am by no means encouraging anyone to smoke!

Daisuke, the Daikon Radish

2011-02-20T09:39:00.001+11:00

One of my favourite blogs, Japan Probe, posted a hilarious story about a 'Radish Shaped Like a Person'. Check out the video - it's so cute!

Snack attack

2011-02-14T13:45:00.004+11:00

This feature in the March issue of Spur got me thinking... what's your favourite Japanese snack? Mine would have to be Meiji Chocolate Almonds, Ginoko Gohan Onigiri and Yukimi Daifuku Caramel!

ps. Happy Valentines Day everyone!! ♥

Box! (ボックス!)

2011-02-11T22:19:00.002+11:00

Back in December I went to see Box! during the Japanese Film Festival.

The film is about two childhood friends who reunite during High School and, as the name suggests, are part of the Amateur Boxing Club. It stars Kengo Kora as Yuki and Hayato Ichihara (Rookies) as Kabu. The film is directed by Toshio Lee, who you will probably remember from the cult hit Detroit Metal City. I really enjoyed it!

And Melbourne peeps don't forget that this Saturday (tomorrow!) is the Japanese Summer Festival or Natsu Matsuri! This year it is being held at the Waterfront City Piazza, Docklands and there will be lots of food and dancing - two of my favourite things!

And lastly, Jetstar are currently having a 2 for 1 Sale! Get in quick, as the sale ends 2am (01:59 AEDT) this Tuesday 15 February 2011, unless sold out prior. Happy travels!

Turning Japanese

2011-02-08T20:22:00.004+11:00

So this year I've started learning Japanese again! :)

I'm taking a night class, two nights at week at the Japanese Melbourne Language School. They also have a blog! Here is a video they posted of a Ramen Vending Machine.

Norwegian Wood

2011-01-26T13:10:00.007+11:00

A film adaptation of Huruki Murakami's much loved novel Norwegian Wood. The film was released in Japan back in December 2010. I wonder when we will get to see Norwegian Wood here in Australia?

February 14

2011-01-23T20:06:00.004+11:00

Ramekin D'Amour Crystallize Set

It's Valentines Day next month and that of course means lots of heart shaped things! How adorable is this Le Creuset Cookware from the February issue of Spur.

Beat Cafe and Echo, Shibuya

2011-01-18T20:21:00.002+11:00

Drinks with Dave and some new Tokyo friends at Beat Cafe and Echo.

Shibuya Crossing

2011-01-16T18:23:00.006+11:00

I didn't take nearly enough photographs while I was in Japan. However, there are some really lovely ones here from Swedish blogger Hilda Grahnat that you won't want to miss.

Harajuku

2011-01-16T17:28:00.001+11:00

Naka Meguro

2011-01-16T15:55:00.002+11:00

I visited Tokyo for the first time last November and fell in love with Naka Meguro.

Happy 2011!

2011-01-04T20:00:00.002+11:00

Happy New Year everyone!

I hope everyone had a happy holidays and are ready for the new year ahead. I'm so excited about 2011 - I have such a great feeling about this year! Woop!

I've compiled a little list of resolutions for the coming year:

Move to Tokyo

Study Japanese

To be the picture of positivity

Become fit and healthy