Where's Lala? Find Her in Yoyogikoen & On Your Devices!

Lala is always around somewhere in my mind, but she is physically around too--and in particular, in the Yoyogikoen (Yoyogi Park) area.  She has been at the bakery cafe Le Chalet - Levain, at is a permanent fixture at Le Cafe Barney.

Am now going to introduce you to a couple of other places too where she makes the occasional appearance.  One is Newport Cafe, where they have the best vegetable plate lunch with homemade pita bread and falafels in town--you must try it with their hot chai too!  The other is Acot, a pastry store that is only open a few days a week.  Love the macrobiotic sweets the owner-baker makes too!

Of course, you can also find Lala at plate tokyo until then end of this month, and on your devices as well--the free eBook promo is on now until Tue Oct 14 11:59 PM PST (Wed Oct 15 3:59 PM Tokyo time) and find her LINE Stickers here: https://store.line.me/stickershop/product/1013309/en too!

Newport Cafe: nwpt.jp

Acot: acot-blog.jp

Le Cafe Barney: le-barney.com

Special Note, they just celebrated their 2nd Anniversary in September!  Congratulations to the lovely owner couple--Lala & I just love your everything about Cafe Barney!!

Le Chalet - Levain: levain317.jugem.jp

Their seasonal bread of the month is kabocha, Japanese pumpkin!!  Just look at them!! I had the staff to make me their famous goma miso, sesame miso sandwich on their pumpkin bread!!

~ Day 10 Urara-chan & Lala's new home(s)

It's been crazy, in a very good sense, since the opening of otona kyutto!  I made so many new friends and met many old ones too!  And it's not even half way through the show yet.

The best part is that I get to chat with people--talking about art, food, and other things, to enjoy some delicious food, and the chance to show my original works along with my digital ones.  Some were pleasantly surprised at the fact they were getting the originals of the LINE Stickers they are using!

Yes, Urara-chan and Lala have found news homes!!  Am always very happy when people I know have my work up on their walls, but it humbles me when people I have just met or didn't even know decide to purchase my original paintings.  I really can't thank everyone enough!

And the opening party on the 6th was extremely successful, only because of the people who showed up to support me, and that of course including the amazing DJs Kei Shiratori & Yutaka Kitamura, my friend who had kindly arrange for my yukata, and the amazing staff of plate tokyo!  Of course, I have to share with you the beautiful flowers and red sparkling wine I received.  Red sparkling?!  You heard right!!

There is this priceless human connection full of positive energy that others bring to me, and I hope I can do the same for others.  There is still 20 plus days to go.  So, please come by and say hi, and let's spread the joy around!!

Highlights: Honda RA272

The 1965 Honda RA272, the first Formula One race car that won a Japanese carmarker its Grand Prix title. Saw the real thing last year at Tokyo Motor Show, and decided that I have to paint it (just like the 1935 Nissan Datsun rabbit motif)!  What a beauty it was and still is!!  It is one of the midokoro or "highlights" of and reason for otona kyutto.

otona kyutto Day 1: Setup and Lunch

Lala and Urara-chan have happily made themselves at home at plate tokyo!! Thank you to Ayano-san and her wonderful staff at plate tokyo for making this possible.

Autumn is finally here, and otona kyutto starts today! Was setting up since 9:30 this morning.  I needed lots of help to pull this exhibition off.  Am very glad it was done on time, and we could enjoy a fantastic lunch--you can tell I love their food, since there are as many pictures of food as my paintings!  Hahaha......

Yes, we are all waiting for you!!  Please come by, have a delicious meal and or drink, while enjoying some artwork.  Paintings on display include "my favourite thing series"--vintage Miura, Lady Dior......and of course Lala and Urara-chan. You can even see some of the original paintings used for my LINE Stickers!

otona kyutto

Mon Sep 1 – Tue Sep 30 2014
plate tokyo
1f 1-11-6 Nishiazabu, Minato, Tokyo
Everyday from 12 PM to 12 AM (last order)

plate tokyo
ホテル & レジデンス六本木
東京都港区西麻布1-11-6 1f

A Sneak Preview II: Lottusse - Cambridge Oxfords

Here's another preview for next week's show, otona kyutto.  I was lucky enough to have tried on many pairs Lottusse, the Spanish heritage footwear brand with over 130 years of history, at a special viewing last month.  Was amazingly surprised at the comfort, look & feel, and quality of their shoes.  Fell in love with their "Cambridge" oxfords, and just had to paint it!  Now, am waiting to own my personal pair of customized Lottusse!!

Notice the rougher brush strokes?  That's because the real shoe is of naturally tanned leather, and was individual crafted to have this particular look!

www.lottusse.com

A Sneak Preview: Lady Dior - Pink Alstroemeria Flower

Why did I name my upcoming show "otona kyutto," cute grown up?  It's because there is such a thing as elegant or sophisticated cute.  The SS2014 Lady Dior -  pink alstroemeria flower handbag is one of such example.  So, here's a sneak preview of what is going to be on display next month.  And contrary to what I am usually known for painting--characters and simplified representations, this illustration is more realistic.  Now, you do have to say, it is still cute, no?

A side note:  The handbag Lala is holding in the poster for otona kyutto is also for the same collection, Lady Dior

jodisam.com/otona-kyutto

otona kyutto

As previously mentioned, I am honoured to be holding my second 2014 show at plate tokyo. otona kyutto will run for the entire month of September.

Mon Sep 1 - Tue Sep 30 2014
plate tokyo
1f 1-11-6 Nishiazabu, Minato, Tokyo
Everyday from 12 PM to 12 AM (last order)

Opening Party Sat Sep 6 from 2 PM to 6 PM
With the very special DJs Kei Shiratori & Yutaka Kitamura

"Otona Kyutto" means "grownup cute" in English, but for me it is more like "cute grownup".  In keeping with the name, the paintings on show this time is a little more sophisticated, focusing on my vintage and fashion inspired works.  Vintage cars and phones, classic accessories, along with pieces featured in the Bulletin Magazine's, "tokyo trend" will be on display.  Maybe even some wine?! Someone did say the spelling should have been "kyuuto", which is correct. But I went for the "tt" instead. Hahaha......

plate tokyo is a modern french restaurant that offers fantastic food, and just as my philosophy towards a fulfilling life "great food, great wine, and great company," it is the place to be!  Please see the link below for my full report of the place, as well as their official (did I mentioned beautiful too?) website:

jodisam.com/blog/2014/07/05/platetokyo-js-exhibition
arigatoinc.com/plate

I can't wait to see everyone one there!

*Since the format is a little different from my last show, I will not be at venue most of the time.  Please do contact me in advance, and I will try to meet as many of you there as possible*

Here is the address in Japanese:

plate tokyo
ホテル & レジデンス六本木
東京都港区西麻布1-11-6 1f

plate tokyo and Fall 2014 Exhibition

With deadlines looming and lots on my "plate" these days, what could be better than visiting one of the best causal, but exceptional French restaurants in Tokyo for a late lunch meeting?

plate tokyo, located in the chic Nishi-Azabu area, is wonderful with an amazing menu from single dishes to course menus ranging anywhere from 1000 yen to 8000+ yen.  Their special priced lunches are not only available during weekdays, but on weekends as well--a rarity here in Japan.

The ingredients are fresh, the cooking is superb, and the atmosphere is relaxing.  I am a lover of great food, but not stuffy and uptight surroundings.  The cheese board and wine selections are to die for!  What is even more impressive, is their personable service, and love of great music and arts.  They even produced their own CDs, and have artists showing their works on a monthly basis.

The owner, Ayano-san, is as attentive as she is cute.  Feel free to drop by plate tokyo anytime, for some great food, or even just a glass of wine, though you really should try a couple of their amazing dishes!

Thank you everyone at plate tokyo for making my stressful life, more relaxed and delicious. Can't wait until my next visit there!

arigatoinc.com/plate
+81(0)8046899059

* A special advance notice: Am honoured to be holding my new exhibition at plate tokyo from Sep 1 to 30 2014

For the Love of Vintage and Cars

If you have been following my posts for some time now, you would know that I have a particular thing for vintage and cars.  So, was amazingly excited when I got to see a vintage Lamborghini Miura up close back in April!  Took some pictures, and of course, decided to paint the beauty.  Though it is not an exact replica of the car, am hoping I did it some justice!  What would my many car-loving friends say?  Hahaha…...

Note: see that cute UFO-like antenna on the top?  How can you say no to that?