Jonelle Patrick's Blog, page 7

Cats in Ukiyo-e: The best woodblock print show ever

If we were playing my favorite museum game—the one where we admit we’d pass on that famous piece of art if we saw it at a garage sale for $5 and didn’t know who made it—I’d be feeling pretty good about myself at this show. You’d be hearing me say, “TAKE MY MONEY!” for everyContinue reading "Cats in Ukiyo-e: The best woodblock print show ever"

The name is Bond. Jane Bond.

In this all-female, all-Japanese version of Casino Royale, everybody gets the girl. Nobody can accuse Takurazuka of pulling punches when it comes to portraying everyone’s favorite clandestine operative, and this Bond has more than Q’s gadgets up her sleeve. The eyelashes alone could slay at forty paces. • If you could use more surprising entertainmentContinue reading "The name is Bond. Jane Bond."

Where to see the best wisteria in Tokyo 2023!

You haven’t seen wisteria until you’ve ogled the giant purple vines of Tokyo! Not only is each plant astoundingly huge and lush with garlands of blooms, the streamers of flowers can be nearly a meter long! Here are my favorite places to see them in Tokyo: NISHIARAI DAISHI TEMPLE This year is the first timeContinue reading "Where to see the best wisteria in Tokyo 2023!"

What the heckin’ heck kind of burger comes on a green bun?

A vegan one, of course! The most venerable of Japanese burger chains has just introduced an all-plant-based burger, and all your friends can tell you opted for the planet-saving version because it comes on a spinach-tinted bun. And if that isn’t green enough to float your inner leprechaun boat, the soy and mushroom patty isContinue reading "What the heckin’ heck kind of burger comes on a green bun?"

Sakura Night Garden

For the entire month of April 2023, the glorious cherry trees of Shinjuku Gyouen National Garden are lit up in ever-changing colors, turning Tokyo’s grandest park into a springtime wonderland. I went early in the month, so the crowd was hanami-huge, but it didn’t feel crowded because the area that’s lit up is so massive.Continue reading "Sakura Night Garden"

The crazy hair art show

What does a fashion house do when they want to make an upworthy statement that doesn’t stop at the edges of the garment? They hire a hair artist like Katsuya Kamo. Kamo’s creations went so far beyond haircuts… they’re sometimes closer to taxidermy… or sculpture… or masks… or crowns. The “Kamo Head: Katsuya Kamo WorksContinue reading "The crazy hair art show"

Tokyo Kimono Show: Feast your eyes on THESE beauties

The Tokyo Kimono Show returned last weekend, and the fabulous new kimono coordinations have never been more inspiring. Rows upon rows of mannequins displayed the stylish offerings of designers from all over Japan… …and they were skillfully set up so they could be appreciated from front and back Some designers took the opportunity to styleContinue reading "Tokyo Kimono Show: Feast your eyes on THESE beauties"

Cherry Blossom Planets

The fabulous TeamLab Planets site gets a pink makeover for cherry blossom season! Between March 1 and April 31, instead of wading among the fish and flowers like this… …you can submerge your ankles in a sea of koi and petals like this! Like the usual immersive digital pond, the music and animation start withContinue reading "Cherry Blossom Planets"

Floating flowers are taking over Japan this spring

In Japan, too many flowers is just enough, especially when it comes to hanachōzu! The latest fashion for excess splendor started at shrines that fill their purifying mizu-chōzuya (“hand washing water place”) with a mix of spring blooms and colorful floating balls… …but it grew to include families and shops that also welcome spring byContinue reading "Floating flowers are taking over Japan this spring"

Craft…Cola?

In the category of “things that should not have a ‘handcrafted’ version,” cola has got to be the headliner. This inexplicable cola concentrate was on sale at my local organic food boutique (file under “WUT?”), and the explanation on the back assures me that not only was it made from “spices procured from all overContinue reading "Craft…Cola?"