Tag: ‘Design’

Video: 100

22 Sep 2010

This video -- directed by Kousuke Sugimoto, with music by Takayuki Manabe -- was created in celebration of the 100th issue of IdN magazine.


+ Video

Cyber-Shinto videos by AUJIK

21 Sep 2010

AUJIK, a mysterious Shinto group that believes all things in nature -- including the products of human technology -- possess a soul, have created a series of videos showing organic/synthetic artifacts intended to bridge the gap between the natural and artificial worlds.

* * * * *


+ Polygon Graffiti: an Uguisu Morph

This video features a selection of computer-generated artifacts at various locations around Japan.

* * * * *


+ a Forest within a Forest

This video, narrated by a masked AUJIK member named Nashi, explores some of the group's thoughts on technological singularity and artificial selection. AUJIK suggests that the tension between "original" nature (trees, rocks, animals, etc.) and "refined" nature (human technology) is decreasing, and that the two are converging. The group believes it is possible to accelerate this convergence by creating organic/synthetic artifacts such as the ones that appear in the video.

* * * * *


+ YUKI

This video shows two children interacting with a robotic tree in a snowy landscape.

* * * * *


+ KIIA

This video shows an organic robotic artifact growing from a tree trunk. The music was created from the sound of cicadas.

* * * * *


+ an Anomalous Garden

In this video, an AUJIK member named Madoka explains her thoughts on pattern recognition and how it relates to emotions and consciousness.

[More: QNQ/AUJIK]

Fade Out: Laser-excited luminescent image display

16 Sep 2010

Fade Out, an eye-catching visual display system developed by media artists Daito Manabe and Motoi Ishibashi, uses laser beams to "print" ephemeral glow-in-the-dark images on a wall-mounted screen coated with photoluminescent paint.


+ Video

After the computer receives and processes a digital image (in this case, a webcam snapshot), ultraviolet laser beams are fired at the photoluminescent screen to produce square pixels of glowing green light. Subtle gradations are created by controlling the timing of the laser shots and allowing the darker portions of the image to fade. The completed image gradually disappears as the glow of the screen grows dim.

The novelty of the system seems to make it well-suited for use in entertainment and advertising, and the creators are now looking at ways to create glowing images in liquid and on irregular surfaces.

Here is some video of the system being tested on a human face.


+ Video

[Via: World Business Satellite]

Addictive ads, 1894-1954

14 Sep 2010

Here is a collection of Japanese advertisements for drinks and smokes (1894-1954).

Vintage ad --
Hero Cigarettes, 1894

Vintage ad --
Tokio Beer, 1896-1906

Vintage ad --
Chūyū Cigarettes, 1900

Vintage ad --
Peacock Cigarettes, 1902

Vintage ad --
Kabuto Beer, 1911

Vintage ad --
Dai Nippon Brewery Company, 1912

Vintage ad --
Kembang Beer (Sakura Beer export label), 1912-1916

Vintage ad --
Sakura Beer, 1924

Vintage ad --
Umegatani sake, 1926

Vintage ad --
Sakura Beer, 1928-1932

Vintage ad --
Cascade Beer, 1929

Vintage ad --
Yebisu Beer, 1930

Vintage ad --
Minori Cigarettes, 1930

Vintage ad -- Vintage ad --
"Tobacco Profits for National Defense" Week, 1930 // Hibiki Cigarettes, 1932

Vintage ad --
Urara Cigarettes, 1932

Vintage ad --
Kirin Beer, 1933

Vintage ad --
Zuigan sake, 1934

Vintage ad --
Takara shōchū, 1935-1938

Vintage ad --
Gekkeikan sake, 1935-1938

Vintage ad --
"Defense for country, tobacco for society" (South Kyoto Tobacco Sellers' Union), 1937

Vintage ad --
Sakura Beer, 1938

Vintage ad --
Kirin Beer, 1939

Vintage ad --
Anti-black market poster (violators face 3 years in prison, 50,000 yen fine), 1948

Vintage ad --
Message from Japan Monopoly Corporation, 1954

[Sources: Tabako Omoshiro Catalog Zukan (Kodansha, 1987) and Meiji/Taisho/Showa O-Sake No Hōkoku Graffiti (Kokusho, 2006)]

Medical woodblock prints from 19th-century Japan

06 Sep 2010

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) maintains a collection of 400 health-themed woodblock prints from 19th-century Japan. The collection -- which includes drug advertisements, illustrated instructions for treating and preventing contagious diseases, and visual guides to the human body -- offers a unique look at Japanese medical knowledge in the late Edo and early Meiji periods. Here are a few images from the collection.

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Ad for Kinder-Puwder, King of Pediatric Drugs -- Morikawa Chikashige, 1880 [+]

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Chasing measles away -- Utagawa Yoshimori, 1862

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Ten realms within the body -- Utagawa Kuniteru III, c. 1885 [+]

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Pills to cure toxic illnesses such as syphilis and gonorrhea -- Artist unknown, late 19th century

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Protective gods help good drugs fight evil disease -- Utagawa Yoshikazu, 1858 [+]

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Hōsō-e talisman print to ward off smallpox -- Artist unknown, c. 1849

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Ad for drug to improve handwriting and reading skills -- Utagawa Yoshitsuya, 1862

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Foods that can be eaten by measles patients -- Utagawa Yoshimori, 1860s

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Pregnancy guide -- Hamano Teisuke, 1880 [+]

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Eye, ear, nose and hand -- Ochiai Yoshiiku, c. 1865

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Defeating cholera -- Kimura Takejiro, 1886 [+]

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Hōsō-e talisman print to ward off smallpox -- Utagawa Toyohisa II, c. 1830

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Three mighty men conquering measles -- Ochiai Yoshiiku, 1870s [+]

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Measles treatment -- Ochiai Yoshiiku, 1862

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Teaching on harmonious body and mind -- Utagawa Yoshikatsu, 1850 [+]

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Measles-themed hand game -- Utagawa Yoshitsuya, 1862

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Illustrated guide to parental obligations -- Utagawa Yoshitora, 1880 [+]

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Shinto god from Izumo province for preventing measles -- Taiso Yoshitoshi, 1862

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Seller of eyeglasses -- Katsushika Hokusai, c. 1811-1814

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Hōsō-e talisman print to ward off smallpox -- Utagawa Yoshitsuru, c. 1849

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Illustrated account of cholera prevention -- Taiso Yoshitoshi, 1877 [+]

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Bodily functions personified as popular kabuki actors -- Artist unknown, late 19th century [+]

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Methods for preventing measles -- Utagawa Fusatane, 1858 [+]

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Defeating measles (personified as a child) -- Utagawa Yoshifuji, c. 1840

Health-themed ukiyoe print --
Pregnant women playing in summer heat (5 heads, 10 bodies) -- Utagawa Kunitoshi, 1881 [+]

[Link: UCSF Japanese Woodblock Print Collection]

Photos: Good Design Expo 2010

30 Aug 2010

Good Design 2010 --

This year's Good Design Expo, which took place at Tokyo Big Sight over the weekend (Aug 27-29), showcased over 2,000 design-conscious items under consideration for the 2010 Good Design Award. Here are photos of a few items that were on display.

Good Design 2010 --
Goya de Goya: Goya (a.k.a. bitter melon) planter bag that resembles a giant goya (Protoleaf)

Good Design 2010 --
Tomato ni Tomato: Tomato planter bag that resembles a giant tomato (Protoleaf)

Good Design 2010 --
Sola Cube: Botanical materials encased in cubes of acrylic (Sola)

Good Design 2010 --
GreenMarker: Grassy page markers (yuruliku DESIGN)

Good Design 2010 -- Good Design 2010 --
Nature LED bulb (Advanced-Connectek) // QLD-104 coral-inspired LED table lamp (Qisda)

Good Design 2010 --
X-Frame Folding Vehicle alters shape to suit driving style (Nagoya Institute of Technology)

Good Design 2010 --
USB Clip: Tiny USB flash drive that doubles as paper clip (Emami Design)

Good Design 2010 --
Tongue cleaners (Green Bell)

Good Design 2010 --
Kinpachi-Mikan mandarin orange boxes (Kadoya Keshouhin)

Good Design 2010 --
Centry outdoor security robot (Dongbu)

Good Design 2010 --
Pebble salt and pepper shaker set (Kyung Ran Choi)

Good Design 2010 -- Good Design 2010 --
Itamimai rice bags (Itami Sangyo Co., Ltd.)

Good Design 2010 -- Good Design 2010 --
Itamimai rice bags (Itami Sangyo Co., Ltd.)

Good Design 2010 --
Metaphys Cortina humidifier (Gourmandise Inc.)

Good Design 2010 --
LOVE packing peanuts (minna + TooR Inc.)

Good Design 2010 --
Lightweight milk bottles (Toyo Glass)

Good Design 2010 -- Good Design 2010 --
Tread-Walk: Treadmill-controlled personal mobility robot (Waseda University)

Good Design 2010 --
Underwater camera housing (Sigma)

Good Design 2010 --
Cartoon Box: Trixi Box - Sushi (Grupo BdeB)

Good Design 2010 --
Zou-san cutter: Elephant-shaped tape dispenser (Nichiban)

Good Design 2010 --
Bags made from recycled brewer malt waste (Kouhei Okamoto)

Good Design 2010 --
Rainbow-colored toilet paper made from 100% recycled paper (Felissimo)

Good Design 2010 --
Candles modeled after traditional Japanese confectioneries (Pegasus Candle)

Good Design 2010 --
Candles modeled after traditional Japanese confectioneries (Pegasus Candle)

Good Design 2010 --
Docomo SH-02B Marimekko mobile phone (Sharp, NTT)

Good Design 2010 --
Bone Float: Bone-shaped pens that balance/rotate on stand (Zero Seiko)

Good Design 2010 --
Kaori honey wine (Minenoyuki Ltd. + Miyagi University)

Good Design 2010 --
Sony Vaio

Good Design 2010 --
t-pod

Good Design 2010 --
Angled drinking glass to minimize neck movement

Good Design 2010 --
Wooden bicycle (Sano Magic)

Good Design 2010 -- Good Design 2010 --
Wooden bicycle (Sano Magic)

Good Design 2010 --
Wooden bicycle (Sano Magic)

Good Design 2010 --
Art Setouchi publicity fans

Good Design 2010 --
TOFU DX professional makeup sponge (CrossMarket Inc.)

Vintage Tokyo subway manner posters

09 Aug 2010

Here are a few manner posters that appeared in the Tokyo subways between 1976 and 1982.

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Three annoying train monsters (October 1982)

The three annoying train monsters shown in the poster are Nesshii (the sleeping monster), Asshii (the leg-crossing monster), and Shinbunshii (the newspaper-reading monster).

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Don't throw chewing gum on the platform (September 1976)

Even Superman is no match for chewing gum discarded on the train platform.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
The Seat Monopolizer (July 1976)

Inspired by Charlie Chaplin's "The Great Dictator," this poster encourages passengers not to take up more seat space than necessary.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Don't forget your umbrella (June 1977)

This poster of the high-class courtesan Agemaki (from the kabuki play "Sukeroku"), whose captivating beauty was said to make men forgetful, is meant to remind passengers to take their umbrellas when they leave the train.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Space Invader (March 1979)

This 1979 poster pays tribute to the extremely popular Space Invaders video arcade game and encourages passengers to read their newspapers without invading the space of other passengers.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Isami-ashi: Wait behind the white line (May 1979)

The image of sumo wrestlers locked in combat serves as a reminder for passengers to stand safely behind the white line when waiting for the train.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Don't forget your umbrella (October 1981)

The text at the top of this poster -- which shows Jesus overwhelmed with umbrellas at the Last Supper -- reads "Kasane-gasane no kami-danomi" (lit. "Wishing to God again and again"). The poster makes a play on the words "kasa" (umbrella) and "kasane-gasane" (again and again).

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Shimatta (March 1977)

This poster warns passengers against getting their shoulder bags caught in the train doors.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Coughing on the platform (January 1979)

Modeled after the paintings of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, this poster -- titled "Hōmu de Concon" (coughing on the platform) -- urges people not to smoke on the train platforms during the designated non-smoking hours (7:00-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM). The poster makes a play on the words "concon" (coughing sound) and "cancan" (French chorus line dance).

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Dream at home (December 1981)

This poster, which features Doraemon dressed as Santa, encourages Christmas and end-of-year drunks not to pass out on the train.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
The Non-Thinker (May 1981)

The image of a cross-legged version of Auguste Rodin's "The Thinker" aims to encourage passengers to sit in a way that is considerate of other passengers.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Kappa, (August 1979)

The image of a kappa (river imp) against a backdrop of lit cigarettes serves as a reminder not to smoke on the platform during the designated non-smoking hours (7:00-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM). The text at the top of the poster reads "Gaman gurai wa he no kappa," which translates loosely as "waiting is no big deal."

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Umbrellas left behind in the subway (June 1976)

This Marilyn Monroe poster aims to remind passengers to take their umbrellas with them when they leave the train. The text in the top right corner -- "Kaerazaru kasa" (umbrella of no return) -- is a play on "Kaerazaru Kawa," the Japanese title for "River of No Return," the 1954 movie starring Monroe.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
I'll stand up (July 1979)

Uesugi Teppei, a character from the popular manga "Ore wa Teppei," offers to give up his seat to the elderly and infirm.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Do not rush onto the train (April 1979)

This poster advises passengers not to rush onto the train at the last moment. The text (かけこみ禁寺) is a play on the words かけこみ禁止 (kakekomi kinshi - "don't rush onto the train") and かけこみ寺 (Kakekomi-dera - Kakekomi temple), which has long been known as a sanctuary for married women fleeing their husbands.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Clearly show your train pass (September 1978)

The image of Napoleon holding a partially concealed train pass is meant to remind passengers to clearly show their train passes to the station attendant when passing through the gates. The dictionary page in the background appears to be a reference to Napoleon's famous quote, "The word 'impossible' is not in my dictionary."

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Humans are forgetful (February 1976)

This poster, which reminds passengers to take their belongings when they leave the train, shows Astro Boy returning a forgotten hat and umbrella to his creator, Osamu Tezuka.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
When the bell chimes, it's too late (April 1977)

This poster, which depicts Cinderella rushing from the ball at the stroke of midnight, is meant to warn passengers against the danger of trying to rush into the train after the departure chime sounds.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Mary is tired (December 1977)

The image of Mary carrying baby Jesus aims to encourage passengers to give up their seats to mothers with small children.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
No smoking during non-smoking hours (October 1980)

The "Journey to the West" monkey urges passengers not to smoke on the platform during the designated non-smoking hours (7:00-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM).

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
You've had too much to drink (October 1976)

This October 1976 poster of a drinking Santa is addressed to the drunks on the train. The text, loosely translated, reads: "I look like Santa because you've had too much to drink. It's only October. If you drink, be considerate of the other passengers."

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Wasureemon (June 1980)

Doraemon offers a friendly reminder not to forget your umbrella. The text at the bottom is a suggestion to write your name, address and company name (or school name) on your possessions.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Marcel Marceau (October 1978)

Marcel Marceau gestures toward a priority seat reserved for elderly and handicapped passengers, expecting mothers, and passengers accompanying small children.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
I stepped in gum (March 1980)

The image of a cat stepping in gum is a playful twist on the popular children's song "Neko Funjatta" ("I Stepped on a Cat").

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Clearly show your train pass (September 1976)

This poster is a reminder for passengers to clearly show their train passes to the station attendant, even when they fly like Superman through the ticket gates.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Please open it (July 1977)

This poster of a melting snowman aims to encourage passengers seated near a window to let cool air in when it is hot inside.

* * * * *

Vintage Japanese train manner poster --
Non-smoking Time (November 1982)

The image of John Wayne on a mock cover of Time magazine serves as a reminder not to smoke on the platform during non-smoking hours (7:00-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM).

* * * * *

[Source: Manner Poster 100, published by Teito Rapid Transit Authority, 1983]

99 cute trademarked characters from Japan

03 Aug 2010

Here is a collection of 99 cute characters summoned from the depths of the Japanese Figure Trademark Database. These friendly critters appear in a variety of settings ranging from company logos and promotional materials to product packaging and advertising.

Cute Japanese character -- Kawaii Japanese character -- Cute Japanese mascot --

Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character -- Kawaii Japanese character --

Cute Japanese promotional character -- Cute Japanese idol -- Cute Japanese character --

Cute Japanese logo -- Kawaii Japanese promotional character -- Cute Japanese character --

Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character --

Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character --

Cute Japanese character -- Kawaii Japanese character -- Cute Japanese promotional mascot --

Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character --

Cute Japanese promotional character -- Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character --

Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese idol -- Cute Japanese character --

Cute Japanese logo -- Kawaii Japanese promotional character -- Cute Japanese mascot --

Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese promotional character -- Cute Japanese character --

Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character --

Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese promotional character --

Cute Japanese promotional character -- Kawaii Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character --

Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character --

Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese idol -- Cute Japanese mascot --

Cute Japanese logo -- Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character --

Cute Japanese promotional character -- Kawaii Japanese promotional character -- Cute Japanese character --

Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character --

Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese idol -- Cute Japanese promotional mascot --

Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character --

Cute Japanese promotional character -- Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character --

Cute Japanese character -- Kawaii Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character --

Cute Japanese logo -- Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character --

Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character --

Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character --

Cute Japanese logo -- Cute Japanese idol -- Cute Japanese mascot --

Cute Japanese promotional character -- Kawaii Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character --

Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character --

Cute Japanese logo -- Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character --

Cute Japanese promotional character -- Kawaii Japanese character -- Cute Japanese promotional mascot --

Cute Japanese logo -- Cute Japanese character -- Cute Japanese character --

This collection represents only a small portion of the figurative trademarks found in the Japanese Figure Trademark Database. To explore the contents, go to the search page and plug in the Vienna Classification category numbers for the type of figure you would like to see.

The database does not provide explanatory information about the characters, nor does it indicate the names of the companies that employ them.

[Thanks to Japanese Trademarks for pointing the way!]

Proletarian posters from 1930s Japan

08 Jul 2010

In the 1930s, a new style of poster emerged that reflected the growing significance of the masses in Japanese society. These artistic posters borrowed elements from Western design and often incorporated bold slogans with political, economic and educational themes. Here are a few examples.

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Health Exercises for the People (Bureau of Postal Insurance, 1930)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Tohoku Area Famine Relief (Federation of Tokyo Area Proletarian Organizations, 1931)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
The 2nd Proletarian Art Grand Exhibition (Japan Proletarian Artists Federation, 1929)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Workers and Farmers Russian Art Exhibit (Japan Proletarian Art League, 1927)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Listen! Workers of All Nations! (1931)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Safety Leads to Efficiency (Labor Welfare Association, 1932)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Proletarian Art Institute (1930)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Poster for The Proletarian Graph Magazine (Proletarian News Company, 1929)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Indulging in Alcohol Ruins Your Health (Labor Welfare Association, 1932)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Harufusa Ohashi (Election Poster for Labor-Farmer Party, 1928)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Come, the Dawn of Mankind is Breaking (Farmers' Theater Performance, 1928)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
National Bonds for the Sino-Japanese War (Ministry of Finance, 1937)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
The Grand National Exhibition of Advancing Japan (City of Gifu, 1936)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Records of a Victory (Leftist Theater's 20th Performance, 1931)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
A Town With No Sun (Leftist Theater's 14th Performance, 1930)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
A Happy Worker Makes a Happy Home (Labor Welfare Association, 1932)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Rise, All Japanese Citizens (Imperial Rule Assistance Association, 1940)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
The Key to Harmony Is the Spirit of Mutual Help (Ehime Factory Improvement Committee, 1929)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
To Manchuria! (Ministry of Overseas Affairs, 1927)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Poster for Taishu [The Masses] Magazine (Taishusha, 1929)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Kusunoki Masashige Festival (Kenkoku Kai, 1931)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Mobilizing All Citizens and Organizations for the Nation (Industrial Guilds Central Committee, 1937)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Pay a Living Wage (Japan Textile Workers' Union, 1930)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Prevent Tuberculosis (Ministry of Home Affairs - Social Affairs Bureau, 1930)

Poster from 1930s Japan --
Clean Up Before Make Up (Labor Welfare Association, 1932)

[Source: "Japanese Posters and Handbills in the 1930s - Communication in Mass Society," published by National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, 2001]