Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Azabu Juban, Roppongi, & Mori Arts Center

2 weeks ago we met Yuri & Kinoto in Azabu Juban and walked to Roppongi to see an exhibit at the Mori Arts Center
A plaza designed by Keikan Sekkei



Around Roppongi Hills there is a series of benches designed by various artists that are very interesting, and a nice way to incorporate art into a space in a functional manner





Everything is a bit blue because it was an overcast day but bright, and I could not get the white balance settings to work for me very well.

Performance space and plaza at Roppongi Hills

Interesting decking

Hello!

The roadway system, especially the elevated highways interests me. It is strange to look over at the 5th-6th floor of a building when you are on the highways.

The interchanges in Tokyo make those of Atlanta look simple.
When you get up high enough you can see that there are significant areas of green space preserved in the heart of the city

We went to see an exhibit called Sensing Nature, which explored Japanese perception of nature. This installation entitled 'Snow', was a room full of feathers with fans on timers. The feathers were picked up and then swirled around the room by the wind then allowed to slowly drift to the ground again when the fans went off.

The lighting on the back side of the feather display made it kind of look like people were floating

'Model of Oblivion' depicts pure white cliffs with blood running from them.

It made for interesting photos


'Wald aus Wald' (Forset from Forest) was a forest made of Japanese paper. You first experience the space "underground" in the realm of the insects and burrowing animals.

From stragegically placed holes you are able to pop up into the forest above seeing the world from the perspective of an animal emerging from its home.


'Inseln' (Islands) depicts the land mass that is largely forgotten laying below the surface of the sea (depicted by the sheet of glass)

The book lounge of the museum

Tokyo tower at night.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Korean BBQ

Last friday we went to a new Korean BBQ place with Yuri & Kinoto. To promote the new restaurant beers were 100 yen.



Thick cut "bacon" and kimchee on the grill


If it has a drip pan it has to be good. Still can't figure out why everyone was staring when I drank it at the end of the meal. Isn't that custom to show the chef how much you appreciate his meal? I had to fight Yuri for the honors.

Once the pork is cooked you cut it with scissors, and then put it in lettuce with some kimchee, and an assortment of other toppings.

chug, chug, chug!!! Did I mention beers were 100 yen?

yellow filter...as if beer doesn't look good enough normal.

The salaryman 2 tables down. He was really enjoying the cheap beer.

Scene to Work

Thought it might be interesting to show what my morning walk to work is like. Some of the scenery and buildings that I see on a daily basis.
People wait for the light to change at the main intersection outside of Gotanda Station
Lots of dark suits. Aka "the salarymen"


Crosswalks are merely recommendations


The view from above

Yellow filter

Red Filter

A flower and plant shop. One of the coolest looking shops around


A very popular steak/humburger restaurant. There are lines down the street at lunch and dinner everyday. Have not eaten here so I am unable to confirm nor deny its greatness. We are also partial to Kennedy, another steak house, which has an incredible salad and all you can drink for 1000 yen.

A line of school children on their way to school

The color of their hat indicates what grade they are in. I think yellow is for 1st thru 3rd. (or should I say Aya thinks so)