Houseware and gifts fairs at the Hong Kong Convention Centre
 
April was a busy month for trade fairs in Hong Kong, two large fairs: Houseware and textiles, Gifts and printing fairs all took place within two weeks. Apart from local design studios, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors, there were also companies from around [...]

Main: Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku; bottom left: Yuse's sandwich tags; bottom right: fun fish pencil cases
 
With so many cool and unique design shops all over Tokyo, it is almost impossible to give a comprehensive list, so here is an overview of just some of them:
Omotesando
Tokyo's Tokyo ( 4-30-3 Jingumae) - Located on [...]

Tokyo Big Sight
 
Even though I have a slight phobia visiting trade fairs, sometimes it is the easiest and most direct way to meet potential suppliers and designers and see their products in person. I found out about the Tokyo gift fair while I was planning my annual trip to Asia, and decided [...]

 
I would say that I am an adventurous traveler and am always willing to try something new. When planning my business/ leisure trip to Japan, due to my late arrival time, I had the option of taking the night bus from Tokyo to Kyoto or staying overnight in Tokyo and then taking [...]

 
I stumbled upon the Re:new Tohoku: a tradition of perfection brought to life for you exhibition at Asia House by chance, and while I was there, I chatted to the organisers who then kindly invited me to the buyer's event later in the evening.
This exhibition showcases beautiful Japanese handicrafts and design products [...]

As soon as I heard that Naoto Fukasawa (Japanese product designer and advisor for MUJI) will be in town to give a talk at the Design Museum, I booked the ticket immediately knowing that it will be sold-out event (and I was right). I have always liked his minimalist designs i.e. his [...]

In the past, I couldn't resist shopping endlessly whenever I went to Tokyo; nowadays, I shop a lot less but I still can't resist the wonderful Japanese stationery. My favourite stationery shop in the world is Ito-ya in Ginza, where my friend and I could spend more than 3 hours wandering up [...]

Again, I was supposed to write about this right after I got back from Asia... it has taken me a while to sort out the photos but I really want to share the goodies I brought back from Tokyo because they are so weird and wonderful!
 
Pianissimo ViV Menthol cigarettes
I am no [...]

While I was in Tokyo, I was glad to be invited to our Tokyo designer, Yuruliku's studio in Ochanomizu, an area which I have never visited before. There are many university campuses and musical instruments stores here (which I later discovered when my friend and I got very lost).
Foolishly, I left the [...]

In Tokyo Midtown, I visited the Good design award exhibition 2011 exhibited this year's award-winning Japanese designs. My favourite was DoCoMo's ad for their Touchwood mobile phone, Xylophone of the Forest (click on the link to watch the amazing film). The campaign was cancelled because it launched on the day the tsunami [...]