sushi zume tokyo

I'm Moving On Up

2008-07-19T12:50:00.003+09:00

I'm moving on up
You're moving on out
Time to break free
Nothing can stop me, yeah.

I believe it was the M-people who sang those very words...how do I remember that?
Actually I didn't, google helped me out a lot.

Anyway, sushizume's time with blogger is done!
Sayonara
Come check out our new pad over at sushizume.com

It is clean, it's fresh and I have got a lot of stories to tell ya. So fix up your links, change them to sushizume.com, just delete the blogspot and you are done!

I'll chop up some watermelon for you, sit back, feet up and wait for your arrival! mwah mwah

Sushi Change

2008-07-18T19:58:00.005+09:00

Image by ciah-ciah
Some unusual happenings around the sushi zume household have prompted an out with the old and in with the new wave. SO WE ARE MOVING! Today I said bye bye to blogger (even though technically I am still here if you are reading this) and Hello Word Press, I am just about to buy the sushizume domain, get everything sorted and we will have a new home in no time over at sushizume.com. Soon my lovelies, soon!

One of the weirdest things has happened to me this week. I have back pain. Hoop stopping, tear jerking, nerve niggling back pain. Uh huh, not something I have ever really dealt with before and usually not something I would write about but...I am just gonna say - it is fucking annoying!

Two days of gritting my teeth and lying around feeling sorry for myself has sent me searching for the cause and the cure. I am not sure what happened exactly. I have been practicing a lot of foot hooping lately, lying on my back with legs extended in the air but I don't think it truly the cause.

I have a little bible that i whip out whenever I have so much as a spot or a sore bit it is titled You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L. Hay. You see I am a big believer in all physical afflictions and illnesses being a direct result of our internal states and emotions. In the back of this book are many pages divided into three columns. The first is the problem, second is the probable cause and the third is the new thought pattern. The reason why I have adored this book for so many years is because it is always, without a doubt on the money.

Two recent examples. On Wednesday night I was literally eaten alive by bugs in the park. The itching was unbearable, the rash hideous and the feeling bizarre. I found my trusty book, scanned down the page until I got to bug bites and low and behold it said the probably cause was Guilt over small things which of course could be interpreted in so many ways but as it turns out I had been grappling a bit with a few small things that I may have been feeling a wee bit guilty about. My new thought patter I am free of all irritations. All is well soon had me breathing easy and scratching less. Onto the back pain thing. I always know that backs are the pillars of support, the strength of life. So when backs are out of line or just not feeling their best it stands to reason that we are feeling unsupported in some way, internally or externally, we are worrying about our strength to accomplish things. Couldn't be more true for me right now. I am really, very much enjoying the choices I have made and the freedom that comes with that but am going through the transition from external support to self supporting. When I looked up sciatica in THE BOOK I found knowingly that the probably cause of my pain is Fear of money and of the future. My new thought patterns have not really kicked in, although I plan to lay down the law with many rounds of EFT tonight. I move into my greater good. My good is everywhere, and I am secure and safe.

On the off chance that that doesn't do the trick I am off to have my first taste on acupuncture in the morning. We had noticed many times walking from the station a sign saying English Available, always a draw card for me no matter what they are offering. I remembered that Masao had told me they do 'the needle thing' so after much tossing and turning last night and a great deal of pain today I decided to give them a call. The place is called Shinshin Kenkodo Medical Center. I steer clear of any kind of doctors office or pharmacy but luckily these guys offer only holistic therapy. So I am off to get some shiatsu and acupuncture in the morning. The great thing is the center is just a few minutes walk from our apartment in Nishi-Ogikubo and the therapist speaks English. I am really looking forward to it, not just because it may help with the pain.

I am not sure what to expect so would love to hear if you have ever had this kind of therapy before. Wish me luck!

Ooh The Bass Has Got Me Moving

2008-07-16T12:27:00.005+09:00

Photo by Dindrigo

I was just over at Sigsy in Tokyo, poking around like I am known to do and noticed she was on an iTunes discovery adventure. Sigsy was calling out for tune suggestions. Thinking up a few of my own was a lot of fun and now I am hooked.

Now I need your help! I put together mixes for my HOOPLOVERS classes with tracklist titles like Hoop Jam, Hoop Beat, Hoop Groove. It is always a lot of fun but I often get the feeling there are wild and wonderful tracks that I am missing out on. I usually type in keywords like dance or electro and hope for the best. I listen to a lot of internet radio and when I hear a track that I love or I think would get hoops grooving I scrawl it down and search for it later.

I am open to new tunes and new vibes that don't necessarily have to be in the dance or electro genre. I would love to know what tracks get you grooving, stretching, moving or chilling? Your top 5 please!

Here are a few on my current play list.
Tomorrow Can Wait - David Guetta (Actually any thing David Guetta creates gives me shivers)
The Beat is Rockin' - Bodyrox (Also in love with all of their tracks)
My Life - Chanel
Moonlight Party - Fonzerelli
From Paris to Berlin - Infernal

Now it is your turn... I would love to hear your Top 5/10/100 please! Write em in the comments and I will start the iTunes hunt...might call it the hooping bloggers mix ??

WORLD HOOP DAY 8-8-8

2008-07-12T22:56:00.003+09:00

I have a big plan, a big dream and I need your help! So I am putting this out there to you and the Universe in the hopes that together we can make this happen.

Photo by LMNz

Dear Joy Giver,

Hooplovers.com and numerous local hoopers will be hosting Tokyo's World Hoop Day international celebration on August 8, 2008, in Yoyogi Park from 5pm onwards. A Sunset Hoop Matsuri.

The purpose of this event is to spread Peace, Joy & FREE Hoops to at risk youth. We are asking our friends for donations to assist us in making this happen. Our goal is to raise at least 300 000 yen to purchase 100 hulahoops that we will give to Second Harvest Japan who will then give the Hula Hoops to children in orphanages throughout Japan.

These children and many others can benefit greatly from owning a hoop. In addition to having fun, hooping is an expressive art that fuels creativity and left and right brain activity.

Our goal is to give away over 100 hoops to our participating underprivileged kids, and share the benefit of exercise and creative dance with a hoop.

Our event will take place in conjunction with World Hoop Day activities that will be happening around the globe on 8-8-08. For more information visit www.worldhoopday.com. We will also provide free use of hoops at the Yoyogi Park Sunset Hoop Matsuri.

With your generosity we can accomplish this gift for the less fortunate children of Japan. Thank you in advance for any contribution you can make, regardless of the amount. For more information please contact Deanne at hooplovers@gmail.com. Thanks for your time.

Sincerely,
Deanne Tonking
www.hooplovers.com

Biz Nites

2008-07-12T21:08:00.002+09:00

As if we didn't already have enough fun stuff going on in our lives. We are going to be the door bitches at Monday night's Biz Nites event held at Tableaux in Daikanyama.

Here is the deal. Looks like a fabulously talented line up at a swish new location. Looking forward to seeing you there!

BiZ NITE, French Flavor at Daikanyama Tableaux. July 14th, 2008. 6 pm - late.

What is BiZ NITE?

Tokyo's fastest growing networking event for creative business people. It's a monthly event which features presentations, showcases, exhibitions, discussion panels, product launches and more from the creative industries in Tokyo. Each sphere of interest in the A-Z of creative industries has a Biz NITE nickname, for example photo biz, ad biz, art biz, DJ biz, design biz, eco biz, NPO biz, fashion biz, movie biz, music biz, net biz, sport biz, success biz, VJ biz, wellness biz. Every month the crowds get a little bigger, and more and more people are making it a regular feature on their monthly event calendar to meet with old friends, meet new ones and see a little of what's going in around the city.

When & Where is this monthly event held?

Biz Nites are held monthly at Daikanyama Tableaux on 7/14, 8/18, 9/8, and venue TBD on 10/20, 11/17, 12/15.

When is the next Biz NITE?

Monday 14 July at Daikanyama/Ebisu Tableaux, 18:00-23:00, with a ‘French Flavor’ to celebrate Bastille Day together.
The venue has a beautiful patio, great food and reasonably priced drinks. In addition to our regular content,
BiZ NITE will host presentations about contemporary French fashion and culture, and about French creative business people's activities in Japan.
We expect around 300 people to attend community presentations and get-togethers in three spaces throughout the venue.

How much?

Entry: Advance: 1000 yen / Door 1500 yen, (Please buy at least one drink) (To qualify for advance, please sign up as a member at biznites.ning.com)

The first 50 people at Biz Nite receive a Skype headset & calling card.

Who is presenting this month?

7/14 (Mon) ‘French Flavor’ BiZ NITE CONTENTS

18:00-22:30 Presentations & Discussions in Three Spaces:

Ad Biz: info soon

Art Biz:

1) “Dr Sketchy's Anti-Art School: an introduction to the divinely seedy underbelly of live sketching ala Burlesque style” with MC LadyElle [www.drsketchytokyo.com]
(Plus: 5 minute burlesque dance performance by burlesque dancer Cherry Typhoon of the Murasaki Baby Dolls at 10 pm)

2) "ICON 5: The NY Illustration Conference: A review, and an Introduction to the works of Andrea Innocent and Beck Wheeler",
a review presentation and slideshow by well-known Australian artists/illustrators/animators
Andrea Innocent (www.otoshimono.org) and Beck Wheeler (www.beckwheeler.net)

3) “Creative platforms to bring different art forms and audiences under the same umbrella” with 4th Skin Arts Network www.4thskin.com

Design Biz:

“WorkVitamins: Why creativity in the office just works” - Martin van der Linden (workvitamins.com, www.vanderarchitects.com)

Eco Biz: info soon

Fashion Biz:

Fashion Biz: “ID SHAPE: new solution for luxury packaging anti-counterfeiting from France” – Lucas Nanini (www.idshape.com)
Lucas Nanini

Movie Biz:

“Surfing DVD Release- Japan’s legendary surfers of the ‘70s enjoy a 2007 reunion in Micronesia” – Michio Degawa (http://www.kooks.jp)

Music Biz:

1) “Panel Discussion: Anime, Games and Urahara Fashion - How can Japanese Pop Culture Drive
Japanese Music Sales at Home and Overseas?" - Moderator & presenter: Nathan Reaven (www.hearjapan.com)

2) “The New French Music Scene – Preview of French Summer Festival Artists”- Sylvain Delange
(Bureau Export de la Musique Francaise a Tokyo, www.french-music.org/video)

Net Biz:

1) “New Contents Delivery and Gallery System”- Tan Tan (http://ikaros-plan.jugem.jp/ )

2) info soon

New in Japan Biz:

“Revolutionary New Instrument – Tenori-on” – K. Sugii (YAMAHA, www.yamaha.co.jp/tenori-on)

Performance BIz:

Performance Biz: “The making of ‘Tunnelvision’ DVD - Choreographed Performance Art in one of the biggest underground locations in the world,
Gaikaku Housuiro, broadcast on NHK” Monique van kerkhof (www.roboudendijk.com)

Photo Biz:

“Unknown France: A tour of the cheese and wine farms of rural France” by photographer, writer and editor, Miki Toyoda.

Sports Biz:

1) “Update on Hakuba MTB Jamboree 8/16-17” ( www.sweetriders.com)

2) “Reporting about Muay Thai Fight Events” – Chisa Yamane (www.jmc-gym.com)

VJ Biz: info soon

Wellness Biz:

’Awaken to New Dimensions’ - Introduction to insightful transformation techniques to tap into your inner balance
and potential through Art of Living“ with Marianne White & Keerthana Mariappan (www.artofliving.org)

22:00-23:30 LOUNGE DJs: James Carstensen (Tokyo Electro – Special French Music Mix), DJ Tawara (ultralounge)

See more information in Japanese and English at http://www.stereojapan.com/ and forum http://biznites.ning.com/

Hooping Up High

2008-07-10T15:57:00.002+09:00

I recently did an interactive performance at the Mado Lounge in Roppongi hills for Guy Perryman's Sky High Party. The party peeps got into the hoop groove and Isaac Shultz of Brilliant World Tokyo was there to capture some of the light show, laughs and hooping hips.

Love the footage he took, at one point it looks like my LED hoop is swirling around one of the Tokyo skyscrapers.

Shake It Off

2008-07-09T00:00:00.004+09:00

This brings streaming tears of pure hoop joy to my eyes and heart!
Just to be in the presence of such a beautifully graceful woman such as Ann at Hoop Camp later this year is going to bring me to my knees with awe struck gratitude.
I feel like I might possibly be the luckiest woman alive to be given such endless opportunities to fulfill my dreams!

Fragment by Brilliant World Tokyo

2008-07-06T23:09:00.001+09:00

Brilliant World Tokyo founder and artist Isaac has put together some seriously funky images and tunes from last weeks TOKYOMADE Fragment event in Shimokitazawa.

Check these out to see some of the designers, happenings and friendly faces in the underground basement bar, WEDGE. Spy on Isaac, Eshimasa and Sasha as they create art LIVE.

Fragment Independent Art

FRAGMENT LIVE

Hoop Change

2008-07-05T22:05:00.003+09:00

They say that a change is as good as a holiday. Seems life is one long holiday for me. Who would have thought that a plastic circle could have such an impact on every element of life?

Let's start with the physical changes. I hear varying reports about the number of calories that hooping burns per hour and it is not something that I am really too concerned about. What I can say is that hooping has rapidly and drastically changed the shape, feel and strength of my body. As fat has been dissolved muscle definition has been enhanced, this does wonders for self confidence. Clothes that I probably would not have felt comfortable wearing a few months ago are now so loose I cannot wear them. The great thing is though I am not skinny by any means, I have a lot of meat on my bones it is just that that meat has become more defined and solid. I have to be pleased with that. All thanks to the hoop.

Hoop Dance performances require me to steer away from the jeans and t-shirt look I was used to, to a tighter, shorter version of everything. I have had the standard body conscious moments in the past, not feeling entirely comfortable with what was going on but I can say that much of those concerns have been spun off. There is something about wearing fishnets and metallic hot pants in public, not something I would have ever done in the past, that causes a fight or flight mechanism to kick in. You either rock it or stash it away in the cupboard. Hooping has helped me to rock it.

The spiritual benefits of being a hooper. Whether we want to believe it or not the fact is that life is a reflection of what you put out there. I can offer up a million and one examples of situations that have occurred due to the manifestation of thoughts and positive actions. Since having hoops swirling around in my life, everything about my existence has evolved so positively fast. On a daily basis I am flooded with love and support by friends, family and strangers. What I am giving out is pouring back into my life ten fold. I am often overwhelmed at how easily my every thought and dream becomes a reality. While I know I have so many people to thank for that, I also know I have to give props daily to the hoops and my dedication to sharing the joy they create.

The emotional side effects of hooping should be obvious. You cannot be unhappy inside a hoop. Some of my friends have questioned my passion in the past, misunderstood it. Once they get their hips moving and that hoop grooving they are hooked just like me. To watch the hoop love spread throughout my growing circle of amazing friends is life giving.

The hoop has touched my family in fun filled ways too. I have a very creative sister who has her head in spin about what color and pattern to make her next hoop. While I secretly wish that she could come to Tokyo for a hoop up, I know that she will enjoy her time in the London hoop circle. I think we could put on one very fabulous family hoop tour, Mum has her very own hoop too!

Hooping continues to challenge and change me daily. I hungrily seek more, give more and in return am rewarded so very much more.

p.s.　All photos in this post were taken by Masao at last night's Sky High party in The Mado Lounge hosted by the fabulous Guy Perryman. More photos of the fun filled night here.

Honey Bunny - New TOKYOMADE Sweetness

2008-07-05T14:44:00.001+09:00

As kawaii as their accessories and sweet as their brand name suggests, Japanese creators Honey Bunny are filling the lives of Tokyo kids with delectable pieces from a yummy utopian world of sweet fashion.

Fairytale like creators Hansel and GR, as they like to be called, started whipping up batches of goodness about 2 years ago when they saw a shortage of sweet treats to wear and share. Since then the sweet accessory look has boomed in Japan and Honey Bunny has been here to bake the goodies and keep the kids sugar filled.

Naturally Honey Bunny creators spend their days munching on cookies and sweets in cafes flipping through confectionery magazines for delicious inspiration.

Honey Bunny is a brand for girls who love to dress up with kawaii, pop, fairy tale and sweetie styles.

Hoop Power

2008-07-04T12:31:00.007+09:00

Speechless but thanks to super shot taker Masao we are full of rad pics from last night at the Warehouse!

Feast your eyes on these babies

DJ Cat's Pussy Party

2008-07-03T10:36:00.003+09:00

Feline temptresses will be on the prowl tonight at The Warehouse in Azabu Juban. Don your cat-like prowess, slip on something slinky, elevate your mysterious factor with a kitty cat mask and saunter down the steps of the Warehouse and onto the dance floor!

Lindsey, Leila and I will be putting on our very best, wildcat performance at Midnight. I will also rock the hoops in true Hoop Lover style in an earlier show high up above the crowd of leopards.

New York City's DJ CAT brings her famous traveling party to Tokyo for one incredible night!

Performances by HOOPLOVERS and other special treats.

Photos: Tommy Hawk
VJ: David Roy
Giveaways from chief&mischief.

ニューヨークを基点に様々なパーティので活躍しているDJ CATが初東京に上陸。セクシー、グラマラスな一夜を存分に楽しんでください。

Brandon (NYC, chief&mischief/TokyoElectro)
James (AUS, TokyoElectro/Jade Music)
yUk1 (JP, www.ukiuk1.com)
DJ Miki (Party Monster/Ms. Rock Spirit)
KUSUDA (JP)

DOOR \　￥２５００　＋１drink　
W/F \　￥２０００　＋１drink　　　　
ADV \　￥１５００　＋１drink　　　　　　　　　
OTHER[ Ladies with a CAT mask ￥１５００　＋１drink 　

www.mysapce.com/DJCATNYC

Fragment

2008-07-01T14:36:00.004+09:00

The venue in Shimokitazawa was called WEDGE and that is exactly what we did! We wedged an astonishing crowd of talented creators and their fans into the basement bar. Words cannot describe so I will let the pictures do the talking...

Check out all the happenings at Fragment over at the TOKYOMADE flickr

Rieko J Fox of BLITZ Kiss and Big M

My inspiration - CHAPTER

Lo Fi Me by Sasha

Lissita

The Boy

The Crew

Eshimasa

Issac

Thank you for all of your support, power and creative inspiration. The stage is set for a Summer Fragment. The Summer session will be bigger, better and by far the most beautiful. We have huge plans!

Hooping Harajuku Girl

2008-06-30T00:29:00.005+09:00

There is always something going on in Harajuku and on Sundays the people really come out to play. Two Sundays ago on the way to Tokyo Freeze I did an impromptu hoop up where the Harajuku Girls hang out. I was surprised when Sonja sent me these photos that her partner Daan Archer took of me hooping around. I was in such a hoop cloud I didn't realise there were so many others mesmerized by the hoop.

Thanks Daan.

HOOPLOVERS on Tokyo Espresso

2008-06-23T10:49:00.004+09:00

Designed by Oshima of BROS WEAR DESIGNS

Tokyo Espresso is a 30 minute breakfast radio show hosted by Guy Perryman. The sleek and up to date, listen on demand program is known as The Hot Shot of Tokyo and a tuned in way to keep you in the know about all things happening in this wild and wonderful city, Tokyo.

I met with long time Tokyo dweller and radio superstar, Guy Perryman, yesterday and we got to talking about all things hoopy. As a result I will be featured on his radio program every day this week chatting about my love of the hoop and my passion to share the joy with you all.

Check out Guy's site guyperryman.com and have a listen to Tokyo Espresso, a shot of all things cool and happening in Tokyo.

An Afternoon With Guy Perryman

2008-06-22T22:16:00.004+09:00

Photo by Guy Perryman

With the rain teaming down outside, what better way to spend a Sunday afternoon in Tokyo than with radio DJ and Tokyo Espresso creator Guy Perryman. As the rain beat against the windows we got cozy inside the Omotesando Dori cafe, having a long chat about Tokyo, our inspirations and what the future holds for Guy and his supersonic, non-stop stream of listen on demand radio on guyperryman.com.

On the 4th of July Guy is celebrating the launch of the new Jet Set UK radio program sponsored by Virgin Atlantic Airways with a super chic and fun filled night in the Mado Lounge on the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hills, up up and away above the city streets. The party is called Sky High and is set to dazzle and amaze with a range of funky acts and a line up of hot DJs including Guy himself. Trans-Atlantic party up above the Tokyo skyline.

After a chat about some of Guy's hot new projects he sleekly whipped out his voice recorder and got to work interviewing me about HOOPLOVERS and Masao and I about the soon to arrive Fragment event. A true professional, Guy put any nerves we might have had at ease with his positive vibe, soothing style and sparkling charm.

Be sure to listen to Tokyo Espresso all this week for the interview I did chatting to Guy about HOOPLOVERS and on Friday you can hear Masao's gorgeous promotion of Fragment.

More Sky High details...
Yanks v's Brits!! Welcome on-board for a night of Trans-Atlantic mayhem in the Tokyo night sky..
..ooh I'm getting dizzy already..
Yes it's the 4th of July & Guy is celebrating the launch of a new radio program Jet Set UK!! So it's time for a little Hooray For Hollywood & Jolly Hockey Sticks all on the same night up on the 52nd floor at Mado Lounge.
Original live electronic music sets from Fleck & Shane Berry.
Guy will spin a mix of exotic lounge & club music in tribute of Mondo Hollywood & Broadway to the heart of the London Underground.
Plus live shows & entertainment to celebrate Trans-Atlantic showbiz!!

Please note a new door system at Mado Lounge..
Guy Perryman Membership Black Card holders - first 100 to arrive will get in free of charge, all others ¥2,500.
Mado Lounge members ¥3,000.
All others ¥3,500.

Come on up for 1 night as we blow it all skyhigh!!
..we're still trying to work out if we can have fireworks at 52 floors high..

Sharing

2008-06-20T14:56:00.003+09:00

I feel like I am in preschool it is all about sharing these days. I am grateful there is so much goodness to share. Here is some yummy self expression that Lindsey, the poi mistress, just shared with me. I love it so much that I may have to get my poi skills into action!

Tokyo Freeze June 2008

2008-06-17T08:43:00.002+09:00

We froze, purely by accident after bumping into Martine on the way to grab a salad.
The hoops starred heavily, it was all good fun!

Recycled Japanese Fashion

2008-06-12T22:42:00.002+09:00

Known for their recycled Japanese style creations, B.S.E.T.C have recently whipped up a new range of one-of-a-kind bags for TOKYOMADE. Golden Geisha and Meiji Taishou are just two of the new season creations made using vintage and recycled materials.

Friday the 13th Hoop Jam

2008-06-12T00:16:00.003+09:00

A Hoop Love class with an evil twist! (Un)lucky door prize to be given away - one free ticket to a 2hr HOOPLOVERS session of your choice!!

The Friday the 13th 2 hour Hoop Jam will explore breaks, isolations, multi-level hooping, jumps, turns, angle hooping, reversals, stalling and more!

A 2 hour class with time for personal practice.

Members 3000yen Non-members 4000yen

WEAR ALL BLACK (you must be able to prove that it is ALL black) AND GET IN FOR 2000yen WHETHER YOU ARE A MEMBER OR NOT!!

All levels welcome. This hoop jam is an opportunity to strengthen your hoop dance skills no matter what level you are at.

Reservations are essential. Please contact hooplovers@gmail.com

See hooplovers for more details.

Last Night in Pictures

2008-06-08T12:48:00.009+09:00

Illusions Party @ 57

Desiderata

2008-06-06T10:22:00.005+09:00

Photo by Steve took it

A very dear and special friend gave the following poem to me many years ago. It is written on a wallet size card and for about 10 years I have carried it every where I go. I was reminded of it today, and often, when I was writing to a gorgeous friend who has embarked on a wonderful journey to another land. Warm wishes Gala.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others,
even to the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be
greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career
however humble;
it is a real possession in the
changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you
to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit
to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham,
drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Life oh Life

2008-06-05T18:56:00.002+09:00

There is one thing that I kind of sorted out early on in life. If you are not doing what you love then it is time for a change. A big fan of change, it rocks my core, shakes me up, keeps me alive and at times scares the wits out of me. Sometimes these changes may take a while but eventually they come about, really depends on how clearly I visualize them. Small changes like a drastic hair cut or big changes like moving countries all bring about new and exciting adventures and opportunities for me.

For those of you who do not know, I am about to embark on a very new and life altering adventure. After 8 years in the classroom as a primary school teacher I have decided to give myself a break from the 8-3 (or in Japan 5pm) slog and direct my attention to my own schedule including much love towards TOKYOMADE, HOOPLOVERS and some other worldly adventures (yay we are going to California!). Yes, in other words I quit my full time job and am devoting my energy to my life time loves.

And if there is ever any doubt in my mind that doing what I love is the right and only path to choose, The Universe pops in every afternoon to clear things up!

The hardest thing for most to understand about manifesting major life changes, deanne, is that it's so easy.

Child's play -
The Universe

HOOPLOVERS Launch into the Spin

2008-06-02T11:47:00.009+09:00

On the weekend when my favorite space in Tokyo right now, CLASKA Studio A, transformed from this...

to this...

then to this...

THIS...

AND THIS!!!!...

my heart did a little jig, my whole body couldn't stop smiling and I felt the hoop love swirling throughout the whole space!

The first HOOPLOVERS Beginner's Level 1 Workshop held at CLASKA on Saturday and Sunday was made possible by a group of intensely hot hoopers. I am forever grateful for what they brought to the space on the weekend - fun loving spirits, huge smiles, slinky bodies, a desire to work it, hot dance moves and courageous fire! Thank you Hoop Lovers!

Fragment

2008-05-31T22:13:00.002+09:00

Your chance to get your hands on the creations of some of Japan's funkiest and talented independent artists and designers.

The next multifaceted Sunday afternoon event brought to you by TOKYOMADE will be held at Wedge in Shimokitazawa.

June 29, 2008 from 3pm - 9pm.

1000 yen gets you a tasty beverage and access to the creations of over 30 Japan-based designers coolness as well as live painting, DJs and other music makers.

Tell Me

2008-05-30T11:14:00.002+09:00

Yes I am still here in Planet Tokyo. Sharing the Hoop Love. Tell me what is up with you. I would love to hear it and will share all my news soon!

Beginner's Hoop Dance Class tomorrow! Yay!

Yummy BLITZ Kiss Sale

2008-05-21T21:57:00.001+09:00

BLITZ Kiss, creator of all things colorful and acrylic, is shaking things up here at TOKYOMADE. In the lead up to the next TOKYOMADE event, Fragment at WEDGE in Shimotkitazawa, BLITZ Kiss has put many of her original accessories and funky tanks on SALE.

Sugar Rots Your Brain

2008-05-21T19:13:00.004+09:00

...but this kind of sugar is good for the soul.

Norwegian beauty and pop princess Annie has a new hit! YUM
Love the line "Life's too long for you to get it wrong!"

Hot TOKYOMADE Looks on Polyvore

2008-05-19T21:20:00.003+09:00

If you don't know and love Polyvore by now you totally should. In case you were wondering, Polyvore lets you create sets composed of individual images using an easy to use, drag and drop editor. After you have created a set, you can publish and share it with your friends and the Polyvore community.

Big love to the fabulous fashion creators on Polyvore using TOKYOMADE pieces. Here are just a few of the ones that we are loving recently!
Cute Thing

Irregular Choice and Shojono Tomo are the hottest sisters around!

Be Bold

BLITZ Kiss and Mickey make a bold statement.

Heel Me

Lissita keeps it slick and stylish.

i'm planning to flee with my friends in a transformer car
(love the name!)

Here is a little something I whipped up for a Tokyo shopping adventure.

Send us your fav Polyvore creations!

Raw Food and Funky Fashion

2008-05-18T10:14:00.004+09:00

Life as a supermodel has been fun so far but it is not all runways and photo shoots... ;)

On Friday night I skipped happily along to Veggie Paradise in Yoyogi Uehara for the Raw Food meet up . This time it was not a raw food potluck it was a divine five course RAW dinner prepared by Yuki, visiting vegan chef Caroline Ishi and the Veggie Paradise team. Mouthwatering stuff! If you have not been to Veggie Paradise I highly recommend it. Gorgeous, open atmosphere, friendly vibe and of course scrumptious raw food to feed every cell of your body with goodness.

This weekend is Design Festa at the Tokyo Big Site. We spent yesterday happily bumping into many friends and finding new greatness to love. We are just about to leave for another day full of Design Festa fun.

Hope you are having a great weekend. What is happening in your part of the world?

Zoestyles at Kera Shop Shinjuku

2008-05-17T23:24:00.006+09:00

Zoestyles fashion range created by Japanese designer Takada San is the funkiest look on the streets of Tokyo this season. Recently featured in Kera magazine and selected to show in the Shinjuku Marui Department store, Onejuku, the uniquely styled jackets are spreading style and individuality.

A while back when Zoestyles came to TOKYOMADE, Masao and I had some fun taking pics of the latest styles. I got to do my best model impersonation and Masao donned his photographer hat. The photos turned out pretty well for a quick shoot so when Masao told me that Zoestyles might use some of the pics I was happy to share them.

Remembering about the Onejuku showing while strolling through Shinjuku yesterday I decided to take a peek and see if I really had become famous! ;)

I was actually a bit overwhelmed with seeing my image throughout the department store so of course I forced Mark to archive the event by taking some silly pics.

At Design Festa today we stopped into the Zoestyles booth for a quick chat and I thanked him intensely for giving me my 15 minutes of model stardom! I always dreamed of being a model for a funky fashion label...

On the Way to Japan

2008-05-15T21:22:00.004+09:00

You would be surprised who you meet in the park. Since taking the hoops to Yoyogi each sunny Sunday and sharing them around I have had the opportunity to meet some of the most interesting, creative and open souls.

A hula hoop and a smile have the most attractive qualities and so many people from the crowds of wanders stop in to our little circles for a chat and a whirl. Last time I had the pleasure of meeting Laughter Yoga facilitator, Akira. I believe that we all cross paths for great reason, life is full of wonderful connections and coincidentally Akira had spent a great deal of joy filled time in the US with sensational hooper Christabel - Hoop Girl, a laughter yoga enthusiast.

I look forward to another sunny Sunday when we can join Akira and the laughter yoga group in Yoyogi for a belly full of fun!

I made a strong connection with a world traveling German based in Berlin currently creating a sequence of films called On the Way to Japan. Well he made it to his destination and has some intensely interesting stories to tell. Luckily much of his tour has been creatively captured on film. Rumor has it that there will be a certain Yoyogi loving hoop group featured on the final segment of the journey. Looking forward to it, thanks Herry!

Hooping = Brain Gym

2008-05-14T22:41:00.004+09:00

I remember in my first few years as a primary school teacher in Australia a very powerful program called Brain Gym was a favorite flavor of many teachers. Known as educational kinesiology, it was a wonderful way to switch on student awareness as well as bring some of the high flyers down to a calm and more focused level. After finishing my Hooping class this afternoon with a multi-age, diverse group of elementary school students I couldn't help but think about the correlation between the brain gym program and hooping.

A powerful reminder of the ability of the hoop to calm even the most easily excited kiddies came on Monday morning. There was a twinge of anxiousness when I found out that Lindsey and I would have to choreograph and train 80 students to hoop dance for the school community on Sports Day (May 30). However I had full faith in the power of the hoop. When it came time to settle the students down, help them find their positions in the big dance scheme and show them the beginning dance moves, all done in their third language English, I felt total bliss as I looked out over a sea of little people sitting, transfixed as we gave instructions and showed off some off the hoop moves.

The power of the hoop sounds itself strongly each and every recess and lunch time when I have droves of happy hoopers lining up to grab their hoops and find their space in the rotation. It truly is a revolution that has taken hold in a very positive way. Calming, challenging and focusing their little brains.

And now something to excite adult minds...
Anah the Hoopalicious one

HOOPLOVERS Hoop Dance Workshop

2008-05-13T23:00:00.003+09:00

I am sitting here writing this and bubbling with excitement. My hoop dreams are unfolding so smoothly, so it is with much giddiness and giggling pleasure that I announce the first of many hoop love sharing sessions.

HOOPLOVERS Hoop Dance Workshop

Beginner Level 1 Class
Saturday May 31 & Sunday June 1
1pm - 3pm (total of 4 hours)

CLASKA Studio A 3rd Floor

Enjoy a weekend of Hoop Dance fun. The Beginner Level 1, 2 day workshop is designed to provide you with the skills and tricks you need to Hoop Dance for fun and fitness.

This two day workshop will explore a variety of Hoop Dance skills, tricks and moves that you can take away and enjoy. Level 1 classes include a warm up, hoop conditioning, turns, skills and drills, hoop circle and warm down, each day. In addition to the basics you will also be supported to explore your natural hoop dance style.

No previous experience necessary. Hoops will be provided. Wear comfortable clothing and get ready to embrace your inner hoop dancer!

Members: ¥6000 for 4 hours over 2 days
Non-members: ¥8000 for 4 hours over 2 days

Limited to 10 spaces. Reserve your spot hooplovers@gmail.com

To celebrate the first hooplovers workshop we will be heading to Yoyogi Park afterwards for an evening hoop up!

Hope to see you there.
xx

Karis

2008-05-11T22:30:00.003+09:00

I enjoyed pole dancing class but this ROCKs my socks more!!

That hoop slam down gives me shivers!! HOT
In case you were wondering this mind blowing performer is Karis, known for his sizzling performance in the Scissor Sisters Filthy Gorgeous film clip among other things.
(oh hey these vids may not be safe for work...guess it depends on where you work, but a heads up just in case, watch em at home they are fun)

MacBook Air Fashion from Japan

2008-05-11T17:46:00.001+09:00

Something as sleek as the MacBook Air deserves equally funky fashion. Pod Canvas designer and Mac devotee has joined the thinnovation revolution by designing the MacBook Air Felt Case.

The MacBook Air Felt Case is available in charcoal or amber felt. Secured with an envelope esque double button and string.

A best seller on Amazon Japan, the MacBook Air Felt Case is a stylish sleeve to keep your skinny Mac cozy.

Handmade in Japan. Choose from charcoal felt with red stitching or amber felt with tan stitching.

Pole Dance Lessons in Tokyo

2008-05-10T19:55:00.003+09:00

To be completely honest I just don't do sexy. My underwear never matches, I quite enjoy slobbing around at home in my pajamas scratching my butt and high heels give me shivers. So the pole dance craze never really had appeal to me.

Sure I had watched plenty of pole dance lessons on youtube, read countless blog entries about it's benefits and liberating power but the thought of shimmying up and down a pole with plastic stilettos on kind of just made me cringe.

That all changed when fellow hooper and athlete Erin gave me the full report after taking a pole dance class here in Tokyo at Art Flow. She assured me there was no sign of plastic stilettos, no cheesy strip music and no talk of doing this as an act of love for your partner.

I had read about pole dance instructor and performer Lu Nagata, and watched an interview with her on Spinshell TV a while back. Her strong features and independent style were definitely a draw card. So I was up for the challenge and joined Erin at one of Lu's classes today.

After running through the pouring rain to make it just in time for the class I was greeted by a very welcoming, gorgeously open and clean studio. The Art Flow studio is set up specifically for pole dance lessons, although they also offer pilates and other dance classes, so it is an interesting atmosphere. Super stylish yet warm and comforting.

I was looking forward to a strong work out as well as gaining some inspiration for my own hoop dance classes. Lu began the class with a strong and dynamic stretching session demonstrating her superior flexibility from years of dance experience and study.

The basic class with Lu was a 70 minute class in which she gradually demonstrated and guided us from a basic walk and pivot to an elevated spiral down to the floor with a sultry yet powerful dance routine back up from the floor to standing. At no point did I feel the need to start stripping my clothes off or pressing my chest up against anything, the moves and instruction were strong, graceful and artistic. Best of all they were a work out from head to toe. Try standing and walking on your tip toes for an hour - hello calves. Try swinging round and round a pole supporting your whole body weight with arms stretched above your head - hello all upper body muscles.

A trial lesson is only 2500 yen and gives a strong introduction into the kind of workout your body is in for should you chose pole dancing as your new favorite past time. My only wish is that the class was longer, I wanted more, I always want more. Although my back muscles will probably be thanking me tomorrow that it ended when it did.

Pole Dance Classes at Art Flow
70 minutes (of which 10 minutes will be self practice time)
Member ￥4,200, Non-Member ￥5,250, Trial Class ￥2,500
Open to women only

Dance Dreams

2008-05-09T10:50:00.003+09:00

The universe sent me a little message yesterday...
Happily, deanne, we've got forever and ever. And fortunately, it's never too late to see what one's missed, remain focused on the dream instead of the "hows," and move with unwavering faith.

Yeeeeeee-haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!
The Universe

So I thought I should share my dreams with you...

Claska studio filled with hot hoopers!

Hooping to the Sounds of the Street

2008-05-05T11:27:00.005+09:00

Thank you so much to all of the hot hoopers that had faith in the sun and came out to play in the park yesterday. You make my day, my month, my entire life more joy filled. Just watching you hoop it up with smiles on your faces and rhythm in your bodies is the ultimate hoop high.

Hello to all of the new friends we met yesterday. We are so happy that you stumbled into our lives. A big hug to all of my hoop buddies the circle is expanding thanks to you! Share the hoop love.

I was still filled with energy on the walk back to the station from Yoyogi Park last night, despite having hooped for about 6 hours, so I thought I would give the LED hoop a quick spin before getting onto the jam packed train. We picked a sweet little spot at the top of Omotesando Dori, Harajuku and I spun to the sounds of the passing people and traffic. A true Tokyo hoop up.

In other hoop news...I may have secured one of Tokyo's funkiest studio spaces so Hoop Dance for Beginners, Hoop Work It and Hoop Love classes will begin very soon! I am super excited! Check out HOOPLOVERS for more info.

Happy Birthday Erin

2008-05-04T10:37:00.005+09:00

As I have not heard from her since Friday night I am assuming that she is still out partying on the streets of Tokyo celebrating her birthday!
(Please excuse my camera - or the shaky drunken hands of the peep that took this photo - Erin looks a little blurred in this pic in reality she is a beauty like no other!)

Partying in fine style with all the ladies of the night!

We embraced the fact that being in our 30s and still having our body parts where they should be is a mighty fine achievement! Yay to that! Who would have thought, I swear I tried my hardest in my early 20s to party my vital bits OFF!

A Month of Art and Design in Japan

2008-05-04T10:02:00.002+09:00

Some of the biggest art and design events in Asia are happening right here in Japan this month.

This weekend is the 9th Spiral Independent Creators Festival held over four days at The Spiral building in Minami- Aoyama. The four day event is broken up into two 2 day showings. Group A and Group B each consist of a gathering of 50 selected independent creators.

Sonja de Boer, Discrete Bag and de Boer creator and Kana San of Sci Fi fame were both selected for this year's festival. Congratulations to them both.

Next weekend marks the return of GEISAI to Japan. After an extended break from Japan and making big news with global events the GEISAI event, founded by Takahashi Murakami, is back in full effect. Held at the Tokyo Big Site, GEISAI Museum 2 gives both amateur and professional artists a chance to display their work to the community. The one day event, Sunday May 11, will involve a panel of museum directors judging the displays in each booth.

In two weeks time, May 17 & 18, the biggest art event in Asia will be held at Tokyo Big Site. Design Festa Vol. 27 is almost here, it seems every one is talking about it too! While applications for space are closed there is still much anticipation about who will be showing their latest ranges, what acts will be there to delight and how many people we will bump into.

Many TOKYOMADE designers will be there on the day as booth dwellers or as aisle wanderers. This year TOKYOMADE is not going to have a booth, while we had an amazing time at Vol. 26 we dearly missed wandering around with friends and getting to learn about new creators and their mind blowing greatness. We do intend to be there for the two days from open til close, there is just SO much to see at Design Festa.

May Style Explosion

2008-05-01T22:37:00.001+09:00

The Bla Bla Hospital head nurse is back from the laboratory with a new range of fashion remedies. She has reworked her previous range and launched a new series of funky, fat ties. Each with their own unique medicinal qualities all have been handmade in Japan using hospital grade materials and the Bla Bla Hospital methods of fashion revival.

Sasa of lo-fi-me fame is a new face on TOKYOMADE but already making a mammoth impact. His one-of-a-kind bangles are a combination of illustration and images giving new, stylish life to recycled tape rolls. Good for the Earth and your daily fashion mix.

Kylie's Look

2008-05-01T10:29:00.003+09:00

I love my inbox it is always full of surprises. One of today's surprises was from friend and photographer Martine of Frangipani blog fame. She always knows exactly what I need and want. This morning's link to The Sun article Steal Kylie's high-tech style was the perfect morning make up tutorial.

Searching for the perfect colors now!

Hoop Lovers

2008-04-29T20:59:00.005+09:00

I am super excited to announce the launch of my new hoop dance site Hoop Lovers. As some of you may know I had a tricky time deciding on the site and business name for my new hoop dance instruction and performance adventure. I had chopped and changed from hoop glow to hoop fusion to all number of things hoopy but when I stumbled upon Hoop Lovers it just seemed right!

(Photo taken by foqas at ABM party @ JZ Brat Shibuya, Tokyo)
The site is a little bare at the moment but I have big plans and look forward to sharing the hoop love with you!

Sweating Glitter - Dr Sketchy's Tokyo April

2008-04-28T16:45:00.010+09:00

The field was prepared, the team was pumped and there was much anticipation leading up to the April Dr Sketchy's Tokyo event. There was also a fair amount of smutty jokes and saucy comments being splashed around as we had been given just a very small dose of the champion that was to grace the sketchy's stage at the Pink Cow.

Leila, Dr Sketchy's Tokyo MC and all round laugh generator, had given us all the heads up on the act that we were all in store for. The theme was Sketchy Olympics, a tribute to the original event, rumors and photo evidence told us that we would be sketching a true God.

Justin Berti, or as I like to think of him The guy from Sex and the City, clearly had the body of a God but add to that the heart of an angel and the ability to entertain the crowd like a true star, a powerful combination.

From Olympic athlete to Gladiator, then Greek God to a man savaged by the wild tigress and left to die with no clothes on (!) The performance from beginning to end was a feast for the eyes and an entertaining series of poses well worth staying for.

Be sure to check out the next Dr Sketchy's Tokyo event at The Pink Cow on the 4th Wednesday of May. After Justin's mighty performance I know quite a few new faces will be returning mixed with the gorgeous regulars Dr Sketchy's Tokyo is becoming quite the monthly event.

Dance Parties in Yoyogi Park

2008-04-27T23:47:00.002+09:00

Tokyo is a never ending series of surprises. This weekend was no exception. After a huge night on the dancefloor at the very successful ABM party held last night at JZ Brat we had a quick sleep and headed out to Yoyogi park for a gorgeous afternoon. The weather was divine and the hoops were spinning.

As the sun went down the sounds out on the horizon were turned up. An email from a friend asking "Are you at the dance party in Yoyogi Park?" helped make the connection that the beats we were hearing in the distance were something worth seeking out.

A short trek through the darkness avoiding the trees and resting bodies we let our ears guide us and soon stumbled upon a very happening, techno flooded dance party. Needless to say the hoops were whipped out yet again and bodies warmed up nicely in the coolness of the Spring night.

An interesting mixture of Japanese and foreign dancers pounded the park floor to the happy vibes as the sun completely left for another part of the world. Plenty of friendly faces and music lovers. Not long into the set things seem to shut down and people scampered of in various directions. Left standing in the middle of the dark park with smiles on our faces and wetness on our skin our ears pricked up again to the sound of more beats in the distance. The search was on again.

This time we discovered a more low key but possibly more crowded make shift club. Plenty of smiling faces, funky beats and some of the hugest speakers I have seen set up outdoors in a long time. Good times.

According to our new dance party friends and the DJs the parties in Yoyogi park are every Sunday once the sun goes down, usually 5pm - 8pm. They are not hard to find, follow your ears. Look for us, we will most likely be there. What an awesome way to end the weekend!

Make Up Tutorials

2008-04-27T22:59:00.005+09:00

I have always admired fabulous make up artistry from a distance but never dabbled much myself. A very simple and clean look is usually what I go for. Mascara has been my best friend for the longest time but other than that I am pretty minimalist in the makeup department. I love it, I just don't do it.

However with my new found love of performing I have had to learn a whole new bag of tricks, one of them being make up. My resource for most things is you tube, as always it is jam packed with tutorials, and really great ones on all kinds of things including make up.

My fav new places for make up tips are EnCore Makeup, xsparkage and askmemakeup. If you have any others I would love to hear about them. I have a lot of catching up to do and am trying to learn as fast as I can.

So I thought I would show you Saturday night's look. Be kind, I am seriously a beginner. I would love to hear your tips and comment though.

My make up collection is one big mixed bag so I really need to go shopping and get myself sorted. For this look I used MAC face and body foundation, Maybelline Cover Stick, MAC loose powder, Revlon Skin Lights illuminating powder, tarte tipsy cheek stain. On the eyes a base of Bourjois charcoal covered with MAC satelilite dreams, Ben Nye hot pink and MAC gold pigment under the brow and in the corners of the eyes. I used the Ben Nye on my lips also with the gold MAC pigment dusted on top and lashings of raw cacao butter. YUM! Oh and of course, lots and lots of Bourjois Volume Clubbing mascara because I am a mascara junkie!

It was pretty simple and felt good. I would however love some tips on how to keep stage makeup from creasing on your eyelids - tips please??

p.s. I really should have photoshopped out my wrinkles and horribly dirty kitchen in the background but who has time for photoshop when there is make up to be done??

Ice Ice Baby

2008-04-25T23:16:00.002+09:00

Be a part of the big freeze in Tokyo.
Too cool for school.

Created by Improv Everywhere in New York, a group known for "scenes of chaos and joy in public places", the freeze is heading back to Tokyo.
Naturally there is a facebook group called Tokyo Freeze 2008 with some fun suggestions and thoughts for the big event.
This should be a whole load of useless, time wasting fun! I am up for it. Lady Elle and I will be out in full force! See you there.

Photos by Sasa

2008-04-24T12:28:00.007+09:00

We were lucky to have many talented and stylish people come and hang with us at Velours on Saturday night. Sasa of lo-fi-me fame was one of the super sleek style masters that graced the dance floor with his presence. He also took some shots of my hooping and I think you will agree they are a colorful representation of his creative talents.

More pics here.

What a Weekend!

2008-04-21T10:46:00.007+09:00

It is hard to know where to start I am still really trying to process the greatness and intensely of the weekend. Leila Chan as always has such a wonderful way with words and summed it up quite nicely here.

I have so much more to add but am finding it hard to put into words! The people, the action, the happenings, the connections that were made are really all just starting to sink in.

It is an unexplainable feeling to have dreams and thoughts manifest so succinctly. There were many dreams becoming reality for a lot of us this weekend.

As always I have so many people to extend unspeakable amounts of gratitude to...
Masao the man always cool, calm and overwhelmingly supportive. My ladies my beautiful ladies you know I love you and you never fail to surprise me, scare me and fill me with pure joy. New friends I need to sincerely thank all of the wonderful people who approached me this weekend both at Velours and in Yoyogi park at the Hoop Matsuri, for me hooping is all about togetherness and while I am often in my own little hoopy world I am very grateful to anyone who is free spirited enough to want to be a part of the spin so thank you to all of the gorgeous new friends who I met this weekend looking forward to sharing lots of greatness. My fabulously funky friends without a doubt I have the most amazing circle of open minded, fun loving, interesting friends I don't think there is much else a girl can ask for in life. I truly hope I offer you as much love and support as you give to me, it is an overwhelming task because the power you give to me it so very great! Thank you!

If this weekend was just the warm up to Summer then we are in for one insanely hot Summer session! Cannot wait!

Dr Sketchy's Tokyo Olympics

2008-04-20T21:26:00.000+09:00

This Wednesday will be a Dr. Sketchy's Tokyo tribute to the original games on Mt. Olympus, the Dr Sketchy's Olympics.

Dr. Sketchy's Tokyo is always held on the 4th Wednesday of every month at The Pink Cow in
Shibuya

www.drsketchytokyo.com

Doors Open at 6pm
Dr. Sketchy starts at 7pm

Sketchy date: WEDNESDAY 4/23

Sketchy theme: Sketchy Olympics

Sketchy Model: Justin Berti

No drawing experience necessary,
just a sense of fun, sketch pad and pencil.

Bring 'dry' materials and get ready to get sketchy!

Oh, yeah! (no water/oil paints - sorry)

PS. Yes, that really IS the model!
You won't wanna miss this one!

RSVP on facebook! See you there.

Pinky & Killer DX

2008-04-16T23:07:00.011+09:00

Ever wondered what goes on behind the closed doors of love hotels or VIP rooms in Tokyo's underground clubs? Photographer Hal has done the "dirty" work and got you the keys and VIP passes.

Pinky & Killer DX is a photographic expose into the private, party lives of Japanese couples showing their wild side at love hotels and clubs all over Tokyo. Lewd, shrewd and often nude, the antics of couples in Tokyo getting a little bit naughty has been captured in a holographic bound, compact book. What more could your voyeuristic intentions desire?

Photographer Hal's obsession with capturing behind the bedroom door shots of some of Tokyo's raunchiest couples has lead to the creation of a must have glossy photographic album of sweaty, lust induced ecstasy. Essential peeping for all coffee tables, waiting rooms and night stands. A jaw dropping collection of real life couples living out their fantasies in Tokyo.

Shot with 6 x 7 film. All photos were taken in Tokyo, Japan. 134 color photos.
15cm x 20cm

Nani Birds Take Flight

2008-04-15T23:36:00.001+09:00

The Nani Birds have been flying to new homes recently so luckily illustrator Josh McKible kindly let us adopt a few more of his original creations.
New Nani Birds are nesting at TOKYOMADE. Each birdie is a one of a kind painting, part of the complete Nani Bird series created by Josh for the MCKIBILLO range.

Costume Shopping in Tokyo

2008-04-15T19:30:00.005+09:00

With the Earth Day Hoop Matsuri less than a week away I am sure you are thinking about the ideal colorful costume to don! To help out I thought I would pass on some of my costume shopping tips in Tokyo.

For wigs, the flashiest, junkiest jewelery, colorful socks, rainbow belts and plenty of fake gold you cannot go past the 390 yen shop! Also know as Thank You Mart apparently these babies are all over the place but they are easiest to find in Harajuku. A stroll down Takeshita Dori will let you stumble upon THREE of them. They all stock basically the same but the one just around the corner from Takeshita Street on Meiji Street next to the stinky kebab shop on the same side of the road as ABC Mart is nice and roomy.

Of course the 100 yen stores are always filled with trashy bargains. The Daiso chain is my fav and now has this English website - how very cool. The 5 story mecca also on Takeshita Street is the bargain hunters dream. Everything 100 yen and from memory they have some great tinsel wigs!

Tokyu Hands has the wildest array of costumes all in one hot spot. the prices are not as thrifty but some people would pay anything for a Billy Blanks costume or a full samurai outfit.

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday in your finest and most colorful!

Earth Day Hoop Matsuri

2008-04-13T18:59:00.004+09:00

Just when I thought no good could come of today's gloomy Tokyo weather I was hit by an intensely inspirational whirlwind which launched many new projects out into the universe some of which I will tell you about later (very exciting though my hoop site is almost done!!) The most colorful new project I am calling the Earth Day Hoop Matsuri.

Inspired by the Color Parade in Sydney, the crowds of performers and hemp beer swillers at last year's Earth Day Tokyo and today's dismal weather I decided that we should be sharing as much color and light with Tokyo as we can - it needs it!

Name: Earth Day Hoop Matsuri
A Colorful Procession
Host: Hoop Lovers (Deanne)
Type: Causes - Rally

Time and Place
Date: Sunday, April 20, 2008
Time: 1:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Earth Day Tokyo
Street: Harajuku Station to Yoyogi Park
City/Town: Tokyo, Japan

Let's share some color and love with Tokyo by parading our vibrance through the streets to arrive at Yoyogi Park for Japan's biggest Earth Day gathering on Sunday April 20.

Where: Meet at the Harajuku Girl's hang out near Harajuku Station.

Costume: Wear your finest, brightest, most colorful creations!! We will take our hoops and other play things in a matsuri style precession to the Earth Event find ourselves a spot in the action and show off our inner child in celebration for our gorgeous Earth.
(OR drink lots of hemp beer and take in the aromas of undeoderized armpits!)

Don't worry if you cannot hoop, today will be the time to learn and get your groove on!! All other play things, pets and puppets welcome.

(The sun did not show us any love today so you had better all be praying for it on Sunday 20th)
IF IT RAINS THIS EVENT WILL BE CANCELED via facebook on the morning of.

SO DUST OF THOSE WIGS, DIG OUT THOSE PLATFORMS - IT IS SHOWTIME!

Some photos from Nick Coppins to give you a little inspiration and food for thought! I may even wear my pink wig...and you know what kind of havoc that creates!!!

If you are in Tokyo next weekend and the sun is shining I will see you there!

Rain Rain Go Away

2008-04-13T11:47:00.002+09:00

Sadly today's Hoop Fest in Yoyogi park had to be canceled because of rain but here is some hoop action that should make you smile. Mario from Hoop Tokyo shows off his moves and tests out another odd Japanese invention the bean shaped hoop.

Enjoy the rain and watch out for a hoop happening coming to a park near you!

The story behind this shot

2008-04-10T22:47:00.004+09:00

Sunday was just one of those wonderfully memorable days. Hanami, cherry blossom picnic, time for us is one of the most gorgeous times of the year in Japan because it is a time when we can all come together and just chill under the Spring flowers, get all excited about Summer and laugh about times gone by - Sunday was no exception.

Having been away in Australia for what I thought was the peak sakura time I was sad to think that I might have missed hanami season in Japan this year. Perhaps the blossoms were a little less plentiful but that didn't stop the crowds of party goers flocking to Shinjuku park to enjoy the last bursts of the short lived season (I swear there are way more than 4 seasons in Japan.) I was lucky to be a part of Sunday's celebrations.

We packed up the hoops, stuffed our bags with some yummy fruit and headed to meet up with the gang. Shinjuku Park is a gated park for which you need to pay an entry fee. To keep the park gorgeous all year round and ensure everyone's happiness, apparently, there are many rules and signs clearly stating them. One of the rules is " no play things" - that includes hoops. I prewarned Masao that we would be busted at the gates (there is no way to hide 10 colorful hula hoops) Sure enough we were swarmed upon by security guards, one after another. Each time we fended them of with "Oh no we are not going to use the hoops we are just carrying them" They believed us (??) and we were in.

It was not too long before the hoops were cracked open and the groovers came out of the woodwork. It is so cool to watch hooping newbies initial reaction to hoops. It is like each personality type has a different approach to how they tackle the first time hoop moves. Some like to sit back and watch for a long time before attempting, some want to jump right in and get their spin on not giving up until they master it, others come into the spin laden with self doubt and then surprise themselves when they can actually get into the moves quick quickly. It is all such a joy to watch.

Time flew and we were soon heading out of the park towards another local hang when we spotted IT. The ghetto blaster sent from heaven. It twinkled in the sunlight and spoke to Leila and I in very clear terms, saying "turn me on and get your hoop on!"

And so we did!

With the hoards of human traffic flowing out of the gates it wasn't long and we had drawn quite a crowd. The show pony in me took full advantage. Leila and I showed off a few moves, we let the break dance boys do their thing, a funky old man with smoke in mouth popped in for a quick dance off, we passed around a few hoops and then it was time for the grand finale. A little party trick that Bunny taught me that is a true crowd pleaser - the hoop throw on. We only had enough hoops for Leila to throw 5 hoops on me but it was enough for a big cheer, a good tummy workout and a final rock star pose.

It is a revolution!

Dr Sketchy's Tokyo Birthday Bash

2008-04-09T15:49:00.003+09:00

A message from Leila Chan

It's our BIRTHDAY and everyone is invited! Dr. Sketchy's Tokyo has teamed up with chief&mischief and TokyoMade for Volume 2 of the infamous STITCH fashion party. Of course no Sketchy party is complete without stunning models and hypnotic beats and this birthday bash will feature a bevy of hot models to sink your sketchpads into. Not to mention Tokyo's premiere HoopStar Sushizume who will be sashaying her electro hoop in true raver fashion.

Where: Velours (Aoyama/Ometesando)

When: April 19 From 9pm-4am

¥¥¥ = Men (¥2500 w/flyer ¥2000)

Women (¥2000 w/flyer ¥1500 +1 drink)

Mail Discount: ¥1500 +1 drink (be sure to RSVP on the Dr. Sketchy site include "birthday RSVP" in subject. Deadline Noon April 19th)

Sketchy Wishes,

Leila

Sunday Hoop Fest

2008-04-08T19:06:00.006+09:00

(Photo taken on Bondi Beach by my Mama)

Date: Sunday, April 13, 2008
Time: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Yoyogi Park
City/Town: Tokyo, Japan

I will be in Yoyogi park this Sunday afternoon for a fabulous afternoon of hooping and happiness. If you are interested in learning a few hoop dance tricks, getting into the groove or just hanging out in the park please get in touch.

I am back from Sydney and now a qualified Hoop Dance teacher so I am looking to share the hoop love with you all.

Sunday will be very relaxed, just some moving and grooving. I am happy to share some beginner moves and tips and of course it is FREE!! (This offer won't last! ha ha) ;)

I will bring about 10 hoops but if you have your own please bring them along.
If you don't have your own check these babies out.

Bring what you like, wear something funky and throw your iPod in your bag to groove to the tunes you love! All other play things welcomed too of course so bring along your Poi or devil sticks, puppies or cute boys!

IF IT IS RAINY OR TOO WINDY I WILL POSTPONE IT FOR ANOTHER DAY so pray to the sun gods!

Come have some good, clean hoopy fun!

I will hang at the Harajuku main gates for about 10 minutes and then head further into the park. You can call or email anytime!

Funky Feminine Style

2008-04-07T20:37:00.002+09:00

Zoestyles designer and creator, Eigo Takada first made a name for himself as a student at Central Saint Martin's College of Art and Design London . Upon returning to Japan in 1999 he founded the brand Zoestyles and can now be found in over 15 stores around Japan.

Hot on the heels of Zoestyles recent showing at the Kera! Shop in Shinjuku Marui TOKYOMADE is breathless over the launch on the Zoestyle Spring range.

The range has a definite goth edge to it with a powerfully, funky feminine street look. The cut of each of these jackets is uniquely individual. As the model for the latest range I got to feel the fashion force that each jacket provides. Assertive and unrelenting feminine style. Strong and sophisticated. Powerful and uncomplicated. Unique and victorious.

You can check out more pics over at the TOKYOMADE flickr and of course see the new Spring range on TOKYOMADE

Return to Tokyo

2008-04-05T21:08:00.007+09:00

I am back in Tokyo after a gorgeous time in Australia. It went by too quickly but the weather was perfect, I achieved all that I set out to do and I got to spend everyday with my mama relaxing, shopping, eating and just hanging out.

Arriving in Brisbane airport I was whisked away to the Sunshine Coast to hang out with my nan and gran. The perfect opportunity to get a bit of family hooping happening.

I cannot even describe how beautiful the weather was. Returning to Australia makes you realize what an outstanding country it is. The space, the beauty, the smiles are so very missed being away from it.

And then there was Sydney. I have been to Sydney many times in my life for various reasons - shopping, parties, friends, travel. This time blew me away. I can honestly say if I could pack everything into a bag including Masao and move to Sydney next week I would. The planets were superbly aligned on our visit. Mum and I took the quick flight from Brisbane to Sydney and from the moment we stepped off the plane Sydney did it's best to impress!

I had heard people in the past, non Sydney dwellers, refer to the city using all sorts of negative terms. After living in Tokyo for more than four years now I saw Sydney as a city that knows what it wants, provides for diversity and offers spectacular scenery to delight the senses. Of course that is from a visitors point of view, but I am still a bit Sydney starstruck.

While I hooped it up with Bunny Hoop Star and a fantastic group of talented women, Mum hit the streets with camera in hand documenting her kilometers of travel on foot in photos, hundreds of them! Naturally she ended her Sydney adventure with a long reflexology session at one of Sydney's many massage centers.

The Sydney journey was made even sweeter by the accomplishment of three of my big goals for the year. 1. Meet Bunny Hoop Star 2. Become a certified hoop teacher by April 1. and 3. Purchase at least 10 hoops by April 1. I plan to write a whole post about the weekend of teacher training.

Arriving back in Tokyo last night I saw the cherry blossoms from the sky and knew I had to christen my new hoops under the blossoms today. It is good to be back, I have massive plans and some how I have a feeling Australia will feature more heavily in them than I had previously envisioned. Yay for international hoopiness!

Hoop and Dash

2008-03-24T15:56:00.001+09:00

I know, I know...I have 5 minutes before I need to leave, clothes every where, no zip lock bag but I HAD to share THIS!

Love to love you baby!

Thank You, See You

2008-03-24T14:13:00.002+09:00

Thank you so much to everyone that came along and made yesterday's Fragment event in Shimokitazawa such a super success. We truly have so many people to thank and each and every one of them contributes so much to this wonderful community that has been building a warp speed here in Tokyo. Thank you to all of the artists and art lovers, the painters and crowd of onlookers, the dj mix masters and the dancer who loved them, the style creators and the fashion lovers, but most importantly all of our friends that continually support what we are doing. We could never do it without you. Thank you truly!

Yesterday was the perfect Sunday afternoon to say goodbye to so many of my amazing friends. I am leaving for Australia in just a few hours (EEK I gotta pack) and will be back just in time for Hanami (cherry blossom parties) on April 4. I am very much looking forward to time in on the Sunshine Coast with my ma, nan and gran. Then off to Sydney to get hoopy with the one and only Bunny Hoopstar. I cannot wait.

Most people who know me, know that I am not a fan of flying but I am just so excited to go on this trip that my fear seems to have disappeared. Will see how that goes once we take off.

I am sad that Masao cannot come with me and will miss my friends dearly but I know they will all be busy here in Tokyo doing what they do best!

I am going to be away from the internet for most of my trip which will bring out the good, bad and ugly in me for sure but it is a much needed break. I will have time to catch up on the real world and just enjoy the sunshine and family lovin'. It also means that I won't be hanging out here much so I will see you when I get back! Will mis you!

Leaving you will some pics from Fragment. More over at TOKYOMADE and our FLickr.

With Caroline of chief&mischief fame.

My loves Oshima, Akiko and Leila Chan

Tomokuni, Michi and Mochi decorating in fine style!

Sweet and Juicy

2008-03-23T00:19:00.005+09:00

Tonight was a celebration of independence, new spaces and all things red. My great friend Akiko had a house warming at her new apartment in Ebisu. It was a fantastic game of fit as many people into one Tokyo apartment as you can. We were all very warm and cozy. We ended up playing the longest most hilarious game of Trivial Pursuit - The Pop Version.
It was a scrumptious night of wine and cheese. Akiko even had some French cheese wrapped in soaked sakura leaves, very special. Seeing as I don't drink wine or eat cheese I whipped up a batch of juicy fruit kebabs made especially to match Akiko's kitchen decor - rich and glowing reds.

Very simple raw recipe packed with vitamins and flavor, looks cute too.
Strawberries (I found these gorgeous mini ones, a whole basket of them for about $5 very cheap by Tokyo standards)
Pineapple chopped up
Shredded coconut (ideally fresh coconut would have been best but those babies are few and far between in this town)
Dried strawberries
Kebab sticks
I think you can work the rest out for yourself.
The ultimate raw party or picnic food. So easy, fresh and colorful. You will get lots of delighted ooohs and aaaahhhhhs and your tummy will thank you.

In terms of food combining, strawberries and pineapple are good friends as they are both in the acid category therefore they tend to work in harmony in your tummy when eaten together. Unfortunately I pigged out on dates at the same time not such a great mate with the acidic foods so things are gurgling around down there having a whale of a time making their way through the crowd. Oh well, it was all very delish!

Used Clothes Shopping in Harajuku

2008-03-22T00:24:00.004+09:00

The streets of Harajuku are your catwalk or so the song goes. To me the streets of Harajuku are often smelly, always crowded and merely a path to get from one outstanding used clothes store to another.

I had a little time to kill today in Harajuku so I stopped into my old faithfuls. Hanjiro, Kinji and Thankyou Mart.

Hanjiro, offering a lush mixture of used clothing, remakes and new designs is spreading it's wings at a rapid rate of knots right across the country. Every time I pop in I read news of a new store opening up somewhere. Yay for Hanjiro. It makes me very happy that the cool kids embrace used and remade fashion in such a big way. Big thumbs up to all forms of recycling especially the funky fashion kind.

I managed to pick myself up an original 80s white and pastel zip up Addidas track top for 480yen!

Kinji is on the basement level of the YM building next to the Gap on the intersection of Meiji Street and Omotesando Dori. I could spend hours and hours fondling the endless racks of recycled clothes. What I love most about Kinji is that they group their clothes by style. All the 80s polka tees are together, all the lycra tights are together, all the waist coats are together, all the funky floral dresses are together. Above each of the racks are examples of fashion mixes showing off the layered style that the Japanese do to perfection.

I grabbed an electric blue pair of lycra full length tights for 735 yen and a pair of ultra shiny midnight black lycra tights for the same price which is roughly US$7. American Apparel is great but I have to say Kinji does it better, cheaper and recycled. Good for the Earth and your bank balance.

Thank you mart, also known as the 390 yen store is jam packed with glistening goodies. Aside from the over sized jewels and must try wigs they have a selection of used clothes. It takes some dedication to dig through but can often be worth the trouble. There are 3 Thank you Mart stores in very close range in Harajuku so you are bound to come away with something.

Today I found two red sweaters. I love red and I have a fleecy sweater fetish. The first one I scored has a dancing Native American image on the front, studs down one sleeve and a very trashy silver buckle on the arm, 10 points on the kitsch scale due to the fringed sleeves. Sounds hideous? Oh it is, just the way I love em! The other one is a little Londoner rock. A 3/4 sleeve sweater with a black abstract kind of check print.

Some photos for you!

In Love with a Japanese Guy

2008-03-20T12:14:00.004+09:00

Last week over at Julie in Japan, Julie wrote an article entitled You asked for it...foreign girls dating in Japan. It seems she was getting quite a few emails from foreign girls searching for tips on the art of dating a Japanese guy. As always her article was sweet, interesting and thought provoking. It had me thinking about our love match and even prompted me to go digging around in old Flickr archives searching for photos of when Masao and I first met.

Every couple gets the "How did you meet?" question thrown at them I am sure. The bonus question of "Where did you meet?" is always thrown in if it is obvious that you are not from the same country. Generally we skip the "how did you meet?" and answer the "where?" with something along the lines of "at a cafe called Sign in Daikanyama" This technically is the truth as I clearly remember waiting with a friend of mine to meet Masao at Daikanyama station. He had a friend djing at the cafe that night and had invited me along. The "how" part of our meeting, while certainly not dramatic, is a little long winded so we have been known to give out the modified version. It all seems like a very long time ago now but Julie's post had me thinking that perhaps there are a ton of girls out there wondering how to meet Japanese guys. Similar to Julie I have no full proof tips, I think life goes in the direction that it is supposed to, but I can tell you our story.

I came to Tokyo in January of 2004, initially for one year. If people ask me why I came I often say it was a childhood dream. Honestly I am still not sure exactly why, I felt an extremely strong urge to move to Tokyo at that time. It wasn't for the money, as I had a great job and wonderful life in Australia. It wasn't for the language because as yet I have not mastered even the basics. It certainly wasn't for manga, kimonos, Sony, tea ceremonies or any of the other Japanophile loves. I just had to come. My spiritual self would look back now and say that I came to fulfill many dreams, ones that I was not consciously aware of back then. I came to fulfill independence, I came to meet Masao, start TOKYOMADE and become a hoop dancer. I came to learn about the world and my place in it, to meet the outstanding people that I have. The mystery of why I am in Tokyo continues to unfold everyday. It is a fabulous life!

Part of what has kept me here is an intensely love filled, calm, inspiring, balanced, powerful and happy relationship with a Japanese man. Masao and I met in the spring/summer of 2004, if you ask him he will know the exact day and time but I am just not good with that kind of stuff. It is true we met in Daikanyama, a very cool part of Tokyo known for it's cafes, clubs and boutiques. The way that we met was completely conspired by the universe. I was not looking for a boyfriend, although I found Japanese guys to be shockingly gorgeous and divinely preened to perfection. What I was looking for was somebody to help me create some short films. I had no experience with the language and very little insight into the culture but I saw an overwhelming need to capture the essence of Tokyo. I was obsessed with Japanese obsession. I wanted more but I needed someone to help me.

I put an advertisement in a magazine called Metropolis. I think it read something along the lines of "Aussie girl looking for friends to help make short film in Tokyo." I seriously cannot remember. Again you could ask Masao and he would recite it word for word. I got some awesome responses. Met some very cool people a few of which I remained friends with and who really added to my experiences here. And then there was Masao...to be honest in the beginning I would never have thought we would be together for so long. In actual fact I thought he was a little strange ;). Not used to the low key, cool and calm ways of the Japanese boy I thought he was far more into boys than girls and so part of why we hit it off in the beginning I believe is because there was no pressure of thinking about it being a relationship.

Back then Masao lived with his Dad, a very common thing in Tokyo many young people live with their parents, so we would see each other whenever we could. He would take me to all these very cool places that he knew and I would get my fill of Tokyo fun and scenery. We had met a few times with friends and in a group. This is also very common in Japan. Often you will think you are heading out on a "date" only to find that a truck load of friends have been invited. This can make it tricky to "get to know somebody" in the beginning. Perhaps a tip for others thinking about dating Japanese guys is to be patient in the beginning. I think in many relationships in other parts of the world people like to rush, rush, rush, they have expectations built up about what they should know and what should be done. In Japan it is a different game and patience is a virtue, being friends first is a common step, being friends with his friends is sometimes equally important. I remember being very nervous when I knew I was meeting him for the first time "alone", I am not sure why, but I had kind of figured that this was a big step and had real potential. I also figured that dating a foreign girl must have been very knew for Masao when he asked me as we stood under the glow of the Shibuyan crossing "Don't you shave your face?" (Face shaving is the done thing for many a Japanese girl!) It was a steep and fabulous learning curve for both of us from that point on!

Not long after the face shaving question we moved into a VERY tiny apartment in Okubo where we stayed blissfully for 2 years. In that time we traveled around Europe, went to Australia to meet the family, had my mum come and stay, started TOKYOMADE, Masao went from being a salary man to being a stylin' entrepreneur, our lives changed daily for the better, we made so many wonderful new friends all in such confined quarters we had really put our love to the test. If there were going to be any bust ups it was sure to happen then. Luckily it was smooth sailing, aside from the time we decided to order office furniture online I managed to smash Masao in the forehead with a piece of wood causing much bleeding and hysteria. Oh good times!

We now live in a much roomier apartment with our own spaces to do what we do. Masao in his office and me in our tatami room hooping. There has been a great deal of learning to do which may be part of what keeps our relationship so strong. There is no doubting that in any relationship where the partners are from very different backgrounds there is going to be intense amounts of learning and coming to understandings. Another tip I would offer up if you are thinking of dating a Japanese guy or anyone who was not born in your suburb/state/country is to be ready to question what you know to be real and true, be ready to learn about a new way of life, be willing to explore other lifestyles and customs. Of course this should go for your partner as well. We are super lucky in that neither of us are particularly bound by any forms of tradition, past or nationalistic pride. I rarely think of Masao as "Japanese" and me as "Australian". We have really created our own world and left all the past stuff behind. This is an important step I think in any relationship.

Naturally I can only speak of my experience with one person it is very hard to generalize. I have no idea what other Japanese guys are like to date or live with. I could only speak of exterior, superficial stuff (which is all pretty FINE in my opinion! mmm ) I have heard some horror stories of demanding, old fashioned stubbornness but nothing could be further from my experience with Masao and all of the Japanese males that I know as friends.

My tips...
Hang out at places you love. There are endless destinations in this city to hang out and meet people.
Be yourself. Trying to be something you are not is not appealing to anyone. Being your individual, unique self is very attractive.
Don't try too hard. You know when you are searching too hard you often can't find the perfect dress, same goes for Japanese guys. ;)
Make friends with Japanese people.
Visualize positively what you would like your life to be like, if that includes a Japanese boy then so be it! They are very beautiful, that is definitely a positive visualization. ;)
Let go of any us and them thoughts.
Join some clubs, learn something new. Oh a Japanese yogi, a Japanese salsa dancer, an artist, coin polisher, manicurist...whatever you are into.
Learn Japanese! (although I never did properly there is always time)
Have an interest and put out an ad to get people to help you. Be sure to meet new friends with other friends, don't go alone. It is not very common in Tokyo for people to invite you to their apartment especially on the first meet up, some friends in this city NEVER see their close friends apartments. So be clued up and NEVER go to apartments alone - goes without saying.

Good luck, have fun, send us your purikura! ;)

Sakura Sakura

2008-03-20T11:14:00.001+09:00

Spring is in the air. Walking through the streets of Tokyo you can spot some of the early blossoms starting to get ready for the spring festivals.

To celebrate the warmth and beauty of Spring in Japan we are giving away a Sakura Pod Canvas over at TOKYOMADE. This little beauty is hot property and has had it's pretty petals featured all over the internet. Grab one for free this month by joining the Tokyo Fan Club. Enter your email address and be in it to win it!

Keep the pretty petals of the Sakura with you all year round with the NEW Sakura Pod Canvas.

A sweet, strongly adhesive seal for the back of any regular shape iPod. Film coated for long lasting durability and fade resistance.

Dress up your iPod with the latest Pod Canvas design from Japan.

Single seal.
Size
length = 9.5cm (3.7 in)
width = 5.5cm (2.1 in)

Gambatte!

New Yelle

2008-03-19T16:40:00.002+09:00

My favorite Yelle song JE VEUX TE VOIR has a new video and I love it just as I knew I would. These babes can do no wrong!

The oversized head bows, the fluro Reebok high tops and the leg lifts - heavenly.
Show love and become a Yelle fan on Facebook. Rock the French electropop style.

Hay Fever Season in Japan

2008-03-18T12:57:00.003+09:00

I have a tendency to be some what of a Cocky Locky when it comes to sickness. I turn my nose up to it and hold a strong opinion that everyone else gets sick but not me. Well guess what? I have hayfever. This heinous infliction is sweeping through Japan with pollen counts at record highs. It seems that the flowers really love me this year but I am not so enamored with them.

I am combating the eye watering, nose dripping, body aching symptoms with EFT, chakra meditations and a truck load of citrus fruit, which happens to be divine right now in Japan, so my little bout should be over in no time!

I have a few friends that are also in the savage grips of hay fever. I found this for them the other day some good tips from Dr Mao. Interestingly enough he says steer clear of raw food, I have to question that one. I believe that especially when the body is fighting off something it deserves all the natural, uncooked enzymes it can gather.

Surprising Secrets for Sinus Health
Here are some all-natural ways to gain freedom from sinus suffering.

• Clear your sinuses and your mind with a steamy stovetop spa. Add a few drops of wintergreen oil to a pot of boiling water and inhale the steam. Take care not to be burned by the vapor.

• Herbs and spices like ginger, scallion, basil, garlic, oregano, cayenne peppers, white pepper, horseradish and turmeric will have your sinus passageways unblocked in no time!

• The supplement bromelain - a papaya and pineapple-based enzyme - helps reduce histamine release, the body's natural allergic response.

• Clear your nasal passageway daily for healthy, happy sinuses. Add 1 tsp of sea salt, 1 drop of oregano oil, and 1 drop of wintergreen to a cup of warm water. Fill a small-spouted squeeze bottle with this warm solution. Squirt into one nostril at a time and blow out through the nose. Alternate nostrils.

• Press one clove of garlic, mix with 1 tsp of olive oil and soak a clean cotton ball with the oil mixture and place in nostrils after having washed the nostril with warm salt water. Leave in for 20 minutes and repeat three times a day until the symptoms clear up.

• These two simple self-massage practices that follow are incredibly effective for relieving sinus congestion. For both, sit at the tip of a sturdy chair with your back erect, spine stretched, and your head tilted slightly forward.

1. Inhale and gently press your forehead just inside the temples with your palms. Exhale and release. Repeat three times.

2. Cross your middle and index fingers by placing the tips of your middle fingers on top of the fingernails on your index fingers. Rub the sides of your nose 36 times in a circular motion, warming your fingers first if they're cold.

What you eat affects your sinus health
Avoid the foods that produce mucous and dampness: dairy products, cold and raw foods, corn (including corn syrup), and simple sugars. Choose whole grains like quinoa, amaranth and brown rice instead of wheat, rye and barley, which are typically high allergy grains. Opt for papaya, cranberries, pear, pineapple, cherries, mango, and citrus fruits. Eat more green vegetables such as artichoke, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and spinach.

Both alcohol and smoking should be avoided during a sinus flare-up as they irritate the respiratory tract and worsen nasal inflammation. Also, sinus congestion is often worse with lack of quality rest so be sure to get plenty of sleep and keep your stress level low.

I hope that you find the ways to keep your sinuses clear and freely flowing. I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

-Dr. Mao

A surgical mask ROCKS for keeping things out and hiding an insanely runny nose, also a common fashion (?) accessory here in Tokyo.

Hoop Fashion

2008-03-16T13:32:00.005+09:00

You know how I love and adore my hoops, I think they are the ultimate fashion accessory and sure to turn heads particularly on the crowded streets of Tokyo. So when I jumped over to check out the latest costume and design range by CHAPTER I almost had to take a little lie down after my heart skipped several beats upon seeing hoops incorporated into their designs.

These funky pieces fit for all hoopy kings and queens of style are designed an created right here in Tokyo by the CHAPTER team Shotaro and Ikumi.

CHAPTER also sell their hoopalicious accessories on TOKYOMADE. The swirling and twirling form of their rings always remind me of the light patterns created by LED hoops and poi.

Hoopaholics

2008-03-13T20:42:00.003+09:00

In all it's blinging glory the new Hoopaholic demo vid has hit the internets in a very powerful way! Watch it, love it, feel the glam!

I cannot wait to meet up with the Hoopaholics in Sydney. Only a few more sleeps! You have no idea how grateful I am for this opportunity - eternally!

Robots in Disguise

2008-03-12T22:03:00.002+09:00

Back by popular demand! After being featured by Gala Darling last week in her post entitled Fun Accessories the Mixed Tape Transformer Necklaces were snapped up in no time.

The funky mix masters were featured on other spaces around the internet too so Miss BLITZ Kiss put her fingers to work and created a few more to share with you.

A gaggle (what is the collective noun for a group of transformers?) have been sent off to Red Mutha for the opening of their new Brighton store. The rest we held on to tightly but they are already robot dancing away, snatched quickly by global style lovers!

Sun Dance

2008-03-10T08:34:00.007+09:00

We woke up to a rainy but noticeably warmer Tokyo this morning. The weekend however was STUNNING! These photos were taken by Masao in celebration of the coming of spring! Rock on! Blossoms are on their way baby.

Life is the Dancer you are the Dance

2008-03-08T11:41:00.008+09:00

This man is everywhere I turn, and so he absolutely should be.

"Truth" is a highly talked about, sought after, confused "thing". What I know to be the truth is that our purpose here in this human form is a very simple and glorious one, a purpose that we often get tangled up with so much other STUFF. My true purpose as a human BEING is to BE! Sounds too airy fairy? Ask Eckhart about it, he has it sorted. If there were ever a human being in this consciousness that I call "my life" that had the ability to verbalise the "truth" it is Tolle San.

I ordered New Earth after reading on the blog We Like It Raw, about a global webcast event that was in the making. I must admit that I was skeptical when I read that Eckhart Tolle had teamed up with Oprah for the event. The very little I knew about Oprah was that she often filled my afternoon laziness while I was in university. At that stage I thought her shows were filled with Jerry Springer esque couples complaining to Dr Phil about their inability to get their shit together, the answers seemed so simple I couldn't work out why they needed to go on global TV to air their weaknesses. I always thought Oprah was extremely generous, giving and positive but I suspected a 'doing it for the money' motive. Ouch how nasty I was.

As soon as my book arrived in the mail, along side others such as Green For Life and Living Cuisine both super scrumptious and highly recommended resources, I flung it open with highlighter in hand and began to devour. To be honest the first few pages were a little hard to chew. I am the kind that never reads the instructions preferring to simply rip into things and learn from on the job training, so I was searching for "the answer", the juice right there on page 2. I had heard so many striking things about the shift in thinking and consciousness that this book would nurture that by page 7 when Tolle said "This book is about you. It will change your consciousness or it will be meaningless. It can only awaken those who are ready" I was thinking "Oh honey I am more than ready, just give it to me already". My impatience, which I have come to know was/is my ego eager for the answer to build into my repertoire of superiority, was palpable. In truth, I wanted to know it all, understand it completely and confirm to myself that it is what I (my ego) already knew - oh yeah I was down with the whole enlightenment thing! I soon realized it was about giving up "the search", funnily enough something I thought I had done ages ago.

I enrolled in the online, 10 week workshop based on the teachings and checked out the Oprah site for the first time, realizing that what I had created in my mind about Oprah was incorrect. Strip away her material surroundings, her expensive shoes, corporate alliances and what you have is an amazing woman who is in tune with her purpose and sharing her truth with the world. A positive truth.

Eckhart held my hand everywhere I roamed. On the train, before going to bed, walking down the street, lounging around. I was and still am wrapped up in every word he had consciously scribed. Masao asked me this morning, "Is that your bible?" as I skipped through the house clutching it close to me. I have never had a bible but this is as close as it gets I assume. I guess Eckhart is still holding my hand, but his words and truth have most certainly initiated a journey to a new space, a new earth, a new consciousness, taking place right now.

The words between the covers of this book are ones that every human being should read, luckily it has been translated into 35 languages. The words are not going to resonate with everyone. My recommendation: Read it now! You will love it and yourself for it!

I love his giggle!

Black List Tokyo

2008-03-01T13:38:00.008+09:00

Photo by Hiroki and Andrea

Black List Tokyo is an ultra sleek monthly gathering in Tokyo. Exclusively for Black List members and the ones they love, these funky happenings in some of Tokyo's smoothest night spots are a fusion of French club scene and the Tokyo international set.

Tokyo Black List was established in 2005 by Beno creator of the BOEGE label and his partner Cedric. As the Black List site croons, they are "2 Frenchmen with a passion for luxurious parties and good community". As we witnessed they also know how to keep a crowd entertained and cozy in stunning surroundings well after last Tokyo train.

Check out the Black List site gallery for more eye candy, but here are a few of us lapping up the fun at last month's Parisian festa. All photos were taken by super glam photographers Hiroki (it is worth going just to see his Swarovski studded camera strap) and Andrea.

Masao and I with BOEGE team Beno and Noriko.

Me with what looks like a powerful, red laser beam coming from my head! Yes I have extraordinary super powers, watch out.

My wings in full flight.

Tecktonik

2008-02-29T20:02:00.004+09:00

OK I am officially mesmerized! This style of dance that seems to be steaming it up all the way from France can be seen on a Yelle film clip. A big Yelle fan after being tipped off by Dj Brandon to the magic of their sounds, worlds collided in a very fabulous way when I realised that Yelle and what is being called Tecktonik go arm in arm - wild flailing arms!

When I was in Grade 3 there was a boy who lived across the street from me, he was in Grade 7. His name was Calvin Norri. I can barely remember what he looked like and I don't think I spoke two words to him but I remember he was by far the coolest kid in the school. Calvin would bring brown cardboard boxes to school, set them up in the ally near the toilet blocks, press play on the ghetto blaster and break dance his heart out. Back spins, head spins, he had all the moves. Calvin's cool factor shot to an all time high when he broke his arm break dancing. This was in the thick of the 80s, 1984, a time when backs were being spun on, leg warmers were essential and the school wide sport of choice was Electric Boogaloo.
This vid reminds me of the primary school breakers, I watch this with just as much awe and excitement as I did the boys busting their moves near the toilet block.

mondotek

2008-02-29T14:02:00.003+09:00

Check it! Hot Euro para para. Definitely something to incorporate into any dance routine! Love it, totally using it!
The over head swipe is hotter than hot!

Have watched this approx 476 times so ready to bust these moves on the dance floor.
I am so in love with Jey-Jey.

Fragment

2008-02-28T22:21:00.004+09:00

After the super successful S.A.I.A.S events Masao got together with LADE Clothing and Bros Wear Designs to collaborate on a new style of gathering in Tokyo. Fragment is designed to bring together creators from all over Japan to share their latest pieces with other designers, creators, thinkers, art stalkers, friends, shoppers and fans.

Held at Wedge in Shimokitazawa on March 23rd, Fragment will be the first of it's kind bringing together creators and designers featured on TOKYOMADE with other Japan-based designers. Set to the sounds from some of the finest Tokyo djs and the possibility of another hoop up by moi!

See you there!

What I was Really Looking For

2008-02-27T14:18:00.004+09:00

This is what I was really looking for when I stumbled upon Danny!

Thanks to Martine I rediscovered MylesinLondon and his outstanding captures of Tokyo.
Yes, this city really does move that fast, no camera tricks there! ;)
Here is a brighter yet more serene view of the gorgeous city we live in. This is the first of Myles' videos that I spotted on MySpace a while back!

I used to think of Tokyo as so unique and very foreign for so many years yet watching these it seems so familiar and usual. Which it not necessarily a bad thing. I just wonder is it time to move on or is the feeling a sense of being at home? Lucky for me I am heading back to my real home of Australia in a few weeks time for a big reminder and soak up of the GOOD LIFE! Ah I cannot wait! I love Tokyo but it is far from a cozy, comforting, relaxing home. Lucky for me, right now I am not looking for anything too cozy. When I am I know where my real home is!

Danny

2008-02-25T15:32:00.003+09:00

I bumped into Danny while scouring youtube for Tokyo videos this afternoon. While I cannot say I am a fan I am certain I would have had an ongoing love affair with Danny's poster on my bedroom wall if he had been pumping out synthetic tunes 15 years ago. He may have even bumped the Bros twins in to second place. There is not much else to say but I will say, I wish my hair looked that good when I wake up in the morning!

For Leila Chan

2008-02-21T15:03:00.002+09:00

Mika rocked it at the Brit Awards for Leila Chan and the rest of his adoring fans. Hot hooping hips!

For Sigsy

2008-02-18T17:50:00.005+09:00

There is this simple little rule in life and if you stick to it, backing it with all your positive love and power then it will work for you 100% of the time for all things great and small. This way of the universe is often referred to as the law of attraction, I tend to think of it simply as thoughts becoming things.

A sweet and simple example of thoughts becoming things...
Sigsy wrote in response to my post about Josh McKible's Nani Bird art:
"I love the nani birds, I saw them on Innocent girls pages.
What I'd really like is a set of greetings cards I can send around the world..."

And so I present you with the funkiest set of greeting cards you ever did see featuring the Nani Birds, skeletal friends and a burning bonsai here and there.

We Are One

2008-02-14T16:15:00.000+09:00

The title of this blog has so very many meanings. First and foremost it alludes to the fact that today is officially TOKYOMADE's 1st birthday. February 14 holds a special place in our hearts for reasons other than V Day, although love hearts and big hugs also play a major role in our day of celebration.

This week we celebrated with fancy newness. Swooning over the artistic creations of Tokyo-based illustrator Josh McKible we welcomed his new range, MCKIBILLO to TOKYOMADE. The Nani Bird series is a constant source for a good old grin for us, knowing we are at times in the same boat as these lil birdies. Nani? (What?)

BLITZ Kiss added more vibrantly colored pop to her new accessory range. They are being snapped up, just like we knew they would! The kitschy Japanese toy theme in her latest range is a hot trend with many London hipsters!

chief&mischief keep serving up their superb style of tempting street wear. More tees headed your way.

It has been an enormous year filled with intensity and fulfillment. We launched on this day last year with a few fabulous designers and have grown to now support 40 Japan-based creators. A fabulously international mix of truly talented folks who blow us away daily with their professionalism, kindness and skill.

More than anything, TOKYOMADE has given us and many of the creators on this site the opportunity to connect, build friendships, share ideas and grow. This in itself is a powerful reward for the hard work and effort pumped into making a project like TOKYOMADE float (the parties are pretty superb too, a definite perk!) Thank you to each and every idea sharer, designer, illustrator, creator, maker, builder, producer, mixer you are a constant bubbling spring of pure inspiration for us! Thank you.

We are eternally grateful and connected to you; the supporters, fans, emailers, the shoppers for sharing our love for Japan-based creation and design. It is always a joy to hear from you, receive your messages of support and of course your purchases are telling of your admiration for the ranges on offer here at TOKYOMADE. Thank you.

We plan to celebrate tonight by joining Tokyo's glitterati at Glitterball. Toted as the annual night of pleasure, thrills and chills. Sounds like a spectacular way to top of a thrill-filled year. Thank you once again, we intend to propose many a toast to you all. Looking forward to celebrating a decade of TOKYOMADE action with you!

Push

2008-02-13T15:39:00.003+09:00

A few things that are pushing me forward right now

"If we truly digest and understand the repercussions of “otherness,” then maybe we can understand the very essence of healing the planet and ourselves." Kris Carr

Sarma's fight. A global shift, imagine it.

Hot Chocolate and Mint - the blog, not the bev.

Finding used books in Tokyo. A might feat.

Sprouting. Our own mini farms. Big fun!

Ashtanga baby!

New projects, new sites to be built and new adventures!

TOKYOMADE's 1st Birthday - Feb 14

2008-02-10T23:07:00.000+09:00

On February 14 we will be celebrating the love in a major way as it is also our 1st birthday, well it is TOKYOMADE's 1st birthday.

It is kind of hard to believe that our first born is already 1 (some days it is hard to believe that it is ONLY 1). Just like any proud and adoring parents it is hard for us to remember life before TM came into the world and we often step back and gush in wonder at the leaps and bounds it has made.

We want to share the love around of course and have made up some party bags to give away! If you are not already a member of the Tokyo Fan Club you totally should be. Simply add your email address to our mailing list over at TM and you are in with a mighty chance at grabbing a TOKYOMADE 1st Birthday Party Bag this month.

Light Show

2008-02-05T21:34:00.001+09:00

Thanks to Philo and hooping.org!

The colorful pics taken by Masao on Friday night at Stitch also caught the eye of Funkbuilders. A style packed blog that goes by the motto "Create Anything I Want"

The Making of a Hoop Star

2008-02-04T19:43:00.000+09:00

Recently I have been asked by a tribe of amazing supporters how I began hooping. So I have decided to write a little post about my steps to becoming a hoop obsessed dancer.

A friend of mine Gala, creator of the must-read blog iCiNG (if you don't read her and love her by now you totally should!) held her 5th International Dress Up Day back in June 2007. The theme was alter ego. The pictures and stories sent in were glorious and the effort outstanding. One stood out for me and so I quickly jumped onto the link promising a "short video of my alter ego in action". What I saw was this...

A sideways video that would change my life!

I couldn't get the image of the funky hooper out of my head and I knew I had to get my hands on a hoop. I remembered that a year or two before during a totally spontaneous shopping spree at a sports store (??) in Tokyo Masao had bought me a hoop in a box that had to be assembled, made up of about 12 pieces. I dug in out of storage, put all the pieces together, realised it was quite small but took turns with Masao until one of us could keep it revolving around our hips for more than two or three rotations. Masao was the pioneer. His hips pumping at warp speed he was able to keep the tiny hoop spinning for quite some time. This crazy hip pumping went on for days. I was completely entranced by the motion, the sweat, the centrifugal force. At the same time I began to collect a growing number of hoop videos on youtube and information about hooping. I learned that I needed a large hoop, measuring about 95cm in diameter, if I hoped to do anything more than a hip pumping, body shaking dance.

I searched and pestered Masao to find me a hoop in Tokyo. It seemed near impossible, no one we contacted knew anything about the hoop thing. I persevered with my mini hoop and mimicked the motions and moves I had been watching over and over on youtube, spending up to two hours a days spinning, twirling, jumping and dropping the hoop. Finally Masao stumbled upon Hoopstore Tokyo. I could barely contain myself and sent an email to the Hoop Girl trained, Justin and Mario immediately. They wrote back with such a friendly response and I booked the next class that was available.

My mum was in Tokyo at the time, possibly confused by my obsession but obviously seeing my delight with the plastic pipe she came along with Masao and I to our first hoop class in Shinjuku. By this time I had mastered the hip pumping but was unprepared for how much of a workout the new, big hoops were about to put me through. Sweat poured, muscles burned and I felt completely alive from head to toe.

A few days later Masao set out on one of his city adventures to "meet a friend" leaving mum and I to relax, shop and cook up a storm. It was getting late and I still had not heard from Masao, he had been out all day and I had tried calling his phone several times to see if he wanted to have dinner with us. Mum appeared to be just as worried as me that he was not returning my calls, little did I know that she was in on the whole scam. Masao returned hours later with a perfectly wrapped, sparkling pink hoop. My mum had sent Masao off to buy one from Justin and Mario at Hoopstore Tokyo and the trio had spent the day talking hoops, business and boy stuff.

I now had everything I needed to start on the road to hoop stardom. We hit the park everyday. I feel like I ate, slept and dreamed hooping. It was the first thing I thought about in the mornings and I would go to bed each night in a spin from watching so many hoop videos on youtube.

I continued to go to a few classes at the Hoopstore Tokyo but as other parts of our lives got busier it became impossible to get to classes. We would go to the park and hoop late at night sometimes well after midnight. That is one of the most amazing things about living in Tokyo, it is so safe.

Still needing instruction but unable to make it to classes I invested in the Hoop Girl DVD and the Hoopnotica Teaching Training Package Level 1 & 2. I would watch them every morning before work and as soon as I got home from work preparing for my after dinner park hoop jam. Masao had his own hoop by this stage and we would teach, encourage and remind each other of things we had learned in class and on the DVDs. I definitely recommend both of these DVDs for mastering a range of hoop moves. Each has it's strengths. The Hoop Girl DVD offers inspiring dance combinations while the Hoopnotics DVD is fantastic for trouble shooting and tips on how to work through the learning process.

From there I basically took hooping into my own hands. Taking inspiration from Hoopers all over the world thanks to youtube, hooping.org and tribe.net I was able to connect with an intense and welcoming global community.

In January I was nominated by hooping.org as one of 5 Newbie Hoopers for 2007. This was an amazing reward and opened up so many opportunities for me. I was invited to perform my first Hoop Dance in a Tokyo club, fulfilling part of one of my goals for 2008. I received my first LED hoop and twin hoops to begin my journey into the world of circus hooping.

Friday night at Velours in Tokyo marked my first Hoop Dance performance in a Tokyo club. It was just the beginning, I hope to see you out and about I plan to take this city by storm and whip the club scene into a flashing, rainbow swirl of wild hoopla! Be sure to come and say hi!

One of the most exciting things to happen in my world of hooping recently is the connection I have made with Bunny Hoopstar. Bunny is a Sydney-based hooper, performer and trainer. She has long been a powerful inspiration to me. In fact one of my goals for 2008 read "Meet Bunny Hoopstar". That dream is coming true very soon as I get prepared to jetset off to Sydney in March to complete teach training with Bunny at her Darlinghurst hoop camp. I had contemplated teacher training via a few other teachers but Bunny rocks the style, strength, individuality and hoop skills that I admire and aspire to the most. I couldn't be happier to have her as my mentor.

So what does the future of hooping hold for me?

I really look forward to sharing my adoration for this mind blowing, body changing, life transforming form of self expression with friends and students in Japan and the rest of the world. I am a life long learner of the hoop path so I also look forward to learning from students, friends and other hoopers.

Everyday I learn something new about my body, it's motion and connectedness with the colorful rings. I look forward to strengthening my practice with each dance.

My LED hoop is far too gorgeous to be locked up at home so I will be spinning it at clubs and events around Tokyo and in Australia.

I am open and ready for all of the exhilarating hoop opportunities that are heading my way.

So there you have it, my short but powerful journey into the world of hooping thus far. I feel it has only just begun and yet has given me so much more than I could ever have thought possible. I have an endless number of friends and hoopers to thank.

Anytime you feel like starting a revolution be sure to get in contact with me! Sure to put you in a spin in the funkiest possible way.

Hoops and Mischief

2008-02-02T23:59:00.000+09:00

Last night was a Tokyo extravaganza to remember! To celebrate the launch of chief&mischief on TOKYOMADE, a delicious crowd of designers, dancers, photographers, artists, djs and fashionistas made their way to the stylish Velours in Aoyama, Tokyo.

It was a super special night for me though as I had been asked to hoop dance in the club. This was my first ever "public appearance". I thought I would be more nervous. I had a few pre-performance worries earlier in the week doubting my ability to keep a handle on the new and much heavier LED hoop I had ordered from Super Hooper but something told me I was going to love the experience. That something was totally right.

(Rocking the Heavy Metal tee by chief&mischief)

Masao is a wise old man. When I said to him earlier in the week that I didn't think I was ready and I wasn't sure if I could do it he said to me, "No one ever thinks they are ready for anything so most people sit around thinking they can't do things because they are not ready. If you wait until you are ready you will never do it and then you can't get better". A simple piece of advice.

I was set to perform at 11pm and 1am. I had practiced a little routine to the first song, Boyz by M.I.A, to be mixed in by dj James. When I took my place in the tiny little space in the middle of Velours that routine flew out the window, the music and cheers from my friends and rest of the audience took over and I felt completely relaxed and spun in a heightened sense of flow. My only analogy for this feeling would be something drug related. The ultimate high.

I really need to thank so many people! My mum for buying me my first hoop, hoop store tokyo for giving me my first few lessons that was a great springboard, Masao for always encouraging me and putting up with hoops and hoop marks all over the apartment, all of my gorgeous and crazy friends for giving me more courage than they realise, my students for cheering me on at school and sharing my love for hoop videos on youtube, hoopers around the world, chief&mischief Caroline and Brandon for thinking of me and inviting me to perform, Bunny for being an inspiration, everyone who cheered, clapped, whistled, complimented me last night you made my year!

More pics HERE and HERE

Super Model

2008-02-01T09:40:00.000+09:00

I don't care what my teachers say
I'm gonna be a supermodel.
And Everyone is gonna dress like me,
wait and see

When I'm a supermodel
and my hair will shine like the sea.
Everyone will wanna look just like me
me...

Cause I'm young and I'm hip, and so beautiful,
I'm gonna be a supermodel

I adored this song from the Clueless soundtrack. The lyrics flooded back into my head last weekend when we did a super fun photo shoot for the hot New York label recently launched on TOKYOMADE, chief&mischief.

Hoopaholic

2008-01-31T20:17:00.000+09:00

I have been recently diagnosed. The prognosis; I am a Hoopaholic.

Bunny Hoopstar and her hulahoop troupe based in Sydney are all about cranking the hoop cosmic style.
I am about to embark on a super exciting adventure down under to meet Bunny and hopefully some of the other troupe members.
Stay tuned, I intend to bring back to Tokyo as many zip lock bags as I can filled with their juiciness!

Thank you Bunny!

See For Yourself!

2008-01-30T17:20:00.001+09:00

Shivers

2008-01-30T09:20:00.000+09:00

Just peed my pants!
NEW Kylie Eeeekkkkk!
Love the curls, taking me back to the spiral perm look of Locomotion.

UPDATE: Just saw the new clip to WOW on perez hilton...man, two pairs of undies in one day!

Stitch

2008-01-24T12:06:00.000+09:00

It's official - New York label, now Tokyo-based, chief & mischief are ready to launch their range and TOKYOMADE are supporting in full force. To celebrate this meeting of creative minds STITCH is the first collaborative event featuring chief & mischief, TOKYOMADE and LADE clothing all mixed up in one lush Tokyo club (Velours) with a dash of Hoop Dance for your viewing pleasure (yes, I will be doing my first club performance in Tokyo!!)

Here is the flyer and info...

Come party with chief&mischief as they celebrate their debut on
tokyomade.com! Friends from Lade Clothing are also joining in the fun of
this brand new party that will showcase designers, photographers, artist
and DJs from Tokyo and beyond.

DJ's Miki (Ms. Rock Spirit), James (Jade Media/Robot Rok), Yuk1
(Velours/Womb) Ecco (Ecco Promotions) and Brandon (chief&mischief/Robot
Rok) will be spinning Electro Rock, House and Nu-Rave all nite. Shantell
Martin (On The March) will supply stimulating visuals for your viewing
pleasure, and Deanne from Tokyo Made will demonstrate why she was
nominated
for 2008 Newbie Hooper (Hoop Fusion) of the year!

Free goodies from chief&mischief, Tokyo Made and more! Tables are
available
by contacting Velours (www.velours.jp). RSVP to get discounted entry.

See you there!

rsvp: info@chiefandmischief.com
www.tokyomade.com
www.ladeclothing.com
www.jademedia.net
www.velours.jp

Tokyo Trips

2008-01-22T20:54:00.000+09:00

We blogged about this over at TOKYOMADE but thought it would totally fit in around here!

Thought it was about time we offered up a few more of our favorite Tokyo treats!

Photo by motomotoyanyan

Ping Mag has just done a fab interview with Ako San, creator of The Ghetto in Tokyo. A super hot spot to hit in Tokyo if you are in the mood to enter an underground culture oasis in the middle of love hotel land.

Layla Cafe in Kichijoji describes itself as an Arabian and waterpipe smoking cafe. We got an email from the stunning Mishaal and Astrid this week letting us know that there will be a Middle Eastern feast and belly dance performance there this Saturday. Looking forward to experiencing the dance and the feast in Kichijoji.

Veggie Paradise is the ultimate place to relax and unwind in a open space atmosphere with chilled tunes, comfortable surroundings and life giving raw food. Yuki the owner and raw food chef offers raw uncooking classes in Japanese or English. Yoga classes are also held most days with special after yoga meals on offer for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
If you are looking for a major raw feast, come join us for a raw/vegan pot luck party at Veggie Paradise. Gorgeous people and divine morsels!

She Likes to Party!

2008-01-18T21:55:00.000+09:00

Thank you so much for your love and amazing support! I have received so many awesome wishes and messages of encouragement after receiving a nomination for a hooping.org Hoopies award.

Thought it only fair that I share the REAL clip from the song I used for my hooping video.

Party All the Time by Sharam

and the inspiration, the original! Rock it Eddie.

LOVE Day

2008-01-18T12:00:00.000+09:00

Did you know there are two official Valentine's Day occasions in Japan? February 14 is the first gift giving occasion, on this day girls and ladies across the land show their love and appreciation with yummy gifts. Often chocolates or homemade sweets will be given as a sign of thanks or affection.

The guys in this country get a great deal because they are given one month to find a gift to reciprocate their feelings. White day is March 14, this day is often a day when gifts are passed from the guys to the girls.

We think everyday is LOVE day but two official celebrations is a pretty good deal!

Raw Pot Luck Party

2008-01-16T12:19:00.000+09:00

It was RAWsome!

On Saturday night while Masao was out partying in Omotesando I chilled with amazing souls at Tokyo's gorgeous raw food restaurant, Veggie Paradise.

I had been to Veggie Paradise once before, for a delicious lunch after breaking my cleansing fast. This time, Yuki the owner of the restaurant was generous enough to allow us to use the upstairs space for a pot luck party.

A healthy and hearty feast! If you are in Tokyo and would like to experience some raw power check here for the next "party".

Hoopies 2008

2008-01-15T12:09:00.000+09:00

Hooping.org are holding their first annual Hoopies awards.

GUESS WHAT? I have been nominated and chosen as one of five Outstanding Newbie Hoopers (Started in 2007)

You can VOTE FOR ME and a range of talented and inspirational other hoopers across the globe @ hooping.org. Each hooper or hoop group has a link so you can check out their amazing skills and passion.

Thank you so much to hooping.org and all other hoopers for your inspiration and constant support.

Thank you to you for being my power (and voting for me, of course!!)

Hoopy love
d
xx

Game cards do not actually talk...

2008-01-13T23:14:00.000+09:00

I loved Anne, Anita and Maria!

I am 31!

2008-01-07T12:35:00.000+09:00

Uh huh, I popped out on this day 31 years ago. To celebrate this monumental gala I am doing absolutely nothing but wallow in unrestrained relaxation and contentment that I have come so far in such fine form (hear the sounds of my own trumpets a tootin'!)
Naturally I would not be half the woman that I am now if it weren't for my outstandingly supportive mama, sister, nan and gran. Thank you for loving me the way you do, it gives me shivers. Thank you, I love you!
Every moment of everyday I can truly be me because of the love and support I am constantly surrounded by from the boy I love with all of my heart, soul and omph. It is the most earth-shattering feeling to have someone who is totally on your side all of the time. I love you the most forever!
My life is spilling over with an abundance of rockin' individuals. Huggable friends, inspirational friends, supportive, enlightening, enchanting, nurturing, dynamic, stimulating, eloquent and propelling friends. Friends that have shaped me in the past and friends that continue to share their pure force with me. Thank you!
Huge hugs to everyone for the beautiful wishes and the sweet presents!
Everyone deserves treats on their birthday so last night I made a scrumptious recipe from the priceless book Ani's Raw Food Kitchen, Donut Holes.

ps Finding dates in Tokyo is like finding a pot o gold at the end of the rainbow. Any suggestions so very welcome!
UPDATE: I mean these kind of dates, not these kind of dates! :)