Tomoko Hara and Sarah Deschamps

Modern Tokyo Times

The Tokyo fashion and beauty scene is always evolving and this applies to new companies entering the market, companies expanding and a host of other areas. It is often difficult to keep up because of the wealth of information. Therefore, this article is focused on recent developments within the fashion and beauty scene of buzzing Tokyo. Also, for the latest news then (http://en.fashion-headline.com/) Fashion Headline is a very powerful website to visit for the latest vibes of what is happening in Tokyo and throughout Japan.

Dr Denim from Sweden will open up a pop-up store in the iconic Laforet Harajuku from the middle of April to the ending of July in 2013. This will be the first time for Dr Denim to enter the vibrant Tokyo fashion scene and not surprisingly they picked the vibes of Harajuku. Denim pants for men and women from various stylish angles will be available to Tokyoites. The enormous pull of this company can be seen by the 1.6 million sales of their “KISSY” jeans which proved such a success for the female market of this company.

Aesop from Australia continues to expand in Japan and a new store was recently opened in Shibuya. The districts of Shibuya and Harajuku are known internationally because of the vibrant youthful nature of both fashionable districts therefore it is easy to understand the logic of Dr Denim and Aesop. However, within these two amazing fashion districts you have ample space for the crème de la crème of Japanese and international boutiques – and other companies in the cosmetic sector and so forth – which cater for different ages. After all, the closeness of Omotesando and Aoyama means that you have many overlaps whereby the target market changes quickly.

On the Aesop website it states that “Aesop was established in Melbourne in 1987 with a quest to create a range of superlative products for the skin, hair and body. We are committed to using both plant-based and laboratory-made ingredients of the highest quality and proven efficacy – particularly those with the greatest anti-oxidant properties.”

Planet Blue from trendy Los Angeles opened its first select shop in the district of Roppongi Hills. This part of Tokyo is where you have many embassies located and also at night the international mix can be felt deeply. Therefore, Roppongi Hills is famous for many exquisite companies and the nightlife scene also attracts many individuals. It is known that famous people like Sharon Stone cherish this company and the vibes of America can be felt strongly within many parts of the Tokyo fashion scene. The famous Malibu lifestyle and innovative thought patterns are also connected within the fashion scene of Los Angeles therefore Roppongi Hills seems like a perfect match to open their first shop in Japan called “Planet blue world.”

If you adore luxury cosmetics and other products related to this sector then the Parco Department Store in Kichijoji is well worth a visit because the “Isetan MiRROR Make & Cosmetics” area boasts many exquisite companies. Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings produced this luxury concept in early 2012 which witnessed the opening of this idea in Lumine Department Store in Shinjuku. The recently opened venture in Kichijoji is the sixth to open and clearly Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings believes that this new angle is a major step to enhancing the reputation of this vibrant company.

In Kichijoji you have thirteen major Japanese and international brands within “Isetan MiRROR Make & Cosmetics” in Parco. This applies to the brands of Chanel, Yves Saint-Lauren, Addiction, Isetan MiRROR beaute, Lancome, NARS, KOBAKO, Global Shiseido, CLINQUE, CLARINS, Helena Rubinstein, bareMinerals and Laura Mercier.

Other important developments are also happening and this is the beauty of the vibrant Tokyo scene. Also, with many department stores in Tokyo starting 2013 in a good vein when it comes to sales, then you have a nice fresh impetus to the buzzing fashion and beauty sectors.

Lee Jay Walker gave guidance to both writers
http://en.fashion-headline.com/ Fashion Headline

http://www.aesop.com/au/about_aesop/ Aesop

http://shopplanetblue.com/ Planet blue

http://en.fashion-headline.com/article/2013/04/11/705.html Planet blue Tokyo venture

http://www.drdenimjeans.com/ Dr Denim

http://www.fashion-headline.com/ Fashion Headline (Japanese)

https://twitter.com/FASHIONHL Fashion Headline on Twitter

http://en.fashion-headline.com/article/2013/04/09/689.html

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

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Walter Sebastian and Hiroshi Saito

Modern Tokyo Times

The American dollar and Japanese yen trade directly with the currency of China because of respective agreements. Australia is now following a similar path because an agreement was etched out between this nation and China. Therefore, the Australian dollar will also trade directly with the Chinese yuan.

Over the last decade it is abundantly clear that the influence of China keeps on growing because of major economic growth. Now political leaders in China and senior economists want to move to the next stage whereby this nation can play a more important currency role. The timing seems right for both Australia and China because both nations have largely protected themselves from the worst of the negative global economy. Also, with the eurozone remaining weak then a more competitive currency market is needed but clearly China is still in the early stages because this currency remains protected.

It is clear that China, Iran, the Russian Federation and many others want to see either a more diverse currency system whereby alternatives can be found to challenge the dominance of the US dollar – or to create a stable alternative reserve currency which is used in order to prevent volatility. Therefore, while the yuan is far from being fully convertible it is still apparent that strides are being made.

The Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard, is focused on expanding trade with China and to cut costs for both sides in the area of business. In the past Julia Gillard had previously hinted that the yuan should play a more powerful international role whereby this currency becomes a powerful reserve. President Xi Jinping of China also spoke about enhancing and developing new relations with Australia based on the past decade between both nations.

Julia Gillard stated that the new currency deal with China will be “…a huge advantage for Australia….Not only for our big businesses, but also for our small and medium enterprises that want to do business here. This is a strategic step forward for Australia as we add to our economic engagement with China.”

The Daily Telegraph states that “Ms Gillard has used her five-day trip to announce a trade fair in Shanghai to promote Australian tourism and investment. However, she and her Chinese counterparts have made little progress on a long-stalled free-trade agreement which has been under negotiation for eight years.”

Australia was a natural nation to pick for China given similar agreements with America and Japan respectively. Also, with the crisis in the eurozone continuing then this route is currently not feasible. Of course, exports from Australia to China are primarily based on bulk commodities – including coal and iron ore – therefore the dynamics of the new agreement will take time before real changes are under way. However, the new deal bodes well for both nations and it is yet another indicator about the changing dynamics of China.

Lee Jay Walker gave guidance to both main writers

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/currency/9978615/Australia-to-trade-currency-directly-with-Chinas-yuan.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22075345

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The artist Paul Gauguin explains much about humanity and this applies to the mass contradictions which are based in all cultures and faiths. It is these “biased lenses” which still taint the genius of Gauguin. Therefore, one of the greatest artists to bless the art world is still being treated with a whiff of “moral indignation.” However, this “moral indignation” which can’t be found in “a world of contradictions;” doesn’t dig into the reality of an individual who suffered a great deal of hardship and pain. Also, these “biased lenses” can’t penetrate into his heart and reach into the reasons behind his actions during the later stages of his life.

Irrespective of the real “Gauguin” which will depend on each individual his art should be viewed and appreciated for what it is. In this sense, all the distractions and hyper-sensitivity surrounding this complex individual should be “thrown out of the window.” After all, much is based “on a mirage” because Gauguin was a very deep thinker and his intensions and what he became were based on circumstances. However, these circumstances and the real reality of his life near the end remains only known to Gauguin.

Gauguin lived a life which many individuals can’t understand and whatever he became it happened because of the world that he witnessed. Like many individuals thrown on the scrap heap of life he desired redemption if only a real break would occur. However, with the clock ticking and family pressure he could no longer dream or clutch at straws because poverty became his reality.

Gauguin stated that “I glimpse poetry “and his strong imagination and creative spirit could turn the mundane into “a spark of high intensity.”  It is clear that he had high intellect and his art form is full of richness and shows the diversity of his life.

Prior to taking up art Gauguin showed no real tendencies of individuality and providing for his family would be a constant worry for him. However, Gauguin was blessed with sublime gifts but he could not “create like our divine Master” because the ravages of life and reality shackled him and pointed a dagger at his heart.

He knew that family obligations were important but with each new winter it was clear that he had to make a stark choice.  This must have put a terrible burden on Gauguin because he knew his gifts were indeed great but he was trapped like a bird in a cage.

Finally he broke free from a life of normality and Gauguin desired to generate wealth in order to support his family and to bless the world with exquisite art.  Gauguin stated “without art there is no salvation” and clearly his inner soul saw a political picture which remained aloof from the majority of people.

However, the struggle for survival tore at his heart and the more fellow artists appreciated his talents and the closer he got to the “promise land,” the greater the rejection when poverty was all that remained. Also, Gauguin’s favorite daughter Aline died of pneumonia and Clovis, his son, died from a blood infection.  Therefore, his world was full of darkness and where was the justice that failed to reward such a talented individual?

Instead of “without art there is no salvation” it now felt that with or without art there is no salvation.  The death of Aline, a daughter he cherished and who provided a ray of sunshine, must have hit home at all the futility of this life.

Adrian Searle (The Guardian) in his article called Paul Gauguin: guilty as charged comments that“Gauguin never gives us the whole story, probably because there isn’t one. He harks back to a culture that was already destroyed by missionaries and disease long before he arrived on Tahiti. He moves Mary and Joseph’s flight into Egypt to a Polynesian island, and the Calvary and crucifixion to Celtic Brittany. They are the possibilities of stories, rather than illustrations, allegories or history paintings. Their content is as mysterious as their color. He is almost a magic realist before the fact.

Further down in the article Adrian Searle continues by stating that “As Belinda Thomson makes clear in her excellent Tate catalogue essay, in looking at his work, what we have to overcome, first of all, is the embarrassment of Gauguin’s life and personality. Self-promotion and self-invention are inextricable from the art itself. Thomson shows us an artist, both outsider and careerist, who is a little bit dodgy in a way that anyone acquainted with today’s art world would recognize.”

However, you need to overcome nothing because Gauguin often lived in poverty and two of his children died very young.  Added to this was a genius who had so much to give but the cards never fell for him. Therefore, he must have felt abandoned in a cold world which did not cherish beauty but instead cherished materialism, corruption, and social stratification.

Tahiti wasn’t an illusion because all illusions had died in Europe and whatever Gauguin became, he only became this after every deck of cards had gone against him.  After all, Gauguin didn’t abandon his children but instead he tried to do the right thing by his family.

The Christian imagery in some of his work alludes to a mythical world where justice and the Garden of Eden can be reached. Tahiti with its past spirit of purity was being swallowed up and the same purity of Gauguin was equally being swallowed up.

The flesh that Gauguin is reviled for in some quarters may belong to the beholder because Gauguin had stated“I am inclined to a primitive state” and that Tahiti was a place “where material life can be lived without money.”

In life the Garden of Eden couldn’t be found in Europe and clearly Gauguin didn’t fear death. Therefore, “the primitive state” that he refers to was the primitive nature of this world because despite all the colonial presumptions of supremacy the truth was much simpler.

If Gauguin succumbed to “the apple” then he did so because of the reality of an unforgiving world which was based on injustice and trapping so many into the wretchedness of poverty and debt during his lifetime.

However, if he succumbed to “the apple” based on love after fleeing so much hardship and escaping convention, then who are we to judge given the reality of the world that Gauguin belonged – if Gauguin had impure intentions then he would have left his family well behind before this and he would have desired the flesh much earlier.

Tahiti was the last piece of the jigsaw in Gauguin’s life but it was only one piece belonging to a truly great artist. Therefore, when all the pieces are counted his artistic legacy is indeed great because he was a genius. Sadly, however, for most of his artistic life he struggled against massive adversity which would have broken many people. Yet Gauguin remained loyal to art irrespective of what life through at him because it was “a true love” which radiated his life.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2010/sep/27/paul-gauguin-tate-modern-exhibition　　PLEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO 

http://moderntokyotimes.com/2011/08/14/gauguin-in-print-japanese-influence/

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Updated version because of popular demand

Hiroshi Saito and James Jomo

Modern Tokyo Times

In Australia you are starting to see signs of a flagging economy which is in line with the current international trend. For so long the nations of Australia and China bucked the trend and provided much needed respites from the global malaise. However, it would appear now that Australia is finally catching the “international economic cold” and China looks to be following suit.

The eurozone continues to be hindered by issues related to debt, high unemployment, stagnation and other negative realities in certain nations which belong to this economic block. At the same time Japan is facing new internal weaknesses which continue to blight this nation. Meanwhile, the United States is continuing to see mixed results and unemployment remains stubbornly high.

In the previous second quarter in 2011 economic growth in Australia was 4.3% but in the second quarter this year the rate is 3.7%. Yet for some analysts this rate may deteriorate even more because of domestic and internal factors.

The chief economist at AMP Capital Investor, Shane Oliver, commented that “We are moving into a fairly risky phase of the Australian economy with the mining sector looking a bit ragged.”

At the same time demand for Australia’s natural resources in two key markets are showing negative signs. This applies to the nations of China and India where demand is currently slowing because of different respective factors.

In recent times the mining sector was very vibrant in Australia and clearly this reality boosted the economy of Australia greatly. Therefore, with the words of Shane Oliver stating that the mining sector is “looking a bit ragged” then the signs are pointing in the wrong direction.

Commodity prices in key areas are also creating internal problems related to investment and profit margins. For example the mining sector is witnessing the decreasing price of iron ore. The knock on effect of this is abundantly clear. Therefore, it is time for companies to be more prudent given the current market conditions internationally and in such key nations like China and India.

Domestic consumption in the internal market is another area causing alarm bells to be heard. Figures in July show retail sales declining by 0.8% from the month before and this is clearly another sign that the economy of Australia is petering out.

Australian exports are also being hit by the Australian dollar which is continuing to rise against the currency of America. In the last few months alone an 8% rise against the American currency means that exporters are being hit during a lean spell in Australia.

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Jay Doggett

Modern Tokyo Times

New Zealand and France have reached the final of the 2011 Rugby Union World Cup final and both teams are carrying different form. New Zealand have reached the final without being challenged and it appeared that only South Africa had the power to do so, however, they somehow lost to Australia and the rest is history.  The other finalists, France, have been mediocre apart from playing fantastic in the first half against England. Therefore, it appears that New Zealand should be too strong for France but with France you never know and neutrals are hoping for a competitive game.

In the opening minutes France kept the ball with good movement but New Zealand kept strong and eventually France couldn’t release the ball. Then New Zealand had the chance to score a penalty but the kick by Weepu was very poor.

The opening ten minutes witnessed hope for France because of nice ball movement and chasing everything that went lose. However, just when it was looking promising for France, they were forced back and from the line out New Zealand scored a very easy try when Woodcock crossed the line.

Weepu had a relatively easy conversion but once more he was very poor and the score was kept down to New Zealand 5 France 0. Kaino for New Zealand was involved in a few nice moves and he was instrumental in the try scored by New Zealand.

After the try was scored New Zealand upped the ante and put great pressure on France and it wasn’t looking good for the men in white. However, Weepu at this moment was shockingly poor and he missed another penalty.  Therefore, the only reason France was near New Zealand at this point was down to the poor kicking of Weepu and the coach of New Zealand needs to introduce plan B.

Cruden then had to leave the field injured and for a few minutes France regained some composure and Trinh-Duc made a lovely run.  The first half petered out but France gained in confidence in the last ten minutes and the real talking point at half time was the poor kicking of Weepu.

The second half began and France need to score first in order to create nervousness within the New Zealand team.  Then France had a chance to score with a penalty but Yachvili missed. Within a few minutes New Zealand were given a penalty and this time Weepu was changed and Donald kicked the penalty to make it 8-0 to New Zealand.

However, New Zealand had no chance to rest because Trinh-Duc was in amazing form and Rougerie showed his strength and Dusuatoir scored a beautiful try by the post. The conversion was a formality for Trinh-Duc and now New Zealand held a slender 8-7 lead over France.

The game from 54 minutes to the early 65 minute period witnessed a France who now believed. New Zealand for the first time in the tournament began to look vulnerable. Therefore, the game was certainly on and the France that turned up against England was starting to look like the same side.

France then had a chance to take the lead but the kick was far out and Trinh-Duc missed by a wide margin. Despite this, France was showing the world that irrespective of how they reached the final, their A game was potent and like usual you just never know how France will play.

New Zealand badly needed to release some pressure and on the 68 minute Donald made a nice kick.  This certainly helped but despite this France kept control of the line out and they were soon in the New Zealand half.

After 72 minutes only 1 point separated New Zealand and France and at this moment it was France who were playing the better rugby. Therefore, irrespective of the victors of the final it is clear that both teams are evenly matched.

France now just wanted one last chance with 76 minutes gone and a drop goal or penalty was desired badly. However, New Zealand just wanted to release the pressure and either to kill time or to possibly break free from the French stranglehold.

Then finally the game was over and New Zealand held out and won by one point. The second half showed France in a great light and near the end the game could have gone either way.

The rugby union final summed up this world cup because it was unpredictable and despite all the negative comments about France they gave everything. Weepu had a game to forget but with New Zealand winning then it didn’t matter in the end.

New Zealand proved to be worthy winners of the entire tournament and the battle of attrition in the last twenty minutes showed their spirit.  Well done New Zealand and also well done to France who played fantastic in the final and pushed New Zealand all the way.

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Jay Doggett

Modern Tokyo Times

New Zealand and Australia is always a mouth watering game but with a place at the final of the Rugby Union 2011 World Cup Final being at stake, then this added to the high tension before the game.  Most individuals were predicting a New Zealand victory because Australia was beaten earlier by Ireland. Also, South Africa dominated their encounter despite Australia winning.  However, New Zealand haven’t been asked a serious question yet and they steamrolled France in the opening stages.

The opening few minutes witnessed New Zealand at their very best because the All Black whirlwind was too strong for Australia.  Dagg counterattacked after two minutes but the pass by Cruden to Jane just failed. However, within minutes New Zealand had scored the first try of the match but luckily for Australia Weepu missed the conversion kick.

Weepu finally got the ball between the posts on his third attempt and the 8-0 lead to New Zealand could have been a lot worse if his kicking boots were on.  Yet just when the worse was feared Australia broke quickly and O’Connor and Ioane were swift in their attack. However, a fantastic intervention by Kaino prevented Australia from scoring a try.

Australia then had a chance to get points on the board with a penalty and O’Connor duly obliged.  Therefore, the score was reduced to 8-3 in the favor of New Zealand and now it was important for Australia to build on this. However, New Zealand didn’t bat an eyelid and continued to attack Australia and luckily for the Wallaby faithful Weepu once more missed a penalty. 

A lovely drop goal by Cruden increased the lead of New Zealand to 11-3 and Australia now had to somehow calm the situation down. The next few minutes saw possession for both teams but gradually Australia pushed New Zealand back and attacked the try line.

After some solid New Zealand defending the Australians decided on a drop goal and Cooper was spot on and reduced the lead to 11-6. Therefore, after just over 30 minutes Australia was within 5 points and given the start by New Zealand, then it wasn’t so bad.

However, Weepu then kicked a penalty and restored the New Zealand lead to 8 points and the 14-6 deficit looked big after 37 minutes. Then some sloppy defending by Dagg gave Australia a chance to reduce the deficit but the final attack of the first half came to nothing. This meant that New Zealand held a 14-6 lead over Australia but given the dominance of the All Blacks then it could have been much worse.

Within three minutes of the second half the lead for New Zealand was increased to 17-6 after Weepu scored another penalty.  Weepu was now kicking with confidence and the signs were looking ominous for Australia despite a nice move by O’Connor who was looking lively.

Surely Australia had to score next because if New Zealand scored more points without reply, then the game would start to run away from Australia. However, the following ten minutes saw more dominant play by New Zealand and Australia needed a fresh spark and quickly.

More pressure was put on Australia and the only hope now was if the All Black storm would peter itself out. Strong defending by Australia was keeping New Zealand out but the attacks were coming thick and fast. 

After 70 minutes it was clear that Australia was looking increasingly forlorn and now it was only a matter of time before New Zealand would score. A few missed kicks was soon forgotten when Weepu kicked a penalty and extended the New Zealand lead to 20-6.

This kick meant the inevitable was now complete because New Zealand were out of sight and despite Australia trying to up the ante it was game set and match.

The final few minutes weren’t pretty because Australia were trying their hardest but hitting a New Zealand brick wall.  Then the final seconds ticked away and the better team won on the day. Therefore, unlike Wales against France you had no hard luck stories because New Zealand deserved their 20-6 victory.

New Zealand had too much skill for Australia but credit to Australia because they tried to dig deep and gave it their best shot.  However, New Zealand deserved their victory and now they will face France in the final.

Jay Doggett and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

Modern Tokyo Times

Earthquake hits New Zealand

 According to latest figures the death toll in New Zealand is now 145 after the devastating earthquake which hit Christchurch.  It sadly seems likely that this figure will rise because around 200 people are still unaccounted for and each passing hour is leading to more heartache and pain.

Currently you have many nations who are involved in helping New Zealand during this time of pain and sorrow.  The multinational nature resembles the fact that of the 200 people missing it is reported that they come from twenty different nations.  Of this number you have 28 Japanese nationals who are missing and they, along with all nationals, are causing concerns because you have little information about the current state of affairs.

However, it seems more than likely that the death toll will sadly rise and hope will diminish with each passing hour.  Therefore, it is essential that aid agencies and government network systems pull all their resources together in order to provide much needed information and help.

The magnitude of the earthquake was 6.3 and rescue operations are ongoing near the collapsed CTV building where many students are feared to be trapped.  This building houses the King’s Education language school and many foreign nationals were attracted to this language school because of the serene surroundings of Christchurch and the courses which were provided.

It is clear that disaster-relief teams are working under harsh conditions but they are bravely doing their utmost amidst the devastation of the earthquake.  Yukio Yoshii who hails from the disaster-relief team which was sent by Japan offered brave words.

Yukio Yoshii stated that “Although we are exhausted our operations are proceeding smoothly.”  These words will be welcomed by all who hope for a ray of sunshine amidst the pain and anguish of family members and friends who wait with hope, despite the dark clouds which engulf them and fill them with deep sadness and pain.

On Friday it had been hoped that Japanese family members could visit the scene in order to be near their missing family members.  However, given the ongoing tremors then this had to be abandoned after local authorities refused them permission because of the dangerous situation.

Rescue teams on Friday searched houses near the epicenter of the earthquake and into beachside areas where great damage was done.  Different international teams from Australia, Britain, Japan, Taiwan, and the United States, worked alongside New Zealand teams in Christchurch and they all offered each other encouragement and a sense of unity.

Missing students from China, India, Japan, and Taiwan, alongside the deaths of locals and missing local people; is a reminder of the international nature of the modern world. The Mayor of Christchurch, Bob Parker, said “For those people in those far off places, your families are our families; your children are our children.”

Mayor Bob Parker promised that rescue searchers would not abandon hope and this will offer some comfort.  For now, people can only wait and hope that more survivors will be found and the following 24 hours to 48 hours will be crucial.

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com (I am the writer of this article)

http://moderntokyotimes.com