Crafts, treats and wonders

Hello friends!

Here is the second part of my December memories in Tokyo. I hope you enjoy this one about art, a bit of interesting technology and the gorgeous views of Asakusa (and food, lots of food of course).

In the footsteps of Japanese artists

My university courses and presentations lasted until Tuesday (December 27th). Until that time, particularly one course offered - as always - material for photos and stories: The Arts Workshop. Here, a Japanese silversmith visited us and showed us how he works his magic (thank you for the video, Maria):

A silver bar is hammered into shape, then ornaments and patterns are applied with hammer, chisel and other tools. For this, the design is made on Japanese paper beforehand and pasted on the product. Resin is usually put into the bowl to make it easier to apply the chisel, then taken out once the bowl is burnt. The interesting thing is that the silverware is soft and formable only before burning.

Of course, we could see only one part of the complex process. Tokyo silversmithery has been around since the 18th century and they are now making a lot of things including household items, ikebana vases, ornaments and accessory.

Another week's theme was about Japanese embroidery - nihon shishu. It is part of nuido, which means "way of the techniques", and the ladies visiting us were from the artist group of Kurenai Kai. Learn more about here.

And here was something for us to try - a special technique called ise katagami, where a motif, often a flower, is cut out from a special kind of paper (jigami). Then the paper is used as a stencil to create a piece of art - even the printing of a kimono. It is believed that the technique is inspired by cherry leaves which had been eaten by moths.

Jigami engraved by a master...

... and my own attempt

Delicacy highlights

If you did not have enough food pictures in the last post, let me show you the most delicious experiences I had this month.

Café on the top floor of Tokyu Hands (a huge department store). The amazing thing here was that you could sit outside without freezing in the evening - in December.  

A curry place I visited with my friend Anshuman from India. He confirmed that it tasted quite like the real thing (despite the cheese on top). Plus, you could choose how spicy you want it to be by selecting a level between 1and 20 (!). Level 5 was already burning!

Almond cocoa in Harajuku

The Keio cafeteria offered Christmas cakes up until the 23rd

This is called "German steppen cheese tomato cream pasta". It didn't taste very German, but definitely like cheese

A very nice café in Harajuku - you get this whole meal for 1000 yen. Unfortunately, the cheesecake you get for dessert is tiny 

Our favourite café, Lattest in Omotesando, just makes the best café latte

Little paradise for usability people

With our course in "Innovative Technologies for Japan's Aging Society", we had a field trip to the Toto showroom. Ever heard about it? Especially when you come to Japan, you can see Toto in almost every bathroom. It was originally a ceramics company which now seems to make everything - from toilets over kitchen equipment and windows to door security systems (although I am not sure if they were really the manufacturers of all the things displayed in the showroom). They are known as the ones who invented the washlet - these strange toilets with dozens of features you always hear about when it comes to Japan.

The show room was organised like an interactive exhibition with a possibility to purchase single items, but also, if desired, entire home furnishings. If you are not familiar with a typical Japanese home, it was an interesting opportunity to peek inside without invading anyone's privacy. 

This is what a Japanese bathroom looks like: A separate cabin for shower and bathtub. After showering (normally while sitting on the small black stool), you then take a hot bath...

... and can watch TV while doing so 

Toto also creates new ideas for kitchens and involves special user groups such as senior citizens. Some of the features are new and good in terms of usability and made my HCI heart happy.

Having multiple ovens for different purposes and a fancy control you can open by touch - who wouldn't want that?

A kind of interphone where you can observe the surrounding of your house. Note that red means "open" in Japan, while the green light is on when the door is locked

Also, even though you can find him in a lot of shops here, it was my first time to interact with the Softbank robot known as Pepper. Say hello!

Once he spotted you, he follows you around with his eyes. Creepy. And he complains when you touch his head

Trip to Asakusa

On Thursday, we (which is Tharshi, Brianne, Jess, Anshuman and me) planned to go to the earthquake museum in Ikebukuro, but what we didn't know was that it was closed for the winter holidays. So we just had a relaxed time shopping and eating in Ikebukuro Sunshine City.

Character donuts

Moomin bubble tea

The Tokyo metro station

Since some of us still had time after that and it was not far away, we decided to go to Asakusa - one of the city parts I have not yet been to - primarily to visit the famous Asakusa Shrine and Senso-ji Temple. Thanks to Anshuman for providing some of the photos!

Tokyo Skytree to the left, Asahi Beer Hall with the famous "golden turd" on the right. This hollow golden thing on the top should originally represent a frothy head, but apparently, the construction went wrong and turned out like this ;P

View from Azuma Bridge

Dozens of lanterns decorating the path to the shrine

Finally: The Asakusa Shrine with the famous lanterns at the entrance!

And this is Senso-ji

Because the place is so popular among tourists, Japanese merchants don't miss the chance and sell a whole lot of souvenirs and traditional snacks and sweets in a long market street.

Who recognised the character?

On our quest through the city for a warm place to stay, we have found a lovely little café offering reasonably priced cake sets. I got this matcha sponge cake and Darjeeling tea:

Sorry, I have to end this with another food picture - but the table setup was to cute not too share

So this was 2016 - hard to believe! If you are curious how the Japanese celebrate New Year - make sure to drop by here in the next few days, when I can tell you about the numerous festivities Japanese people hold around this important day. Have a wonderful celebration yourself and a happy, healthy and fantastic 2017! Hold on to your goals and dreams, and don't forget to appreciate everyone and everything that is important to you. Yoi otoshi o!