Categories
Cafes

Starbucks with Tatami

If I was in Kyoto, I’d definitely drop by this new Starbucks (opening at the end of the month) that looks more like a traditional tea house than the cafe chain we know. More in this Spoon & Tamago post.

Categories
Events Games

A 5th of BitSummit

And another BitSummit has come and gone in Kyoto. As with last year, I’m quite sad I couldn’t be there, and seeing so many of my friends (through social media) have a blast — during and after hours — was a pain. But I am happy to see that it looks like it’s been the biggest edition so far, and I am looking forward to catching up on what happened on the main stage through the Twitch archives (I think everything was streamed). Big ups to the gang for putting on what is one of the most exciting developments in indie gaming in Japan in recent years, and I’m sure we’re going to see them coming in strong again for the next edition. The photo above (tweeted by Jeremy Parish) is of the opening speech by James Mielke, the event’s founder and creative director.

Categories
Art Games Web

Kazutoshi Iida

For its latest episode, Toco Toco TV revisits the gaming space through a profile of Kazutoshi Iida (Doshin the Giant). He produced three games (that was always his plan), before turning into an academic. The episodes features a great look at some of Kyoto’s art spots.

Categories
Design Fashion Games

Editmode

The new episode of Toco Toco TV is out, and as expected it covers Editmode, the company behind the fantastic The King of Games line of game-related clothing. I love everything that Editmode produces, and loved seeing them talk about what inspires them, and how they got their start (and seeing them visit some of their favorite spots in Kyoto). There’s also a little peek at the new BitSummit tee they’re producing for next month’s edition — they produce the event’s tee every year — and again, I pray to the gaming gods that I’ll somehow manage to get my hands on one.

Categories
Architecture Design

MTRL Kyoto

It opened back in 2015, but Spoon & Tamago has a post up showing off the beautiful co-working space MTRL Kyoto. The space even has laser cutters and 3D printers — no big surprise since its owned by Loftworks, the company behind the FabCafes.

Categories
Art

Kyoto Fire Engine

A lovely illustration of a fire truck in Kyoto, by Tokyo-based illustrator Daniel Schallau. Found via Canvas.

Categories
Design Stores

Hermes Kyoto

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Spoon & Tamago highlights the beautiful new Hermes pop-up shop and event space in Kyoto, which will be open for 9 months. It was designed by Nendo alum Koichiro Oniki.

Categories
Events Games

A 5th of BitSummit

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Some very good news indeed, as we learn through Famitsu that a 5th edition of Japan’s premiere indie game event, the Kyoto-based BitSummit, is officially happening. Not only that, but instead of a sweaty July date, they’ve decided to move up the event a bit to May (it will be held on the 20th and 21st). So happy to see my buddies James Mielke (on one of the iPad screens) and Ben Judd in this photo, as I know they’re going to rock another awesome event. If you’d like to take part as an exhibitor, you’ll find the details on the official site.

Categories
Design Food Stores

Bake’s Kyoto Shop

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Bake sounds like a very interesting pastry shop/chain — read more about the company in this Spoon & Tamago post — and pictured here is its latest shop, located in Kyoto. Yup, those are Lego blocks that you see as part of the decor.