#018 — Embracing Japanese legacy
Celebrating all things Japan: from precision timepieces, through art and street photography, to bullet trains – and more.
Welcome back, adventurers!
In today's edition, we embark on a captivating journey through Japan, a country where ancient traditions and art harmoniously coexist with cutting-edge innovation and technology. Discover how Casio became one of the world's most recognizable watchmakers, take a behind-the-scenes look at the Shinkansen – Japan's iconic bullet trains that epitomize precision and technological advancement, get lost in inspiring street photography from the vibrant streets of Tokyo… and more!
So fasten your virtual seatbelts and let’s set off on this exciting adventure together! 🏯
Cover photo by Mike Will.
Our finds. Get inspired!
✻ Behind the hype: How CASIO became one of the most prolific and recognizable watchmakers in contemporary culture? From keyboards and calculators to pioneering watches in the early 1970s, CASIO has been a trendsetter, leveraging LSI technology to craft innovative timepieces that transcend eras.
✻ To view Tokyo from Yuma Yamashita's perspective is to immerse yourself in the city’s genuine essence. It’s a candid portrayal of a place that effortlessly blends tradition with the promise of tomorrow. Yamashita, a photographer without formal training, has honed a distinct style that captures the unguarded essence of life in this bustling metropolis — the people, the locales, the fleeting moments that unfold unnoticed. Dive deeper into his unique approach to street photography in the following passages.
✻ Embark on a thrilling journey aboard Japan’s iconic Shinkansen, the epitome of speed, punctuality, and technological marvel. These sleek bullet trains have certainly revolutionized transportation in Japan, connecting cities at an astonishing pace while maintaining an impeccable safety record. With cutting-edge features like automatic train control, aerodynamic designs, and earthquake detection systems, the Shinkansen stands as a testament to the quality of Japanese engineering. Step inside and experience the future of rail travel, where comfort, punctuality and efficiency blend seamlessly. And all that for almost 60 years, because the Tokaido Shinkansen line started operations on October 1st of 1964, nine days ahead of the Tokyo Olympics at that time.
Discover the fascinating history and innovations behind the Shinkansen ➤
Read more about special plans in celebration of the 60th anniversary ➤
✻ Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Japanese art and design, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with contemporary aesthetics. From the minimalist elegance of traditional tea ceremonies to the bold and vibrant designs of modern manga and anime, Japan’s artistic landscape is as diverse as it is inspiring.
The emphasis on simplicity, imperfection, and transience in Japanese aesthetics stems from the principles of Zen Buddhism and Shintoism. Concepts like wabi-sabi (beauty in imperfection), mono no aware (pathos of things), and yūgen (profound grace and subtlety) have deeply influenced Japanese art forms. There’s also the concept of oubaitori, which we already wrote about in the issue #015. Discover the unique philosophies and techniques, learn how these principles continue to influence artists and designers around the world today and get inspired yourself.
Check out this comprehensive guide to Japanese art ➤
Learn why designers are obsessed with Japanese design ➤
Find more about the Japanese tea ceremony ➤
That's cool too! ✨
✻ Let’s unleash our imagination and dream that we live in this place. It's probably one of the most beautiful penthouses in the world ➤
✻ NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft, which has been exploring the far reaches of our solar system and beyond for over 46 years, recently resumed sending engineering data back to Earth after a five-month hiatus. Read more about Voyager 1’s recent recovery ➤
✻ When Jim Lovell went to outer space in 1986 and looked back at the Earth he said: “You don't go to heaven when you die. You go to heaven when you're born.” – that’s the feeling people get when they're in space. 🌎
As we're on this journey together, it would be an honor to hear what you think about our issues and about things that inspire you. Feel free to suggest topics or share stories you're interested in!
“The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to our surroundings.”
– Kakuzō Okakura, “The Book of Tea”
Thank you for being with us. If we can bring a smile to your face and a sense of relaxation to your body, please follow us on your favorite social media platforms, where we will be sharing more inspirational and interesting content, collected especially for you on:
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