Yamaji San of Tiny Azure fame just keeps on filling us up with treasures! Her popularity is no surprise but each one of her gorgeous shipments of one-of-a-kind accessories is full of sweet surprises!

These new pretties are sure to fly away as quick as a little lady bug! Swinging from sterling silver chains, the Tiny Azure resin pendants all hold Eiko Yamaji's original etchings and other quaint treasures such as vintage ribbon and wild flower petals.

Feast your eyes!!

Live and direct from Kyoto, Japan, by popular demand the stunning yet humble Mikaeri Bijin is BACK!

Be quick, she is sure to be quickly whisked away from us again!

A few quick vids from some TOKYOMADE friends. Well worth watching and definitely a good excuse to make a big bowl freshly popped corn with your fav toppings!

Eshimasa, Tomokuni and Michi star in this first one, a video journal of their recent exhibition at The Ghetto, Tokyo.

Pretty cool huh? The Ghetto is an awesome hangout, gallery, skate ramp and shop which was given a touch of Team Extasy on various walls throughout the old love hotel.

Check out this slick piece of magic. A HOW TO vid for a perfect Pod Canvas application.

And last but by far the cutest! The flamingo loving sweetie of Aimeeroo fame took this quick film of our (now SOLD OUT) monkeys in action.

Hope you enjoyed the TM movie marathon.

Dental floss all round (you know for the popcorn in your teeth),
TM
xx

Although you might not be able to tell by looking at the cool kids on the streets of Tokyo, snacks are a HUGE part of Tokyo culture. On the run, conbinis everywhere, a few yen in your pocket - snacks are the way to go. But more than tummy fillers, the right snack can add to your wardrobe and make you more fashionable, yes fashionable. Atleast that's what these sweeties have to say in the latest CuTie.

As with most things here in the city, the above snacks have been ranked. A common denominator with all other ranked stuff is there is no apparant ranking rule or reason other than it is IN and the cool kids are buying it by the truckload.

No. 1 - Black Thunder Chocolate. I scanned this page mainly because I was so excited that my fav and super cheap Tokyo snack was ranked number one in this month's CuTiE mag. I discovered these little beauties a while back when looking for a low cal, low price yummy something. Since then I have been telling everyone I meet about the 30 yen piece of heaven. Ha and then I spotted it in the mag, funnily enough what this girl is saying about it basically sums up my feelings for the moorish bite. "I can't stop looking at it, I can't stop thinking about it." I hear ya honey! How could something so small bring so much guilt-free pleasure?

No. 2 - Volvic Fruit Kiss from France Lemon Water. According to this cutie on the street, having this bottle of refreshing water in your designer bag or manicured hand is definitely going to make you 'more fashionable'. It's quencing flavor and package design 'makes you feel and look good'. I think what I love more than anything is how sweet and easily pleased this street cutie is.

No. 3 - Lotte Kiwi Yoghurt Icecream - This year kiwi yoghurt is really IN, she gives no explaination to backup this bold statement, but hey Tokyo kids don't need a reason. Looks yummy and the Lotte brand ¥105 ice creams are awesome value!

Runners Up

Mc Flurry
The Oreo and Kit Kat Mc Flurry is the Harajuku snack accessory of choice at the mo. Funnily enough here in Japan, it is seen as somewhat uncouth and rude to walk and eat at the same time, however the Harajuku kids have turned that idea on it's head. The latest trend is to be seen walking around eating a McFluffy in this season's flavours.

Personally I wouldn't be caught dead eating any of Mc Donald's products, seated or walking, but come to think of it I have seen this trend spreading (because it always makes me gag slightly - although I am sure they are yummy for some they are just not my cup of tea!).

I think what I love most about the Mc Flurry section on this page is the super sweet spokes-girl. Check out what her tee shirt says "I'd love to die" and yet she is standing there happily smiling and telling the world of her McFlurry love. I adore Japanese fashion for this and so many more reasons.

Vegetable Juice 25 kinds of vegetable - Apparantly CuTiE girls care about their health more than we know, or so this pretty petal wants to tell the world.

Saku Saku Panda - cookies - The CuTie chatting about these should work for PETA. She confesses her guilt over eating such cute pandas.

Enjoy cuties,
TM
xx

The new Hinagiku range is all about fantasy. Let your mind run free!

Super kawaii and ultra kitsch!
We were gobsmacked by Hinagiku's super sweetness at the Tokyo Design Feasta and just knew we wanted to share her unique style with you! Thought you would love her as much as we did.

TM
xx

Summer in Tokyo is just too much fun! We are working up for a spectacular summer full of sweaty festivals, pretty paper fans and sake sipping!
Want to share some of the summer loving with you so we are excited to announce a little summer sale. Til stocks last, grab some hot Tokyo pieces to add to your fashion mix ups!

Sweaty summer love to you,
TOKYOMADE
xx

See these bulging bags of TOKYOMADE goodies? They could very well be yours! To WIN and WIN big is super easy. All you have to do is send us your steamiest, silliest, sexiest or most serious summer Haiku poem and you could be the winner of one of two HUGE TOKYOMADE summer prize packs!

Here is the deal:

- Jot down a Haiku poem. Haiku is a Japanese form of poetry that usually consists of three phrases. The first phrase contains 5 syllables, the 2nd contains seven and the third phrase has 5 syllables. Haiku traditionally have a seasonal word, but for our competition there are very few rules so feel free to make it as mixed up and contemporary as you like. The only rule is it must have three phrases with the 5-7-5 syllable format. For more about Haiku and a ton of inspiration go HERE (this is our fav, rockin' haiku site), HERE and HERE!

- There are 2 ways to enter your poetry:

1. Send us your Haiku via email, especially if it comes with some fab photos, drawings or other art forms (in which case it will definitely be displayed on our blog and possibly win our hearts!) - contact (at) tokyomade (dot) com

2. Leave a comment on any of our blog entries, include your original Japanese haiku as a comment (but be sure to leave your email address with us so we can contact you if your a the lucky duck!)

- You can enter as many times as you like with your original pieces. You have until August 6, 2007 to get your haiku to us.

- We will announce the winners in the week following the close of the comp. The winners will be notified and a super cute TOKYOMADE prize pack filled with pieces we sell on TOKYOMADE as well as some summer goodies we have picked up from our Tokyo shopping adventures, will be sent their way!

- Be sure to join our Tokyo Fan Club for updates!

- All Haiku sent to us will be posted on our blog, with your permission, so please be sure to include your name - real, false or stage.

I think that is about it. Your time starts now! Get drafting, can't wait to read your luscious phrases.

Be sure to contact us if you have any questions. But for now here are a few we just whipped up to get you in the mood and kick this comp off!

Oh Tokyo boy
So shy and yet so stylish
Why don't you come here?

Busy sushi chef
Your hands must get so tired
Wow your knife is sharp!

Carp in the river
Mosquitoes everywhere
Yes, summer is here

Good luck!
Happy Haikuing
TM
xx

We are off to spend a gorgeous Sunday in Yoyogi Park for another Earth Garden Japan event. But before we become one with nature by sampling too much Japanese hemp beer we thought we would leave you with this gorgeous Haiku by our new MySpace friend, Fiona.

"Ok, sticking with the summer theme/feel...this poem is about a summer lover. I sense he's hiding himself from me. I'm fascinated by his skin... but it wont let me in.

Well, sure its a start! Its the first Haiku poem Ive ever written! It might not even be right!

Fiona x"

A start?? It is so sensual and steamy, getting us all hot under the collar! A very impressive start. Thank you Fiona.

Have an easy, breezey Sunday everyone. Hope you are filled with inspiration and sprout some radical Haiku for us!

Looking forward...
TM
xx

Hinagiku is a most definitely that gal that the sugar and spice poem was written about. She is all things nice and her latest creations are taking our breath away (well mostly my breath, Masao is not so keen on dangling party make up inspired lobe fashion from his ears ??). Her fantasy based creations bring a huge sense of wonderland to any out fit. I am definitely sporting the rainbow utopia look this summer...it is hotter than hot in Tokyo right now!

Keep watching there is more fashion fantasia to come. I am just going to say one word - PARROTS! Uh huh colorful ones!

She is quirky and sweetly irreverent, she epitomizes the Tokyo nu-rave style, she is Rieko J Fox.

BLITZ Kiss now available @ TOKYOMADE. More coming...

Recently we have been overjoyed to hear that a few friends, both old and new, are heading to our pretty city for the Summer. Summer in Tokyo is not everyone's cuppa and it doesn't take long to realize that for those who go about business as usual in the often unbearable humidity, Summer is no exciting street parade. However if you are lucky enough to take a break during the steamy months, Tokyo and many other parts of Japan are buzzing with enticing festivities, noisy cicadas and the flapping of pretty paper fans; making for a lively and colorful season.

For me personally I get a little giddy at the thought of summer in Tokyo, senses are on high alert as the city gets into full swing and as romantic as it may seem, for me any summer night in Tokyo has the potential to feel like being swept up in a scene from Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away (you know the street scenes with the swinging paper lanterns and the clattering of pots and pans).

Alas if you are not making your way to Tokyo this summer, instead you are choosing a more relaxing, homely or exotic location for the season, you can still bring a touch of old Tokyo romance to your very own bedroom/apartment/street/neighbourhood. The July CuTiE mag is jam packed and one of their more colorful fashion spreads is all about the yukata and stylish accessories that make for the perfect summer festival outfit.

Whether it be mode, girly, classic or pop style; bright and bold colors are set to be the fashion statement at this season's many street and river festivals.

Need to add some colorful wa style to your wardrobe? We have just the thing for you HERE, HERE or HERE. Make a fresh and romantically traditional Japanese styled statement at your next fest. Oh and don't forget the wa style for your little poochie.

From the bushido inspired artists that bought you the popular Mikaeri Bijin tee comes two new creations. The new Ebisu and Kiku tees are clad with powerful Japanese symbols of beauty, strength, happiness and luck.


Kyoto Mibudou tees @ TOKYOMADE

1. rockabilly, 2. seal, 3. decora harajuku girls, 4. shinjuku, 5. red tori, 6. dirty, 7. obi, 8. yamanote, 9. break time, 10. children.JPG, 11. peace in the city, 12. j bop, 13. geisha, 14. nakameguro tokyo, 15. daruma chochin, 16. neon
Just for you!
TM
xx

Keep track of visions in my eyes

I really can't get it out of my head. Every time I don the fab new pieces from BLITZ Kiss I have to saunter around the house singing that unforgettable Corey Hart hit. These gorg acrylic accessories have a powerful effect on me!

I kind of prefer this version though...thanks to Amanda's lips!

But for you old skoolers, here is the original 80s version. Must admit there is something slightly alluring about the nasty girl police officer and as for Corey screaming "Don't masquerade with the guy in shades oh no", I can see why he must have been a hit with the ladies!

A million haiku hugs to Kori P who wrote;

Here are three haikus I'm entering in your competition. They are all foot-related,
because I've been lusting after expensive shoes all day.

I wear platform heels
On silky, seashell-strewn sand.
Oh no, my ankle!

Waves lap steadily
Over my pink painted toes
I can’t feel my feet.

Why do tabi socks
Look so good with red platforms
On a hot Sunday?

(Thinking we are especially in love with the tabi sock and red platform idea!)

But Kori's poetic flow didn't stop there and we were so excited to get another...

Okay, I just entered a few haikus, but these things are totally addictive to write.
Here's another one:
The sun’s vapid heat
brings berries to stain my lips
like the sweetest kiss

Thanks!
Kori

OUCH they are just getting hotter. Oooh we are lapping up this summer Haiku lovin'!

This one from Lindsay is an inspiration, makes us want to Haiku all over town!

Thanks Haiku lovers you are filling us up and making things SO tricky to choose 2 winners! Keep em coming.

Robin writes...

Sunrise, sunset, love
People feel free to enjoy
The wonderful world

Provoking and cooling, thanks Robin.

You can check out more of Robin's style HERE

We are ecstatically excited about our new postcards designed by roro the creators of the sleek iPod wear - Dress Pod

What do you think? For any of you who have been to Tokyo, watched Lost in Translation or seen pics of the city you will recognize the scene as the famously overcrowded Hachiko intersection in Shibuya, Tokyo. What makes our heart skip a beat about this scene is, if you look closely at the buildings you will see TOKYOMADE takes up prominent Shibuya advertising space. A prophetic postcard is ever there was one...someday!

Sending this lil baby off to the printers at once. Want some?? All you gotta do is mail us and your wish is our command!

For more roro design take a look HERE

Did you hear that? It was me screaming with joy and lust as we ripped open the latest B.S.E.C.T package to find these outstanding beauties. The inventive designer has outdone herself!

Watch out for them on TOKYOMADE in a few days. All one-of-a-kind so sure to go fast!

xx

A quick stroll through the streets of Tokyo, a glance at any men's dept in a drug store or a flip through a J boy's mag will quickly reveal that hair is a big deal in this city, so we thought it about time we offered up some hair advice according to the Tokyo boys.

edge - creating frames and shape by forming points and pieces with the hair.

Why? This style is created to give the appearance of a smaller looking face - girls like smaller faces (??)

omome - meaning heavy. In the past volume was a no no but it seems recently the the boys have been leaving the volume and just snipping off the length.

Why? Gives the appearance of a perm (the root perm is a popular service here, a sure fire way to get more air in your hair)

muzosa - the easiest way to define this is 'bed hair'. This look requires super styling in an attempt to look completely unstyled and almost disheveled.

Why? Gives the 3D, manga look.

tsuyakan - meaning shiny hair is a ploy to pull the chicks.

Why? Girls don't like dry looking hair, so the smooth, silky look is important.

Back from 6 days in the Japanese mountains, safe and sound despite a typhoon, an earthquake and severe withdrawal symptoms from lack of internet access we are overwhelmed by the gorgeous Haiku that have filled our inbox.

Red strawberries, sweet
In my mouth and on my bag
Running into the sunshine

Smiley faces, cute
It's all about 'Kawaii'
Pink cheeks all around

This splash of sweetness was sent to us by Varinia. Super kawaii with gorgeous and original artwork. Thank you so much Varinia for your Haiku and adding some cute color to our blog.

These next powerful pieces were sent in by Shareen

Graffiti is air
Wrapped around tales in whispers
Written on our hearts

The second attachment is my name in graffiti because
it is an example of how graffiti tells a story.
I like a certain band and I put lyrics in the
background and the letters are sharp and red to show I
am rebellious, independent, and strong (as in girl
power!) =]

Big Tokyo love to you Shareen!

Keep em coming kids!
TM
xx

From Peace Crane on MySpace

Every year by August 15th, neatly folded paper cranes are folded and grouped into strands of 1,000 and sent to Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park as a symbol and a wish for world peace. They hang proudly outside in the Children's Peace Monument, mere feet away from the epicenter of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, Japan.
Myspace from every corner of the globe has joined forces in hopes of sending virtual paper cranes to the already 10 million due to arrive this year. Post a picture of a crane you have made or just a crane found here on this page to send your wishes for a world living in peace.
Please add THE PEACE CRANE as your friend and leave a crane in the comments to form, what we hope, to be the world’s biggest wish for peace.

Get those fingers folding, it is relaxing, rewarding and creates a devine symbol of world peace!

Peace and Love,
TM
xx

Being a Broad is a powerful support and information network for international women living in Japan. BAB, as they are commonly referred to, offers a best selling reference book aswell as a website that offers info about Japan-based events, jobs, living tips, discussion board and many other special offers. A super resource for those of us living here and a great place to start if you are thinking of visiting or living in Japan.

Founded in Tokyo in 1997, Being A Broad has already helped thousands of women
make the most of their lives in Japan with a number-one best-selling book,
monthly magazine, active discussion board and regular events, including a
monthly Girls Night Out. It's free and easy to become a member. To sign up go to
www.being-a-broad.com or email info@being-a-broad.com today!

The Being A Broad magazine was relaunched in November 2006, and each
issue features health, style, pampering, make-overs, learning, working, and
more! For more information about the monthly magazine see the magazine section
of the BAB website at http://www.being-a-broad.com/babmagazine.

We are so proud to be featured in the July #22 issue.

The super talented Hinagiku, Kens Scratch, B.S.E.T.C, Tiny Azure, Pod Canvas and Comet Man have had their gorgeous creations featured in the style section of the latest BAB publication.

Thanks BAB for all that you do and supporting Japan-based independent design and creation.

TM
xx

i l i k e h a i k u s a n d i l i k e t h e s u m m e r

4.
tomorrows house show
beer breath and sticky bodies
guess i might join you

Thank you to Maya for this poetic brilliance. Evoking the emotions of Summer!

We are both super huge fans of Gala Darling and her unique splash of lifestyle tips, raging fashion flare and swish model like poses. So when we finally got the opportunity to participate in her monthly International Dress Up Day extravaganza we jumped at it .

Delighted to see the new and shoeless Prime Minister of Japan, Tamaoki San, in full color on Gala Darling.

This Haiku wonder woman deserves a post all to herself. Told you...once to pop you just can't stop. Haiku is addictive and fun. Keep them coming. You are making it more difficult to judge but so much more exciting.

The first two are kind of sad and angry.

Each has its own picture I attached.
This is the first. I tried to do something seasonal.

More than an ice queen
She plays with flames and smiles
Prepared for a fight

Graffiti Girl again!

I hate being lost
In your arms I'm still confused
Since I saw that girl

Thanks again Shareen, you are fast becoming the haiku queen! It is great to watch as your poetic juices bubble and boil.

TM
xx

Photo by Lindsey Scott

shinjuku sunset
shadows slide across buildings
day turns to dusk

This gorgeous haiku that evokes real Tokyo feel comes from Tokyo-based photographer Lindsey Scott. You can check out her breathtaking Tokyo captures and other musings @ Lindsey Scott Photography

These two summery entries come from Tala Cox, a very talented writer and creator. Be sure to check out her Etsy store, Corvus Corax and journal for tasty treats and an entertaining read.

Like the grass I grow
Summer warmth brings love and life
Even the cracks breathe

Summer nights breathe steam
We play in the balmy dark
Asphalt and night blooms

Avid surfers, skaters, snowboarders and street stylists, LADE, mixed paint, design, fashion and some very loud beats together on Saturday night for a hip event that has become known as the LADE NIGHT.

In the basement of The Cotton Club in Takadanobaba, TiFdyL, performed his first live painting art show in Japan smearing his talent on the wall for all to marvel at while the beats progressed, the drinks flowed and the last train loomed upon us.

The LADE mini market was set up featuring the exclusive LADE range for this season alongside some very eye catching Canadian brands.

This month's Dr Sketchy's Anti Art School at The Pink Cow had all the sparkle and heat of a night on the Brazilian streets. Steamy Brazilian model, Carina gave us a taste of Carnivale donning an authentic Brazilian costume formerly worn by Miss Brazil. Note the huge sequined soccer ball on the head piece, a much loved favorite amongst the Sketchy's crowd.

In the early stages of the night the costume was kept very hush hush. As Carina slowly but surely added piece by piece of the glorious costume to compliment her poses the crowd was kept mesmerized.

Once the posing, sketching and jaw dropping was over we all jumped at the chance of having our pictures taken with a true Brazilian samba queen!

A stunning photo of Carina, samba princess, Tracey owner of the Pink Cow and Alison and Dillon the Dr Sketchy's Tokyo organizers.

I was not leaving until I had at least touched the jewels!

Tomokuni was also bedazzled by the sparkles!

Another successful and oh so fabulous Dr Sketchy's event thanks to Dillon and Alison, The Pink Cow, the fantastic Carina and of course the crowd of talented artists! So very excited to be a part of this growing Tokyo event.

A special thanks to LADE clothing, Dress Pod and Sci-Fi for donating gorgeous prizes that were given away to lucky comp winners on the night!

The next Dr Sketchy's Tokyo will be August 22, be there!

New sweetness has arrived in the shape of Tiny Azure accessories.

Eiko Yamaji will be showing off her handmade treats here in Tokyo, beginning tomorrow and running through until Sunday August 12. You can ogle, touch and delight in her crafty accessories at The Treasure Box in Koenji on the Chuo Line.

If you are in Tokyo and have some time to check out the Tiny Azure treasures please do so! A day out in Koenji is always filled with surprises and delights and the Treasure Box shop has an array of wee wonderfuls.

Superfuture is the ultimate online destination for shop, club and restaurant reviews, suburb maps and honest insider tips to help you with your next big city adventure. Pick your city of choice from the super long list compiled by this online master that refers to itself as "the planets best independent non-cheesy urban guide for global shopping experts!"

Superfuture now presents the Tokyo Super guide;

superguide tokyo
anyone who has been to tokyo knows this is the retail capital of the planet. not only in terms of sheer volume but also in quality and specialized varieties of merchandise. in tokyo there are stores where you can select up to 200 variations of a coat hanger. japanese refinement of the retail experience plus a general lack of attachment to old structures drives a style of shop development that has produced some of the new architectural temples of the century.

For much less than the price of the other not so hip guides you can purchase your very own origamiesque personal Tokyo Superguide.

# downloadable PDF city superguide for global shopping experts
# 30 pages total [26 detailed pages]
# 10 detailed and customized area maps
# updated monthly
# accommodation suggestions with direct link to tablethotels.com booking engine
# area guides and orientation in 10 districts
# food, bars, clubs, travel planning and useful information
# coffee pitstops, lunch, dinner, and after dinner suggestions
# top 10 lists for each area
# essential shopping with superfuture's famous maps
# suggested daily itineraries
# includes hyperlinks to external urls
# printout on home printer and fold and staple into book
# available as A4 size [folds in half to convenient A5 size] US letter size format available on request.

Tis the way of the future, the Superfuture.

The new BLITZ Kiss tanks have landed! I have snapped up some for myself already!
OUCH they are hot, they spin me right round baby right round!

I am particularly in lust with the Play Girls and may have to wear it everywhere I go this Summer (stinky but oh so good).

TM
xx